CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION

·        Semikha Program

·        Beit Midrash Program

YCT Rabbinical School admits students of any race, color, national origin, or ethnic origin.

If you are interested in applying to either of these programs, please contact our Office of Admissions at 212-666-0036 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Should you wish to speak to a current YCT student, please contact our Office of Admissions at 212-666-0036 or email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it to make this arrangement. 

This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Semikha Program

This program accepts Modern Orthodox male applicants with demonstrated academic excellence, leadership skills and high moral character. Incoming students will have earned a Bachelor's degree and completed two years of post-high school intensive study of rabbinic texts. The ability to read and comprehend both talmudic and biblical sources with commentary is required.

Beit Midrash Program

The Beit Midrash is a year long preparatory program for students who are not yet ready to enter the Semikha program. This program focuses heavily on skill building through an intensive and in depth curriculum based on reading the text of the Gemara along with the classic rishonim, Rashi and Tosafot. Students are exposed to the breadth of rabbinic literature by studying many chapters of Mishnayot. Halakha is learned with a focus on the first third of Orah Hayim to gain familiarity with the majesty of the Halakhic system. Classes in Tanakh and Makhshava are offered as well.

Students interested in applying for the Beit Midrash program must have a working knowledge of Hebrew and have the ability to read and translate a passage from the Mishna Berura.

Admission to the Beit Midrash program does not guarantee admission to the Semikha program. Midway through the Beit Midrash year, students meet with the admissions committee to evaluate their progress and to determine their eligibility for admission to the Semikha program.

PROCEDURES FOR ADMISSION

Preliminary Discussions

All prospective students are required to have a preliminary discussion with Rabbi Ari Hart, the Assistant Director of Recruitment, as early as possible in the application process.  Please contact the Admissions office at 212-666-0036 or This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it to schedule an appointment.

Visit to YCT

All candidates are required to spend a few days at the yeshiva while it is in session. Please contact Ruthie Simon at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it to arrange a visit.

Application Instructions                                                                                                                 

·        To download the Admissions Application with detailed instructions, click here.

·     To pay the $50 application fee by credit card, click here. Please make sure to write "Application Fee" in the Payment Description box.

All application materials must be mailed together to:

Office of Admissions
YCT Rabbinical School
3700 Henry Hudson Parkway, Second Floor
Riverdale, New York 10463

Important Dates

January 15      The $50 application fee is waived for completed applications received by this date.

February 15    Final date to postmark and mail applications.

April 15           Applicants will receive responses.

Interview Preparation

Those candidates invited for an interview will be notified by February 22.

In preparation for discussions during the interview, applicants are required to read the article entitled Halakha and Morality in Modern Warfare (Meorot 1:6). To download the article, click here. 

Applicants must also prepare a 3-5 minute d’var torah on the topic of their choice to be shared during their interview. A learning assessment will be administered by one of the rebbeim at the Yeshiva around the time of the interview. Candidates may also be asked to meet with a mental health professional as part of the admissions process.