does nyu require act essay

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NYU Requirements for Admission

What are NYU's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into NYU and build a strong application.

School location: New York, NY

This school is also known as: New York University

Admissions Rate: 12.5%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at NYU is 12.5% . For every 100 applicants, only 13 are admitted.

This means the school is extremely selective . Meeting their GPA requirements and SAT/ACT requirements is very important to getting past their first round of filters and proving your academic preparation. If you don't meet their expectations, your chance of getting in is nearly zero.

After crossing this hurdle, you'll need to impress NYU application readers through their other application requirements, including extracurriculars, essays, and letters of recommendation. We'll cover more below.

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NYU GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 3.8

The average GPA at NYU is 3.8 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

With a GPA of 3.8, NYU requires you to be near the top of your class , and well above average. Your transcript should show mostly A's. Ideally, you will also have taken several AP or IB classes to show that you can handle academics at a college level.

If you're currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.8, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate . This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

NYU hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Otherwise, don't."

Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to NYU will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students. We therefore recommend that you consider taking the SAT or ACT, and doing well.

NYU SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1455

The average SAT score composite at NYU is a 1455 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes NYU Strongly Competitive for SAT test scores.

NYU SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1470, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1560. In other words, a 1470 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1560 will move you up to above average .

NYU's high exam standards can be as imposing as Manhattan's iconic skyscrapers. We'll help you rise to the occasion with our professionals' advice for tutoring in Manhattan

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

NYU has the Score Choice policy of "Contact School."

This means that the school wants you to contact them to learn more about their Score Choice policies. Keep reading - we may have extra notes about this from our own expert research.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

NYU ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, NYU likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 34

The average ACT score at NYU is 34. This score makes NYU Extremely Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 33, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 35.

Even though NYU likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 33 or below, you'll have a very hard time getting in, unless you have something else very impressive in your application. There are so many applicants scoring 34 and above that a 33 will look academically weak.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 35 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

However, from our research, NYU is understood to superscore the ACT . We couldn't confirm it directly from the school's admissions website, but multiple sources confirm that the school does superscore the ACT. We recommend you call their admissions office directly for more information.

Superscoring is powerful to your testing strategy, and you need to make sure you plan your testing accordingly. Of all the scores that NYU receives, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all ACT test dates you submit .

Click below to learn more about how superscoring critically affects your test strategy.

For example, say you submit the following 4 test scores:

Even though the highest ACT composite you scored on any one test date was 20, NYU will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 20 to 32 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and NYU forms your Superscore, you can take the ACT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your ACT score is currently below a 35, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the ACT and retaking it . You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the ACT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

NYU considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is extremely selective, getting a high SAT/ACT score and GPA is vital to having a chance at getting in . If you don't pass their SAT/ACT and GPA requirements, they'll likely reject you without much consideration.

To have the best shot of getting in, you should aim for the 75th percentile, with a 1560 SAT or a 35 ACT . You should also have a 3.8 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score.

For a school as selective as NYU, you'll also need to impress them with the rest of your application. We'll cover those details next.

But if you apply with a score below a 1560 SAT or a 35 ACT, you unfortunately start out with the odds against you and have a tiny chance of getting in. There are just too many students with high SAT/ACT scores and strong applications, and you need to compete against them.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

• 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
• 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
• 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
• 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
• 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

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• Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts . PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers . You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
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Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of NYU here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Accepted
• Electronic Application None
• Essay or Personal Statement Required for all freshmen
• Letters of Recommendation 1
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee $80
• Fee Waiver Available? Available
• Other Notes Audition or a portfolio for some specific programs recommended for some freshmen

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Considered if submitted
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests Optional
• Scores Due in Office January 31

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language 3
• Social Studies 3

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes January 1 April 1
• Yes November 1, January 1 December 15, February 15

Admissions Office Information

• Address: 70 New York, NY 10012-1019
• Phone: (212) 998-1212 x1212
• Fax: (212) 995-4902
• Email: [email protected]

Our Expert's Notes

We did more detailed research into this school's admissions process and found the following information:

NYU has two early decision deadlines: November 1 (December 15 notification) and January 1 (February 15 notification), as well as regular decision (January 1). Both early decision options are binding, so only select them if NYU is your top choice.

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in NYU, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to NYU.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than NYU. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for NYU, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for NYU, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If NYU is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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How to Write the “Why NYU” Essay

This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Moriah Adeghe in a CollegeVine livestream. You can watch the full livestream for more info. 

What’s Covered:

• How Essays Set You Apart

Writing About NYU’s Campus

• Writing About NYU’s Different Colleges
• Writing About NYU’s Areas of Study

New York University (NYU) asks its applicants to reply to its “Why NYU” supplemental essay . The prompt states:

“We would like to know more about your interest in NYU. What motivated you to apply to NYU? Why have you applied or expressed interest in a particular campus, school, college, program, and/or area of study? If you have applied to more than one, please also tell us why you are interested in these additional areas of study or campuses. We want to understand—Why NYU? (400 words)”

In this article, we discuss how best to respond to this prompt and provide examples of successful essays. For more writing tips and tricks for this prompt, check out our post on how to write a stellar “why this college” essay .

How Essays Set You Apart  

The admissions officers at NYU have to filter through many applicants with similar grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities. Reading essay responses is how the admissions officers learn about your personality and see whether you would be a good fit at NYU. Developing a unique supplemental essay that showcases your personality and values will give admissions officers a chance to get to know you beyond your grades and test scores. As with many essays, the “why NYU” essay differentiates you from other applicants with the same level of qualifications . 

NYU admissions want to see that you actually care about attending their school and that you are not just applying for superficial reasons. You want to convince NYU that you are passionate about the school. The best way to do this is by submitting a highly personal and specific essay response that shows that you’ve done your research and can envision yourself as an NYU student. 

This prompt has a 400-word limit, so instead of writing 400 words about the location and prestige of NYU, you want to dive into the specifics. The length of this essay and the questions in the prompt enable you to go into extensive detail. Admissions officers don’t want to read a general description of the campus; they’re looking for your specific interest in particular areas of the campus and the program that you’re applying to. Make sure to respond in a manner that is specific to you and to NYU. A great tip to keep in mind while you’re writing is this: if you can replace NYU with Columbia or another school in your essay, you haven’t made your essay specific enough. 

There are three buckets that you can write about in your “why NYU” essay: the campus, college, and area of study. Each of these buckets can get broken down into smaller areas. For example, you can write about the New York City, Abu Dhabi, or Shanghai campus for the campus bucket. A weak response to this bucket would be saying that you wanted to attend the NYU Abu Dhabi campus because you visited the area once and want to live in the city. This is a general answer with no specific information about what you will get out of and be a part of by going to NYU. The admissions officers at NYU know exactly what makes their school unique, but they want to read this from your perspective, so be as specific as possible. 

