Yale SOM Program Overview
The Yale School of Management (SOM) aims to “educate leaders for business and society” through purpose, passion, and accountability. The program seeks students who are self-motivated and possess a clear sense of purpose. While strong leadership skills are crucial for students in SOM, the program also aims to develop professionals who can evaluate their own goals and values, thereby fostering integrity in the workplace.
Yale’s approach is to create an academic experience that constantly monitors and responds to changes in the business world and the international community. Their teaching approach is increasingly case-based, relying on real-life examples to teach wise managerial decisions and instill values and ethics.
In terms of grading, Yale SOM eschews the traditional grade point average because administrators and faculty aim to foster a cooperative and supportive environment among students. The school has instead developed a point-based system that monitors students’ performance internally. For each class, students earn a designation of Distinction, Proficient, Pass, or Fail; the latter two reflect inadequate performance.
While Yale seeks students who are passionate leaders and motivated self-starters, it values team-based skills such as cooperation, brainstorming, mutual support, and effective communication. SOM believes that individual potential is enhanced through mutual experiences, so it fosters a tight-knit community designed to help students challenge each other in constructive ways.
The Yale School of Management is ranked 10th in US News & World Report‘s 2025-2026 Ranking of the Best Business Schools. The acceptance rate is 27%.