Is applying to NYU regular decision a good option?

I'm thinking about applying to NYU, but I'm not sure if regular decision is a smart choice. Does it affect my chances of getting in compared to early decision, and what are the benefits?

Well, applying regular decision versus early decision (ED) to NYU, or any school, can have different implications. ED to NYU, as with any school, is a commitment to attend if accepted. Therefore universities generally see a higher acceptance rate among ED applicants because this mechanism secures the enrollment yield. On average, applying ED brings about a 1.6x increase in your odds of being accepted compared to regular decision.

However, it's essential to recognize that ED isn't a good approach for everyone. The biggest limitation is that you can't compare financial aid offers from different schools. So, if financial considerations are a priority for you, applying regular decision can be a wise choice. By applying regular decision, you can compare different package offers and make the best financial decision.

It's crucial, however, to keep in mind that making a financial contribution is challenging and shouldn't be underestimated. Trying to compromise with the school, if an insufficient financial aid package is provided, may be stressful and not guaranteed to be successful. So, applying ED should be done when you're certain that you can afford attending or you're fully comfortable with the risk.

Think about which category you fall into and what your priorities are in order to make a decision. If NYU is your dream school and you feel strongly that it’s the right fit for you, despite potential financial implications, applying ED might be worth it. But if you want to keep your options open, compare financial aid offers, and perhaps are not sure about committing to NYU, then applying regular decision is perfectly fine. Remember, at the end of the day, what matters is that you are happy and comfortable with your decision.