A stronger response would be talking about how you want to study at the Shanghai campus to major in global China studies because it aligns with your interests in working in international marketing. There’s no better place to pursue this major than on a campus located in the heart of a major Chinese city. You can talk about how the Shanghai location would grant you the opportunity to see the topics discussed in the classroom firsthand.

This type of response immediately demonstrates that the student has done their research and is genuinely interested in the program that they’re writing about. This example clearly outlines their trajectory at NYU in a way that is clear to the admissions officers and shows that NYU is their first choice.

Writing About NYU’s Different Colleges 

Like many other schools, NYU is divided into several schools and colleges. The biggest one is the College of Arts and Sciences, which is a general liberal arts college, so you don’t want to spend too much of your essay talking about it. Instead, focus on your area of study or specific extracurricular interests at one of the campuses. 

However, if you are planning to apply to one of NYU’s smaller colleges, you should spend the bulk of your essay writing about the college that you chose. You want to do this because it will automatically set you apart from the other applicants. You will have more specific programs and classes to write about than applicants applying to the larger colleges.

Writing About NYU’s Areas of Study  

Within each school or college of NYU, there are multiple different programs and majors to write about. For this topic, pick the major or program that appeals to you, and write about why you want to be part of it. The unique thing about this essay is that since there is a 400-word limit, which is long for most supplemental essays, you can dive into your motivations a bit more while writing about the area of study that you want to pursue at NYU. 

By going into your background, you can connect your past experiences to your future goals at NYU. This will allow you to differentiate yourself from other applicants by showing your personality and bringing out more of your authentic self.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Washington Square News

NYU considers reinstating standardized testing requirement

NYU is reconsidering its test-optional policy for next year’s admissions cycle after some universities across the country found that the approach could disadvantage lower-income students. The university is following in the footsteps of schools like Yale University, Brown University and Dartmouth University — all of which have recently announced a return to mandatory standardized testing policies — and is reviewing internal data to determine the best way forward.

The university is also participating in a national study run by the Academic Research Consortium — a global partnership of individuals and organizations involved in making, testing and regulating medical devices — that will help determine the impact of submitting or not submitting test scores in the admissions process, according to NYU spokesperson John Beckman.

“The issue of whether to remain test optional is under active study and review,” Beckman wrote in a statement to WSN. “At this juncture, we have not made a final decision for next year’s admission cycle (i.e., for the class that will enter in fall 2025) about how to proceed in terms of testing policy.”

Many universities, including NYU, went test optional during the COVID-19 pandemic, when access to testing centers was difficult for many students due to closures. Test-optional policies are also seen by some universities to “[improve] access, broadly speaking, for low-income, underrepresented, and first-generation students,” although research on their effectiveness at increasing enrollment in these groups has yielded mixed results.

But a review of internal data by Dartmouth found that some lower-income students who were not admitted would have been accepted if they had submitted their test scores, which they had incorrectly believed were too low to secure admission. In February, the school announced that it would begin to require standardized test scores for the class of 2029.

A few weeks later, Yale announced it would return to mandatory standardized testing policies , also citing concerns that its test-optional policies had inadvertently disadvantaged low-income applicants. Brown followed suit earlier this month.

Like many other universities, NYU saw significant increases in the number of applications after changing to a test-optional application process, having received a record high of over 120,000 applications in 2023. During the 2021-22 admissions cycle, the Common Application, an application form used by over 1,000 universities across the country, reported a 30% rise in the number of applications submitted on its platform.

The increase in applications has continued into this application cycle, with the number of first-year undergraduate applications to private institutions on the Common Application up 7% this year . Total applications also went up, increasing by 9% from last year, and the number of applicants who identified as underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities went up by 12%. At NYU, a number of tests — including the SAT, ACT and AP exams — are accepted as standardized tests in a student’s application.

Contact Ruhan Ganpath at [email protected] .

Comments (3)

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Shelly Marie [email protected] • May 19, 2024 at 2:52 pm

Nope, I think test scores are important, and changing this for “disadvantaged” kids isn’t right. For many reasons.

Eyad Ali, MD • Apr 3, 2024 at 4:07 pm

I think if NYU wants to follow in the footsteps of less diverse schools like Yale, Brown and Dartmouth, then they should copy their testing policy. If however, NYU wants to continue its amazing reputation as a globally diverse institution, then they should remain test optional and pave the way for other schools to emulate their outstanding success.

YaYa Hila • Mar 29, 2024 at 1:24 pm

This is highly unfair to students applying in the fall 2024. If NYU decides to go test mandatory now, students will have to rush to take SAT in the summer. No, please don’t do this to the already over-stressed high schoolers.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, nyu: act requirements.

Hi guys! So, I want to apply to NYU, but I'm not sure what their ACT requirements are. Is there a minimum score I should aim for? Did anyone here apply with their ACT scores and get in? Let me know!

Hi there! As of the 2024-2025 application cycle, NYU has adopted a test-optional policy for undergraduate admissions. This means that submitting ACT or SAT scores is not required, but you can still choose to do so if you feel that your scores will strengthen your application.

While there is no specific "minimum score" that you must achieve to be considered for admission, it can be helpful to look at the academic profile of students who were previously admitted to NYU. In recent years, the middle 50% ACT range for admitted students has been between 33 and 35. Keep in mind that this range represents the middle 50% of admitted students, meaning that 25% of admitted students scored below 33, and 25% scored above 35.

However, since NYU is test-optional, admissions officers may place a greater emphasis on other aspects of your application, such as your GPA, coursework rigor, extracurricular involvement, essays, and letters of recommendation if you apply test optional. If you decide not to submit your ACT scores, make sure to focus on other areas to provide a strong, comprehensive application.

Ultimately, it's up to you whether or not to submit your ACT scores with your application to NYU. If your score falls within or above the middle 50% range, it might enhance your application. If not, consider submitting your application without your ACT score and ensure that other parts of your application are strong and well-rounded. Good luck!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

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Applicants are selected by the Admissions Committee each year. The Admissions Committee offers admission to only a select group of first-year applicants. Most begin their NYU studies at the campus in New York City, but a smaller group of candidates may receive the opportunity to begin their studies at one of NYU’s global academic centers in Florence, London, Madrid, or Washington, DC. Transfer applicants are not eligible for admission to the Liberal Studies Core; Global Liberal Studies does admit a select number of internal and external transfer students each year.

The Admissions Committee carefully considers each candidate’s application and gives weight to a number of factors: academic record, standardized test scores, recommendations from counselors and teachers, and essays. Testing is optional for applicants applying for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle, and the Admissions Committee will only consider test scores if an applicant chooses to submit them. The committee seeks a class that is diverse in all respects and carefully considers the applicant’s special talents, geographic location, and more. The committee is also interested in applicants who have an active and sustained level of involvement in school and/or community activities and who have taken on the responsibility of leadership. Applicants must file their application by the stated deadlines in order to be given full consideration.

