YYGS Politics, Law, & Economics (PLE)

About the Program

Politics, Law, & Economics (PLE) is a session aimed at students with an interest in understanding diverse economic theories, the values and practices of government, and legal frameworks in historical and comparative perspectives. Students learn key ideas in topics such as public policy, human rights, market regulation, governance structures, international policy, and conflict and cooperation across borders. The session builds students’ critical thinking and analytical skills, enabling them to examine social systems and present-day issues through the lenses of economic, legal, and political theory. During PLE, students draw extensively on interdisciplinary approaches to build their expertise and increase their exposure to a wide array of topics within the session theme, preparing them to be more informed and engaged global citizens.

Verified November 4, 2026 against Yale’s 2027 session schedule, application deadlines, tuition and aid, eligibility, and required components. Each of the three listed dates is an alternative two-week session. Early Action was October 15, 2026; Regular Decision is January 6, 2027. Offer acceptance and tuition payment are due December 16, 2026 for Early Action and March 15, 2027 for Regular Decision; all four cutoffs are 11:59 p.m. US Eastern Time. Financial aid must be requested within the application, and scholarship consideration requires the completed application and aid section by January 6, 2027.

Eligibility

Applicants must be able to participate in a rigorous academic curriculum conducted in English and be a first-time participant in YYGS. Applications are reviewed holistically, with essays and short answer responses being important parts of the application. English fluency test scores are optional. Need-based financial aid is available and requires completing the financial aid section of the application. Be between the ages of 16-18 years old by July 18, 2027 (first day of Session III). No exceptions can be made. Be a current high school sophomore or junior (or international equivalent), graduating in May/June 2028 or 2029 in the Northern Hemisphere, or November/December 2027 or 2028 in the Southern Hemisphere.

Eligible Countries

How to Apply

Review the 2027 eligibility criteria and sample application, then complete the online application with an activities list, one 400-word essay, one 200-word response, two fast takes of 280 characters each, school transcripts covering courses and grades from age 14 to the present, and one recommender who completes the online YYGS Recommendation Form. Written recommendation letters are not accepted. English fluency test scores are optional. Request need-based aid within the application; there is no later opportunity after admission decisions. After submitting, pay the non-refundable application fee ($85 Early Action or $100 Regular Decision) through the Applicant Status Portal, or request a need-based fee waiver that a school official must complete. An approved waiver reduces the fee to $0; if denied, the fee must be paid before review. Check for the confirmation receipt.