Letters of Recommendation for NYU: Undergraduate Admissions

Hey folks. I'm looking at applying to NYU for my undergrad and I'm just starting to sort out my application. I know many colleges require letters of recommendation – is this true for NYU's undergraduate admissions? If so, how many should I aim to have?

Yes, New York University (NYU) does indeed require one letter of recommendation for their undergraduate applications. The university asks for at least one and up to three letters of recommendation, typically from teachers, a counselor, a coach, a supervisor, or anyone else in a position of authority.

It's best if these letters come from teachers in core academic subjects who know you well and can speak to your academic strengths, intellectual curiosity, and engagement in the classroom. However, if you've done significant work with another adult, such as an employer or mentor, who can speak to your character and potential, a letter from them can also work.

It's recommended to ask these teachers or mentors fairly early in the process, especially if you're planning to apply for Early Decision. This will give them plenty of time to craft thoughtful letters that highlight your strengths and provide meaningful anecdotes about your work.

Remember that you should also provide your letter writer(s) with relevant materials, like a list of your academic achievements and extracurricular activities, so they can tailor their letter to your application.

As a final note, NYU does allow for additional letters of recommendation to be submitted, but you should only utilize this option if the second or third letters add a new and distinct perspective to your application. In general, quality is more important than quantity when it comes to letters of recommendation.