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ADMISSIONS PROCESS

Admission to Liberal Studies is based on the quality of the applicant’s secondary school record. Sound preparation, however, should include English, with a heavy emphasis on writing; social studies; foreign language; mathematics; and laboratory sciences. The Admissions Committee pays particular attention to the number of honors, college-level, Advanced Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses the applicant has completed in high school (if offered). The students most competitive for admission will have challenged themselves within the context of their school’s offerings. An interview is neither required nor offered for admission.

The Admissions Committee finds that students are best prepared for NYU if they have studied the following subjects:

• 4 years of English/Writing  
• 3-4 years of mathematics
• 3-4 years of foreign language
• 3-4 years of laboratory sciences
• 3-4 years of history/social studies

Note: NYU’s top applicants have taken demanding coursework in the above subjects for four years.

Standardized Testing Policy

In recognition of continued challenges applicants have with standardized testing during COVID-19, NYU is extending its test-optional policy to students applying for first-year or transfer admission during the 2021-2022 admissions cycle. Read the full statement from the Assistant Vice President for Undergraduate Admissions.

NYU has one of the most flexible testing policies of any college or university. To be eligible for admission, candidates must submit one of the following:

• SAT; or 
• The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma; or 
• Three (3) SAT Subject Test scores; or
• Three (3) AP exam scores; or
• Three (3) IB higher-level exam scores if not an IB Diploma candidate; or
• Other international examinations that show the student completed, or if submitting predicted results show the student will complete, their secondary education. Approved options are available on the Office of Undergraduate Admissions website. Candidates may use the Office of Admissions’ International Qualifications Tool for information about credentials NYU accepts from the country in which the candidate is enrolled in secondary school.

All applicants to NYU’s New York campus must meet NYU’s English Language Requirements, which are described in further detail on the Admissions Office website , as well as in the English Language Testing section below.

SAT tests should be taken in advance of NYU's application deadline. While NYU will consider scores received after the application deadline, the Admissions Committee cannot guarantee that it will wait for those scores to arrive before making an admission decision. 

NYU does not consider results submitted by the applicant as official. The College Board should send the applicant’s scores to NYU. If this is not possible, the applicant should have a school official submit them. NYU’s school code for the SAT is 2562.

Applicants who have taken the SAT more than once can select which results to send to NYU using Score Choice. The Admissions Committee will review the highest SAT scores submitted. If an applicant submits scores from the old and new versions of the SAT, however, the Admissions Committee will not create a new “superscore,” as the old SAT is a different test from the new SAT.

ACT tests should be taken in advance of NYU's application deadline. While NYU will consider scores received after the application deadline, the Admissions Committee cannot guarantee that it will wait for those scores to arrive before making an admission decision. 

NYU does not consider results submitted by the applicant as official. The ACT should send the applicant’s scores to NYU. If this is not possible, the applicant should have a school official submit them. NYU’s school code for the ACT is 2838. 

For applicants who have taken the ACT more than once, the Admissions Committee will recalculate a new composite using the highest of each section, regardless of test date.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

For many students, IB Diploma results will not be available prior to NYU’s application deadline. Students for whom this is the case must submit predicted scores through the Official Predictions Submission Response form (this unique form is sent to the school official/counselor after receipt of the School Report for any student opting to submit predicted exam results). NYU requires predictions for 6 subjects for Full IB Diploma students, and does not require predictions for the Extended Essay or Theory of Knowledge (TOK). Beginning in 2021, NYU will accept the Higher and Standard Levels of either Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation for any major at NYU. 

Note: While an offer of admission may be made based on an applicant’s predicted IB results, NYU reserves the right to withdraw an offer of admission if the applicant’s final Diploma results are not within an acceptable range of their predicted results.

SAT Subject Tests, AP Exams, and IB Higher-Level Exams

For candidates who choose to submit three (3) SAT subject test scores, (3) AP Exam Scores, or (3) IB Higher-Level predicted or final scores to fulfill the standardized testing requirement, the Admissions Committee wants to see at least one (1) score from the following academic areas:

Literature & Humanities

Math & Science

The third SAT Subject Test, AP Exam, or IB Higher-Level Exam may be in any subject appearing in the applicable "Additional Accepted Exams" list on the Admissions website. Please refer to the Standardized Tests section of the Admissions website for a list showing which exams satisfy the Literature & Humanities, Math & Science, and Additional Accepted Exams categories for the SAT Subject Tests, AP Exams, and IB Higher-Level Exams.

Other International Examinations

As part of NYU's Flexible Testing Policy, the university accepts dozens of examinations and other qualifications from around the world. The qualification must meet the following criteria:

It shows the applicant completed--or, if submitting predicted results, shows the applicant will complete--their secondary education;

It was administered by an independent body (not the applicant’s school); and

It was approved by NYU.

The Admissions Committee understands that some examination results may not be available prior to NYU’s application deadline. When this is the case, the applicant must submit predicted scores through the Official Predictions Submission Response form (this unique form is sent to the school official/counselor after receipt of the School Report for any student opting to submit predicted exam results).

Note: While an offer of admission may be made based on the applicant’s predicted results, NYU reserves the right to withdraw an offer of admission if the applicant’s final results are not within an acceptable range of their predicted results.

Applicants can refer to NYU’s International Qualification Tool to see which examinations they are able to submit and the supporting documentation required. The Standardized Tests section of the Admissions website also provides more detailed information. 

English Language Testing 

All NYU students must have a strong command of the English language to be successful in a fast-paced, rigorous academic environment. Candidates for whom English is not their native language, and who are applying to NYU’s New York campus, may be asked to submit results from one of the following English language proficiency examinations:

• TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test). We will accept results from the in-person version or the iBT Home Edition.
• IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)
• PTE Academic (Pearsons Test of English Academic)
• C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (Cambridge English: Advanced or Proficiency)  
• iTEP (International Test of English Proficiency )

We do not accept results from the IELTS Indicator, the TOEFL ITP Plus for China, or TOEFL Essentials.

An applicant does not need to take a language proficiency test if English is their native language; or if they have already completed (at the time of application submission) at least 3 or more consecutive, full academic years at a school/university where the primary language of instruction was English.

Exams should be completed before the application deadline, and results cannot be more than 2 years old by the application deadline. While NYU will consider scores received after the application deadline, the Admission Committee cannot guarantee that it will be able to wait for those scores to arrive before making an admissions decision.

NYU does not have minimum score requirements on language proficiency tests, but competitive applicants will receive:

100 and above on the TOEFL iBT

7.5 and above on the IELTS Academic

70 and above on the PTE Academic

191 and above on the Cambridge English Scale

• 4.5 and above on the  iTEP
• 125 and above on the Duolingo English Test

For the TOEFL iBT, use NYU's code 2562 to submit results to NYU.

For the IELTS Academic, search for "New York University" and release results to Undergraduate Admissions as opposed to one of NYU’s schools or colleges. Similarly, for the PTE Academic, C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency, select "New York University" as opposed to a specific NYU school or college. Searching for "NYU" will not return any results; applicants must search using New York University’s official name.

