A major chosen after arrival
Yale says every student begins undeclared and has until the end of sophomore year to choose from over 80 majors. The pages read describe no separate application to Applied Physics.
Undergraduate · Yale College
Yale Applied Physics: physics tied to engineering, with an area of focus
Yale College admits students without a declared major, and Applied Physics is a physics-and-engineering major they can choose once enrolled. Yale's catalogue describes applied physics as the link between the fundamental laws of nature and their applications, with a flexible framework built around an area of focus. This guide makes no claim of a separate application to the major.
Official information · read 1 November 2026, no entry-year label
What Yale says about Yale Applied Physics
Taken from the Yale College Programs of Study 2026–2027 entry for Applied Physics and Yale Undergraduate Admissions' Majors, Standardized Testing and International pages, read on 1 November 2026. The pages carry no entry-year label, so for a 2028-entry application every statement below is evidence for the previous cycle and may change; check Yale's pages for the 2028-entry details.
A link between physics and engineering
The catalogue says students take courses in physics, engineering and applied physics itself.
Starting points depend on preparation
Yale recommends PHYS 2000 and 2010 for strongly prepared first-years and other starts for others, guided by AP-level performance.
Eight courses and an area of focus
The major requires eight courses beyond the introductory sequence, with a three-course area of focus.
The SAT or ACT is required
Yale's testing policy requires scores from either test; international applicants meet the same requirements.
Official sources
- Yale Undergraduate Admissions: Majors & Academic Programsadmissions.yale.edu
- Yale College Programs of Study 2026–2027: Applied Physicscatalog.yale.edu
- Yale Undergraduate Admissions: Standardized Testingadmissions.yale.edu
Read on 1 November 2026 on the Yale College Programs of Study 2026–2027 entry for Applied Physics and Yale Undergraduate Admissions' Majors, Standardized Testing and International pages, which describes 2027 entry. The pages carry no entry-year label. Yale's department website, the course listings behind each course code, deadlines and financial aid were not read, and the admissions pages do not mention A-levels or the IB by name and are not stated.
The major
What the catalogue says the major is
Yale's catalogue says physics is the study of the fundamental laws of nature, applied physics uses those laws to understand phenomena with practical applications, and engineering makes use of those phenomena. The major gives a flexible framework for a curriculum tailored with the director of undergraduate studies. After the introductory sequence it requires eight courses, including APHY 4710 and 4720 and an area of focus of three advanced courses, such as solid-state or quantum electronics. This guide does not list the full requirements.
Is it the right major?
Applied Physics beside other physics and engineering routes
Yale describes these as separate majors, so the choice is made after admission. Avandy's comparison is general.
Applied Physics fits if
you want physics with an engineering orientation and room to design your own focus.
Mechanical Engineering fits if
you want a designated engineering discipline. Avandy's Yale Mechanical Engineering guide covers it.
Applied Mathematics fits if
you want modelling from the mathematical side. Avandy's Yale Applied Mathematics guide covers it.
Admission and testing
A Yale College application and the SAT or ACT
Yale requires first-year applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores and has no preference between them. International applicants complete the same application with the same requirements, and the admissions pages read do not mention A-levels or the IB by name. The major is chosen after admission, not applied for separately. This guide states no score.
A decision framework
Three questions before you commit
This is Avandy's own framework, not Yale's.
Do you want physics applied to technology rather than physics for its own sake?
The major is framed around practical applications.
How strong is your mathematics and physics preparation?
Yale recommends different starting courses depending on it.
Can you plan the SAT or ACT with your A levels or IB?
Yale requires one of them for first-year applicants.
Planning for 2028 entry
Planning for 2028 entry: what carries over and what is awaiting publication
Yale's pages carry no entry-year label, so nothing on them is confirmed for 2028 entry. Use them to understand the structure of the application, then check Yale's own pages for the 2028-entry details.
The requirements and descriptions on the pages read on 1 November 2026, which carry no entry-year label
These are the best guide to what to prepare. Yale has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
Deadlines, fees, financial aid and any department prerequisites not quoted here: not stated
This guide has not read them. Check Yale for the values that apply to your application year.
What to do now
Read the Applied Physics entry in Yale's Programs of Study and plan the SAT or ACT alongside your A levels or IB.
Support
Independent support with planning your own application
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with Yale College or any of its colleges or departments. Preparation sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the actual requirements of each course. Support here is limited to understanding the requirements and planning the applicant's own work; Avandy does not write or edit essays, does not submit any materials and has no partnership with Yale College. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
Can I apply directly to Yale Applied Physics?
The pages read describe admission to Yale College. Students begin undeclared and choose a major by the end of sophomore year.
Which physics course should I start with?
Yale recommends PHYS 2000 and 2010 for students with strong preparation, with other options for less-prepared students, and advises consulting the director of undergraduate studies.
Is there a senior project?
The catalogue says two of the required courses must be the senior special projects, APHY 4710 and 4720.
Do I need the SAT or ACT?
Yes. Yale's testing policy requires scores from either test.
Does Yale name A-levels or the IB on these pages?
No. The admissions pages read do not mention them by name.
Are these the rules for 2028 entry?
No. They are Yale's wording with no entry-year label. Check Yale's pages again when Yale publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Talk to us about Yale Applied Physics
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their physics and mathematics, how they weigh engineering applications against pure physics and their SAT or ACT plan, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.