Admissions Criteria, Procedures & Dates

Admissions Procedures

Policies

YCT Rabbinical School admits students of any race, color, national origin, or ethnic origin. All documents submitted in support of an application for admission become the permanent possession of YCT and cannot be returned to the applicant. 

Preliminary Discussions and Visit

If you are interested in applying to one of our programs please contact our Office of Admissions, admissions@yctorah.org to schedule a preliminary discussion.  All prospective students  are required to spend at two days at the yeshiva while it is in session.  Visits must be arranged in advance and can be scheduled directly with the admissions office. 

Application

Application Instructions

• Click here to complete an admissions application.

• There is a $50 registration fee to be paid here after completing your application. In the memo, please reference your admissions application. Registration fee is waived if your completed application is received by January 15. 

• All application materials (letters of recommendation, transcripts) must be emailed or mailed to:

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

Letters of Recommendation

Applications must include three letters of recommendation supporting your candidacy: One rabbinic reference, one academic reference, and one personal reference.

Recommendation letters should be emailed directly to YCT to the attention of the Admissions Department. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that this happens.

Official Transcripts

All applicants must complete a university degree before beginning their full-time studies at YCT. Official transcripts must be included with the application. Applicants who are currently enrolled in degree programs must include mid-year transcripts and arrange for final transcripts to be mailed to YCT upon completion of the semester.

GRE Scores

The GRE is required for those whose GPA is less than a 3.0. Scores must be included with your application.

Financing

The yeshiva offers qualified students tuition remission and a generous monthly living stipend. For more information please see our Tuition & Fellowships page.

Important Dates

• January 15 – Early application. The $50 application fee is waived for completed applications received by this date.
• March 15 – Final date to postmark and mail applications. Applications received after this date will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
• May 15 – Applicants will receive notification of admissions decision

Interview

Interviews will be scheduled upon receipt of a complete application. The interview is a full day at YCT and consists of a meeting with Rabbi Dov Linzer, President and Rosh HaYeshiva, a formal interview with our admissions committee, a meeting with a faculty member, and a written and oral assessment of your Talmud skills administered by one of the rebbeim.

In preparation for discussions during the interview, applicants are required to prepare a 3-5 minute d’var Torah on the topic of their choice to be shared during their interview.