For the Duolingo English Test, please follow the instructions outlined in Duolingo's "How do I send my Duolingo English Test results to institutions? " documentation to send your score to NYU for free.

For additional information on language proficiency testing, please see the English Language Testing page on the Admissions Office website.

Academic English Placement Questionnaire

If an admitted student’s application suggests that the student might benefit from additional English-language support, they may be required to complete a placement questionnaire through the Academic English for Liberal Studies (AELS) program before arriving on campus. Based on the results from this placement questionnaire, the admitted student may be expected to take an English-language support course during their first semester at NYU. For more information, see the “Academic English for Liberal Studies” information in the Academic Advising chapter of this Bulletin or visit the International Students website for Liberal Studies. All international students, regardless of placement, are encouraged to take advantage of weekly LS writing support (scheduled appointments or drop-in hours) as well as reading discussions and virtual chats hosted throughout the semester.

Early Decision

Students for whom NYU is their first-choice college are encouraged to apply under the Early Decision Plan. Early Decision candidates should submit the application and all supporting credentials by November 1 for Early Decision I or by January 1 for Early Decision II. NYU’s obligation under this arrangement is to provide applicants with an admission decision beginning in mid-December for Early Decision I or in mid-February for Early Decision II. The applicant’s obligation would be to enroll at NYU if admitted and offered a financial aid package that enabled them to attend. Please refer to the Early Decision page of the NYU Admissions website for more information.

Spring Admissions

The Liberal Studies Core admits first year students in both the fall and spring semesters. Spring admits are selected from the fall applicant pool by the NYU Office of Admissions and begin their studies in New York City in the spring semester. Spring admits have a gap semester in the fall immediately preceding their matriculation at NYU, during which time students might pursue an internship or employment, participate in a service project, travel abroad, or take courses at a local college, among other options. For both the spring and summer semesters of their first year, spring admits attend NYU full-time to complete the first-year core requirements for Liberal Studies. As such, they begin their sophomore year the following fall semester on track for their original graduation date. To learn more about spring admissions, including the academic structure and gap semester opportunities, please visit the program website for NYU Spring Admissions .

Applicants Without U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency

Financial documentation is not required when filing an admissions application. If the student is accepted, instructions for completing the Application for Certificate of Eligibility (AFCOE) online will be included in the acceptance packet. Appropriate evidence of financial ability must be submitted with the AFCOE to the Office of Global Services in order for the appropriate visa document to be issued. If the applicant’s studies are being financed by means of his or her own savings, parental support, outside private or government scholarships, or any combination of these, he or she must arrange to send official letters or similar certification as proof of such support. Additional information may be consulted on NYU’s Newly Admitted Students page. For information specific to undocumented students, please refer to the Undocumented Students page of the NYU Admissions website.

NYU’s application fee should not discourage any student from applying. Students who feel that the application fee would be a financial hardship for their families can simply request a fee waiver on the Common Application. The student’s counselor or school official will be asked to verify their eligibility, so anyone requesting a waiver should alert their counselor in advance.

Campus Visits

In-person campus visits are temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For information on virtual tours and sessions, as well as updates regarding in-person tours, please visit the Visit NYU page of the NYU website.

All prospective students and their families are invited to visit the New York University campus at Washington Square. Opportunities to tour the University, to meet students and faculty, and to attend classes are available to interested students.

Although interviews are not available, a visit to the campus is strongly recommended. Tours of the campus and admissions information sessions are conducted several times daily Monday through Friday, as well as on select Saturdays.

To make an appointment for a tour, an information session, or a class visitation, visit the Undergraduate Admissions Website or call 212-998-4500. It is suggested that arrangements be made several weeks prior to visiting the campus.

NYU Guest Accommodations at Washington Square

NYU’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions has partnered with local hotels to offer special, discounted rates to guests for their stay while visiting the NYU campus. Reservations should be completed through the reservation forms found on the Office of Undergraduate Admissions Website at www.nyu.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/visit-nyu/hotels-discounts.html to ensure the NYU Admissions discounted rate is received.

Student Visas and Orientation

Matters pertaining to student visas, pre-departure preparation, and orientation programs at the Liberal Studies sites in New York City, Florence, London, Madrid, and Washington, DC will be provided to admitted students upon receipt of the tuition deposit.

Readmission of Former Students

Any former student who has been out of attendance for more than two consecutive terms and who wishes to return to Liberal Studies must apply for readmission. More information about the process is available at the Office of Admissions’ Returning to NYU page ( https://www.nyu.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/how-to-apply/more-applicant-types-and-programs/returning-to-nyu.html ).

Students who have attended another college or university since their last attendance at New York University must complete a transfer application for undergraduate admission, submit an official transcript, and pay the $80.00 application fee. As transfer admission is not offered into the LS Core, students who previously attended the LS Core but matriculated at another institution during their time away should apply for direct transfer into an NYU bachelor's degree program. Global Liberal Studies does allow for transfer admission.

ADVANCED STANDING CREDITS

Advanced standing credits are college-level transfer and/or testing credits earned before entering NYU. NYU participates in the Advanced Placement Program (AP) of the College Board. In accordance with New York University policy, if test results are 5 or 4, depending on the subject examination, the student may receive college credit toward the degree. The results of certain maturity certificate examinations such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), French Baccalaureate, A-levels, and German Abitur may also be considered for advanced standing credit. Finally, credits earned at other colleges and universities before admission to NYU in which the grades earned were B or better may also result in advanced standing credit. Some courses taken at other colleges may not be honored by NYU.

Please see Academic Policies and Procedures in this Bulletin for detailed information on Advanced Standing Credits, including how potential advanced standing credits are assessed.

ENROLLMENT PROCESS

To be enrolled, an admitted candidate must do the following:

Accept the University’s offer of admission and pay the required nonrefundable tuition deposit.

Submit the required housing deposit, if planning to live on-campus in New York, or at one of the FYA global sites, for their first year. All students planning to begin in London, Madrid, Florence, or Washington, DC, are required to live on campus and thus pay the housing deposit. 

Have their high school (and, if applicable, college) forward a final transcript to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Complete the new student health requirements , including a health history form and other vaccination records.

Pay the balance of tuition, housing, and/or meal plan fees by the stipulated deadlines. 

Register for classes once contacted by their assigned academic advisor about the advising and registration process.

International applicants (students without U.S. citizenship or permanent residency) admitted to either the LS Core or GLS should follow the guidelines listed above and, upon payment of the tuition deposit, will be provided with all the pertinent information for securing a student visa to enroll at New York University. Please note that upon acceptance, non-U.S. citizens and non-U.S. permanent residents must submit appropriate evidence of financial ability. See “Applicants Without U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency,” above. 

For more information on the enrollment process, please visit the Admitted Students page on the NYU Admissions website.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Current data on full-time undergraduate retention and graduation rates is available through the NYU Factbook , maintained by the NYU Office of Institutional Research . 

