NYU SAT scores: What are they looking for?

I'm applying to NYU and wondering what SAT score range I should aim for in order to have a good shot at getting in. Are there certain score thresholds that can significantly impact my chances?

NYU, like many selective universities, looks for strong test scores as one part of their holistic admissions process. Although they do not have an explicit SAT score cutoff, having a competitive score can certainly boost your chances of admission. Generally, you'll want to aim for a score that falls within or above the middle 50% range of admitted students to be considered a strong candidate.

For NYU, the middle 50% SAT score range for the most recent admitted class is approximately 1350 to 1510. This means that to be competitive, you should aim for at least a 1350, though a score closer to or above the 75th percentile (1510) would strengthen your application further. Keep in mind that these numbers are not absolute, and students with lower scores can certainly still be admitted if they shine in other aspects of their application.

It's important to remember that NYU, like many other colleges, practices a holistic admissions process, which means they'll consider not only your test scores but also your GPA, course rigor, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. Thus, while a strong SAT score is important, it doesn't guarantee admission, and likewise, a lower score doesn't necessarily disqualify you if the rest of your application is compelling.