For more information about admission to Liberal Studies, please consult the website of the NYU Office of Undergraduate Admissions at https://www.nyu.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions.html , or contact the Admissions Office directly at 212-998-4500.

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How to Get Into NYU: 4 Key Tips to Build a Great Application

If you want to go to NYU, you'll need to make sure your application is strong enough to stand out from the crowd of other applicants. NYU's acceptance rate is falling every year, so you'll need all parts of your application to be competitive if you hope to be admitted to NYU.

In this article, we'll teach you everything you need to know to get into NYU. First, we'll talk about how hard it is to get into NYU in the first place, taking a look at the average test scores and grades of admitted applicants. Next, we'll discuss NYU's admissions requirements and essays. Finally, we'll give tips to teach you how to get into NYU.

How Hard Is It To Get Into NYU?

NYU has been getting more and more competitive over recent years. In 2022, NYU's acceptance rate was just 12.2%, its lowest on record. That means that NYU admits 12 out of every 100 applicants.

An acceptance rate of just 12% means that NYU is highly selective —and getting even more so. Just a few years ago, NYU's acceptance rate was about 35%, meaning that it has fallen by nearly half in a short time. Each subsequent year, NYU has admitted a smaller and smaller percentage of students, and the acceptance rate for the Class of 2027 may be even more competitive than 2026's was.

What Is NYU Looking for in Its Students?

NYU prizes diversity: the Class of 2025 is the school’s most diverse class to date . 29% of students come from underrepresented communities, 20% are first-generation university students, and 19% are international students.

NYU has also been recognized for sending more students abroad than any other American university, so it's safe to say that the university values exposing its students to other cultures and ways of life. With satellite campuses in fourteen different countries around the world, NYU has unparalleled opportunities to broaden your horizons.

While the university prizes diversity, it's equally clear that NYU prizes strong academics and hard work. While acceptance rates reached a record low this year, the average test scores of admitted students reached a record high, meaning that incoming students are exceptionally well-qualified, too.

Can You Apply to NYU Early?

NYU offers early decision to applicants that are certain NYU is the right school for them.

If you apply for early decision admission, and are admitted under the early decision notification, you are expected to enroll at NYU. In addition, you'll have to withdraw your applications from other schools, and you cannot submit new applications.

Early decision offers to NYU are binding, unless you don't receive enough financial aid to be able to attend. If you don't get into NYU during the early decision period, you won't be able to apply again under regular decision.

NYU offers two early decision dates: November 1 and January 1. Students who apply at the November 1 deadline receive their decision on December 15; students who apply on January 1 learn on February 15.

It can pay off to apply early to NYU. Although NYU hasn't published early decision acceptance rates recently, for the Class of 2021, the overall admissions rate was roughly 28% while early decision candidates were admitted at a rate of roughly 38%. That means that you have a statistically higher chance of getting admitted to NYU early than you do as a regular decision candidate—provided, of course, that your application is strong.

NYU Application Deadlines and Requirements

NYU has three degree-granting campuses: New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai. The admissions process is the same for all three schools.

In order to apply as a first-year at NYU, you must be either:

• Currently in high school, even if taking college courses, or
• Participating in a dual-enrollment program, even if you're earning enough credits for an associate's degree, or
• Graduated with a GED or high school diploma equivalency test and not enrolled in a degree-seeking program.

To apply, you'll need to complete the Common Application and have a recommendation from your guidance counselor and up to two teachers. NYU doesn't accept the Coalition or Universal applications. You'll also need to send in your official high school transcripts and official transcripts for any college-level work you've completed.

If you're applying to the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development and Tisch School of the Arts, you'll need to complete an audition or submit a portfolio of work in place of standardized testing.

Steinhardt requires an audition or portfolio for all applicants to the Music Department with the exception of Educational Theatre, and a portfolio for those applying to Studio Art.

Tisch requires an audition or portfolio for applicants to all programs with the exception of Interactive Media Arts.

Regular decisions applicants must submit their applications by January 5 and are notified on April 1.

What GPA Do I Need to Get Into NYU?

Most students admitted to NYU have an unweighted GPA of 3.7 or higher, which means that you'll want to achieve at least a 3.7 to be seriously considered as an applicant.

In order to achieve a 3.7, you'll need to earn mostly A's and A-'s on your coursework. If your GPA is below 3.7, you can try to make up for that on other parts of your application, like your test scores or your portfolio, if you're applying to Tisch or Steinhardt.

What Test Scores Do I Need to Get Into NYU?

NYU requires that you submit standardized test scores unless you're applying to Steinhardt or Tisch, where your portfolio can take the place of test scores. ( NOTE: Due to the coronavirus pandemic, submitting standardized tests is optional for all students applying in the 2022-2023 admissions cycle. However, NYU will still accept and review scores you send them.)

NYU accepts a wide variety of test scores, though most students submit SAT or ACT scores. Here's the full breadth of scores NYU accepts:

• International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma; or
• Three (3) AP Exam scores (at least one from a Humanities exam and at least one from a Math/Science exam); or
• Three (3) IB higher-level exam scores if not an IB Diploma candidate; or
• Other international examinations that show you completed, or if submitting predicted results show you will complete, your secondary education. You can find more information on these international examinations here .

For this article, we'll focus mainly on SAT and ACT scores, since those are what the majority of applicants submit.

While NYU doesn't have cut offs for SAT or ACT scores, you'll need to make sure your scores are competitive with the average scores of admitted applicants. Let's take a look at those.

What SAT Scores Do I Need to Get Into NYU?

As NYU's acceptance rate lowers, the average SAT score of admitted applicants rises. The Class of 2025 had the highest average SAT composite score yet: 1540. 

This means you'll need to score at (or very near) 1500 to be considered competitive with your fellow applicants.

NYU does superscore the SAT , so that means if you take the SAT multiple times, they'll use the highest score in each section across all your test dates.

What ACT Scores Do I Need to Get Into NYU?

NYU's average ACT score is also rising. The average ACT score of admitted applicants to NYU is 33.

Even though NYU says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 29 or below, you'll have a hard time getting in, unless you have something else very impressive in your application. There are so many applicants scoring 33 and above that a 29 will look academically weak.

NYU Application Essays

You'll need to submit both the regular Common App materials as well as an NYU supplement, which includes a short essay, for your NYU application.

As we mentioned above, diversity is very important to NYU, and they want to know what diverse experiences/background/etc. you'll bring to campus.

Here's the text of the prompt in full:

NYU was founded on the belief that a student’s identity should not dictate the ability for them to access higher education. That sense of opportunity for all students, of all backgrounds, remains a part of who we are today and a critical part of what makes us a world class university. Our community embraces diversity, in all its forms, as a cornerstone of the NYU experience. We would like to better understand how your experiences would help us to shape and grow our diverse community. Please respond in 250 words or less. 

To answer this prompt, you'll need to both discuss some key experiences and  explain how you'll use your own unique background/experience/views will benefit NYU and contribute to their community.

Students applying to the Tisch School of the Arts as Cinema Studies majors also need to submit two additional writing supplements:

1. An essay on a film, director, or any other film-related topic that you choose. (Page limit: 5-10 pages)

2. A statement that answers the following questions: Have you taken any cinema-related classes? What areas of cinema studies most interest you (film genres, directors, theory, etc.)? What are your career aspirations (film journalism/criticism, film curating, filmmaking, etc.)? (Page limit: 1 page)

For these, NYU is clearly interested in your own knowledge of and experience in cinema. For prompt 1, choose a film topic you're genuinely passionate about, as that'll make a stronger essay than a movie or director you think will look more impressive. Prompt 2 is pretty straightforward, just be sure to spend the most time discussing your career goals, as that's what NYU will be most interested in (and don't worry if you haven't taken any cinema-related classes yet; NYU knows not everyone has that opportunity in high school).

Tips for Getting Into NYU

It's difficult to get into NYU...and it's getting more difficult every year! If you want to be admitted to NYU this year, follow these key tips for how to get into NYU.

#1: Reflect NYU's Values

NYU values diversity and providing its students with a truly global experience. If you want your application to stand out, you can talk about a) how these values are important to you, too, and b) how you'll take advantage of this policy when you go to NYU.

You can talk about this as part of your why NYU essay. Be sure to have concrete examples of how you'll engage with this mindset—don't just say it would be fun to go party in another country! Have specific programs, classes, or experiences in mind and write meaningfully about how those opportunities are the best fit for you.

#2: Polish Your Application

As NYU gets more and more competitive, you'll need to put more and more effort into making your application equally competitive. Your test scores should meet or exceed the average scores of admitted applicants, as should your grades.

Ask for letters of recommendation from teachers who really know you and your work to give an idea of why NYU can't live without you.

#3: Wow With Your Portfolio

If you're applying to Steinhardt or Tisch, your portfolio needs to be stellar. Pick examples of your work that showcase your specific talents and individuality. Your portfolio should have a point-of-view and personality—don't submit generic work that could be attributed to anyone.

#4: Have a Spike

When you're applying to college, it's tempting to seem well-rounded and interested in all the things.

Don't do that.

Your application won't stand out if you're mediocre in band, on the track team, and on student council . It will stand out if you travel to Japan to perform with a world-class performance ensemble or qualify for the Olympic trials in shot put.

When your focus is on one thing, you'll be better at it than if you have to split your time and attention. Plus, when it comes time to submit your application to NYU, you’ll be able to demonstrate your excellence and passion for the interest or activity that motivated you to apply to NYU in the first place!

What's Next?

Looking for application tips for other selective schools? Read our complete guides to the University of California system and to the Georgetown application .

Should you apply early or regular decision to college? Find out the pros and cons of early decision in this article .

College admissions get more and more competitive every year, so you want to present yourself with the best application you can. Read about how to build a versatile college application here.

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Hayley Milliman is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and technology. When she was a teacher, Hayley's students regularly scored in the 99th percentile thanks to her passion for making topics digestible and accessible. In addition to her work for PrepScholar, Hayley is the author of Museum Hack's Guide to History's Fiercest Females.

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New York University: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics

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New York University is a highly selective private university with an acceptance rate of 16%. Considering applying to NYU? Here are the admissions statistics you should know, including average SAT/ACT scores and GPAs of admitted students.

Why New York University?

• Location: New York, New York
• Campus Features: Located in Manhattan's Greenwich Village, NYU's campus occupies some of the most expensive real estate in the country. Housing is guaranteed for four years.
• Student/Faculty Ratio: 9:1
• Athletics: The NYU Violets compete in the NCAA Division III University Athletic Association.
• Highlights: NYU is one of the largest private universities in the country. The school offers over 230 fields of study and ranks among the top New York colleges . NYU has additional campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai.

Acceptance Rate

During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, New York University had an acceptance rate of 16%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 16 students were admitted, making NYU's admissions process highly competitive.

SAT Scores and Requirements

New York University has a flexible standardized test policy. Applicants may submit SAT, ACT, AP, SAT Subject test, IB HL Exam, or other international exam scores to fulfill NYU's testing requirement. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 64% of admitted students submitted SAT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of NYU's admitted students fall within the top 20% nationally on the SAT. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of admitted students scored between 660 and 740, while 25% scored below 660 and 25% scored above 740. On the math section, the middle 50% of students scored between 690 and 790, while 25% scored below 690, and 25% scored above 790. Applicants with a composite SAT score of 1530 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at NYU.

Requirements

NYU does not require the optional SAT essay section. The university will superscore the SAT, so applicants who have taken the exam more than once can use the College Board's scorechoice option to submit only their highest scores. Note that NYU does not require SAT Subject Tests, but applicants can choose to submit three subject test scores in place of scores from the regular SAT. Be sure to check out all of NYU's standardized testing options to figure out what approach will work best for you.

ACT Scores and Requirements

New York University has a flexible standardized test policy. Applicants may submit SAT, ACT, AP, SAT Subject test, IB HL Exam, or other international exam scores to fulfill NYU's testing requirement. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 28% of admitted students submitted ACT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of NYU's admitted students fall within the top 7% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to NYU received a composite ACT score between 30 and 34, while 25% scored above 34 and 25% scored below 30.

NYU does not require the optional ACT writing exam. If you took the ACT more than once, NYU will take your highest scores from each section of the exam and create a new superscored composite score for you.

In 2019, the average high school GPA of NYU's incoming freshmen class was 3.69, and 42% of incoming students had average GPAs of 3.75 and above. This data suggests that most successful applicants to NYU have primarily A grades.

Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph

The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to NYU. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in with a free Cappex account.

Admissions Chances

New York University is highly selective with a low acceptance rate and standardized test scores that are well above average. To be admitted, you're most likely going to need the full package: "A" grades, high SAT/ACT scores, and impressive accomplishments outside of the classroom. You will notice from the graph above that a few students were accepted with test scores and grades below the norm. NYU has holistic admissions , so the admissions officers are evaluating students based on more than numerical data. Students who show some kind of remarkable talent or have a compelling story to tell will often get a close look even if grades and test scores aren't up to the ideal. Also, because NYU is a diverse, international university, many applicants are coming from countries that have different grading systems than U.S. schools.

The university is a member of the Common Application , a widely used application that provides plenty of opportunities for you to share information other than numerical grade and test score data. Letters of recommendation , the Common Application essay , and your extracurricular activities will all play a role in the admissions process. Students applying to the Steinhardt School or Tisch School of the Arts will have additional artistic requirements for admission. The university does not typically conduct interviews as part of the admissions process, although admissions staff may invite some candidates to interview if they feel a conversation would aid them in making an admissions decision.

Finally, like all selective colleges, New York University will be looking at the rigor of your high school curriculum , not just your grades. Success in challenging AP, IB, Honors, and Dual Enrollment classes can all improve your chances of being admitted, for these courses represent some of the best predictors of college success.

All admissions data has been sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics and the New York University Undergraduate Admissions website .

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Undergraduate Admissions Updates

Jonathan B. Williams,  Associate Vice President for Undergraduate Admissions

We want to share some important news: NYU will continue to follow a test-optional admissions process for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle. 

This decision both reflects our initial support of those students whose educations were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as our enduring belief that access to and performance in standardized testing are not the sole markers of an individual’s academic accomplishments, and not always necessary to understand a student’s academic potential. Over the past three years, since we first offered a test-optional process, we have learned quite a bit about what this means for our applicants:

• Students opt both ways. We have continued to see many applicants submit test scores, particularly when it enhances or completes the picture of their academic performance. We have also seen many successful applicants who have gone on to thrive as NYU students without submitting a standardized test score.
• Our decade of flexible testing prepared us for this. NYU was on the forefront of flexible testing policies long before we implemented a test-optional policy, and our admissions process is adept at identifying top quality students even in the absence of SAT and ACT scores.
• Test-optional policies have helped to remove barriers to access for a wide range of students who may not have traditionally seen themselves as viable candidates for admission to NYU. As a result, we see an increasingly diverse candidate pool on every level, which in turn, has enriched our community, both in the classroom and across our campuses.

Please know that there are two areas where testing is not optional: If you are in a non-US curriculum that requires a school leaving or University entrance exam to complete your degree, you will be required to submit this as part of your proof of graduation requirement. Additionally, if your primary language of instruction is not in English, you will need to provide an English Language exam.

As always, we are committed to supporting students through the college application process, and in pursuit of their academic aspirations. 

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What Does NYU Look for in Admissions?

By Eric Eng

As one of the most prestigious universities in the United States, NYU attracts thousands of applicants yearly. With such a competitive admissions process, it’s important to understand what NYU is looking for in its applicants. This article will dive deep into the admissions criteria, process, and tips for standing out in your NYU application by knowing what they look for.

Understanding NYU’s Admissions Criteria

NYU takes a holistic approach to admissions, considering various factors when deciding. While academics are important, NYU also values non-academic achievements such as extracurricular activities, leadership skills, and community involvement. Additionally, they consider factors such as diversity and inclusivity in their decision-making process.

Another important factor that NYU considers in its admissions process is demonstrated interest. This means they want to see applicants genuinely interested in attending NYU and have taken steps to learn more about the university. This can include attending information sessions, visiting campus, and contacting current students or alumni.

It’s also worth noting that NYU has a highly competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 16%. This means that applicants should strive to meet and exceed the minimum requirements for admission. Additionally, NYU offers a variety of programs and schools, each with its own specific admissions criteria, so applicants need to research and understand the requirements for their desired program or school.

NYU’s Admissions Process from Start to Finish

The NYU admissions process begins with the Common Application or the NYU application, which includes a personal essay and letters of recommendation. Once your application is submitted, you may be invited for an interview. After all, applications are reviewed, applicants are notified of their decision by April 1st.

It is important to note that NYU has a highly competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 16%. Therefore, submitting a strong application showcasing your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities is crucial.

Additionally, NYU offers a variety of resources to help prospective students navigate the admissions process, including campus tours, information sessions, and virtual events. These resources can provide valuable insights into the university’s culture, academic programs, and student life. They can help you make an informed decision about whether NYU is the right fit for you.

The Importance of Test Scores in NYU Admissions

While test scores are not the only factor considered in admissions, they play a significant role. NYU requires either the SAT or the ACT, and the average scores for admitted students are around 1460 for the SAT and 33 for the ACT. However, it’s important to remember that NYU takes a holistic approach and looks beyond test scores.

Other factors that NYU considers in admissions include extracurricular activities, essays, letters of recommendation, and demonstrated interest in the university. Admitted students often have a well-rounded application that showcases their academic achievements, leadership skills, and personal qualities. NYU also values diversity and seeks to admit students from various backgrounds and experiences.

How to Ace the NYU Application Essay

The NYU application essay is a crucial part of the admissions process, as it allows you to showcase who you are beyond your academic achievements. To stand out in your essay, showcase your unique qualities, experiences, and perspectives. Avoid generic topics and focus on what makes you unique.

One way to make your NYU application essay stand out is to incorporate your passion for a particular subject or activity. NYU Admissions officers would look for your academic strength and if you have a genuine interest in something outside of the classroom. Use your essay to demonstrate how your passion has shaped you and how it will contribute to the NYU community.

Another important aspect of the NYU application essay is ensuring it is well-written and error-free. Take the time to proofread your essay and have someone else read it. A well-written essay shows that you are serious about your application and have put in the effort to make it the best it can be.

Extracurricular Activities That Stand Out to NYU Admissions

NYU values extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership, creativity, and intellectual curiosity. It’s important to showcase your passion and dedication in your extracurricular activities and any prizes or recognition you may have received. Additionally, NYU values community involvement and civic engagement activities.

One example of a community involvement activity that would stand out to NYU admissions is volunteering at a local non-profit organization. This shows a commitment to giving back to the community and making a positive impact. Another example could be participating in a student-led initiative to raise awareness about a social issue, such as organizing a fundraiser for a charity or starting a club focused on environmental sustainability. These types of extracurricular activities demonstrate a well-rounded individual who is academically driven, socially conscious, and actively engaged in making a difference.

Demonstrating Leadership Skills in Your NYU Application

Leadership skills can be demonstrated in a variety of ways, including through extracurricular activities, community involvement, and work experience. To stand out in your application, highlight your accomplishments and how you have positively impacted various areas.

One way to showcase your leadership skills is by taking on a leadership role in a club or organization. This could include being a team captain, club president, or event coordinator. By demonstrating your ability to lead and inspire others, you can show admissions officers that you have the potential to make a positive impact on campus.

Another way to demonstrate your leadership skills is by volunteering in your community. This could include organizing a fundraiser, leading a service project, or mentoring younger students. By showing that you are committed to making a difference in the world around you, you can demonstrate your leadership potential and stand out in your NYU application.

Tips for Navigating the NYU Interview Process

If you’re invited for an interview, it’s important to come prepared and be yourself. Dress professionally, research the university, and have a few questions prepared. The interview is also a chance to showcase your personality and interests outside of academics.

Additionally, it’s important to arrive early and ensure you know the interview’s location. Take note of any specific instructions or requirements provided by the interviewer. During the interview, make eye contact, speak clearly, and respond honestly. Remember to thank the interviewer for their time and follow up with a thank-you note or email afterward.

How to Showcase Your Passion for Your Chosen Major in Your Application

If you have a specific major in mind, it’s important to showcase your passion for the subject in your application. This can be done through extracurricular activities, academic achievements, and your essay. Explain why you’re interested in the major and how you plan to contribute.

One way to showcase your passion for your chosen major is to participate in relevant extracurricular activities. For example, if you’re interested in pursuing a degree in environmental science, you could join a local conservation group or volunteer at a nature center. These experiences demonstrate your commitment to the field and provide valuable hands-on experience.

Another way to showcase your passion is to highlight any academic achievements related to your major. This could include awards, honors, or research projects. If you’ve taken advanced courses or completed independent studies, mention those too. These accomplishments show that you deeply understand the field and are dedicated to pursuing it further.

Understanding the Role of Legacy Status in NYU Admissions

NYU values legacy status, meaning if a student has a parent or grandparent who graduated from NYU, it can positively impact their admissions decision. However, it’s important to remember that legacy status is just one of many factors considered in admissions, and it’s not a guarantee of acceptance.

It’s also worth noting that legacy status may carry more weight in certain programs or departments within NYU. For example, if a student’s parent or grandparent graduated from the same program they are applying to, it may hold more significance in the admissions decision. The legacy status may also be more influential in highly competitive programs with limited spots.

The Impact of Diversity and Inclusion on NYU Admissions

Diversity and inclusion are integral to NYU’s mission and values, as such admissions officers look for the opportunity to create a diverse and inclusive community, which is reflected in their admissions process. NYU values applicants with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences and prioritizes inclusivity in their decision-making process.

NYU’s commitment to diversity and inclusion has resulted in a student body representative of various backgrounds and experiences. This diversity enriches all students’ academic and social experiences and prepares them to thrive in a global society. In addition, NYU offers a variety of resources and support systems to ensure that all students feel welcome and included on campus, regardless of their background or identity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your NYU Application

Common mistakes include submitting a poorly written essay, not showcasing your unique qualities and experiences, and not following the application instructions closely. Be sure to proofread your application carefully and have others review it before submitting it.

Another common mistake to avoid is not providing enough detail in your application. It’s important to provide specific examples and details about your experiences and achievements to help the admissions committee understand your strengths and potential contributions to the NYU community. Additionally, answer all questions thoroughly and thoughtfully, and don’t leave any sections blank. Remember, your application is your chance to showcase your best self and stand out from other applicants.

Strategies for Standing Out Among Thousands of Other Applicants

To stand out among thousands of other applicants, showcasing your unique qualities and experiences is important. Be genuine and authentic in your application, and focus on what makes you different from other applicants. Additionally, it’s important to demonstrate your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and leadership skills convincingly.

One effective way to showcase your unique qualities is to provide specific examples of how you have overcome challenges or achieved success in your personal or academic life. This can help demonstrate your resilience, determination, and problem-solving skills, which many employers and academic institutions highly value.

Another important strategy is to tailor your application to the specific requirements and values of the organization or institution you are applying to. This can involve researching the organization’s mission, values, and culture and highlighting how your experiences and goals align with these factors. Demonstrating a strong fit with the organization can increase your chances of standing out among other applicants and being selected for the position or program.

What Happens After You Submit Your NYU Application?

After submitting your NYU application, you’ll receive an email confirmation. You may be invited for an interview from there, and the admissions committee will review your application. You can check the status of your application through the NYU portal, and you’ll receive a decision by April 1st.

Overall, NYU seeks well-rounded, passionate, and intellectually curious students who will thrive in their academic and social environments. To increase your chances of acceptance, showcase your unique qualities and experiences in your application and demonstrate your dedication and achievements both in and outside of the classroom.

It’s important to note that NYU also looks for demonstrated interest in the university when reviewing applications. Attending information sessions, campus tours, and other events hosted by NYU can positively impact your application. Additionally, reaching out to current students or alumni for insight into their experiences at NYU can also demonstrate your interest and dedication to the university.

Want to assess your chances of admission? Take our FREE chances calculator today!

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Published August 01, 2024

Announcing the 2024-2025 Common Application for NYU

Billy Sichel

Assistant Vice President of Undergraduate Admissions

It’s August 1st and that means the application at NYU has officially opened. This year, we’ve made some pretty big changes to NYU’s Common Application to simplify the process for our applicants, and to help us learn a little more about you!

When you start NYU’s member questions on the Common App, you’ll see 6 sections that you’ll need to complete. We give you a little bit of a head start by checking off the “Writing” section. This section is optional – but also new and exciting! More on that later.

The General Information Section

In the “General” section, you’ll be asked a few questions about how you want us to handle your application – Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision? – and which campus you want to apply to. As you (hopefully!) already know, NYU has three degree-granting campuses: in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai. Our Common App will let you apply to any combination of our campuses.

Once you make your campus selections, an additional set of questions will show up that are specific to your campus(es) of interest. Nothing too tricky here! You’ll be able to tell us about your academic area of interest for each campus, and a few other quick-and-easy questions about program eligibility, housing preferences, etc. so that we’re ready for you if you are ultimately admitted.

The Academics Section

Once you have those sections squared away, you’ll move on to the Academics section. This section will walk you through the information we’ll need you to submit outside of the Common App itself. Nothing to do here, except confirm that you’re clear on the next steps and additional requirements.

The Optional Supplemental Question

Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for: The optional, pre-checked-off Writing section. Last year, we made the decision to update our supplemental question. However, what we heard from our applicants was that people really wanted to tell us more! But the thing is…we already know why NYU is a great place to spend your 4 years, so we thought: if you want to tell us more about your passion for NYU, let’s make the question about you .

The new writing question says:

“In a world where disconnection seems to often prevail, we are looking for students who embody the qualities of bridge builders—students who can connect people, groups, and ideas to span divides, foster understanding, and promote collaboration within a dynamic, interconnected, and vibrant global academic community. We are eager to understand how your experiences have prepared you to build the bridges of the future. Please consider one or more of the following questions  in your  essay :

What personal experiences or challenges have shaped you as a bridge builder?

How have you been a bridge builder in your school, community, or personal life?

What specific actions have you taken to build bridges between diverse groups, ideas, or cultures?

How do you envision being a bridge builder during your time at our university and beyond?”

So, if it feels right for you to tell us a little more about yourself in the application, we want to know where you will turn to for inspiration, and what experiences have shaped you and resonate with you. Four years at NYU will propel you into a future you might not even be able to imagine yet, but take a minute (if you want – it really is optional!) to tell us about the ideas that have gotten you to this point, and those that might shape you into the person you’re about to become.

These are just a few of the changes we have made this year, so make sure to carefully read each question carefully before you answer them. If you ever have any questions for us about our questions, we are always here to help . We wish you the best of luck this application season, and can’t wait to learn more about you!

More from Billy:

How to Approach the Common Application

There’s no wrong way to approach the Common Application, but here’s two different strategies you might want to choose from when you apply to NYU.

Submitting a Transfer Application to NYU

Everything you need and everything you need to know about the transfer process.

Why You Should Start Your Common Application Early

There are many benefits to getting an early start on your Common Application to NYU.