Admission Difficulty at NYU?

Hi all, I have NYU on my college list and I'm wondering about its selectivity. How tough is the NYU admissions process? What are they looking for in applicants?

New York University (NYU) is indeed a highly competitive institution. For the class of 2025, its acceptance rate was about 12%, making it quite selective.

That being said, NYU, like many other universities, considers a variety of factors in their admissions process. These include your high school transcript, rigor of course load, GPA, standardized test scores, essays, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and personal factors.

Academics always play a significant role. NYU will look at your transcript to see the types of courses you've elected to take (honors, AP, IB, etc.), as well as how well you've performed in those courses.

For standardized testing, NYU is test-optional for the 2024-2025 application cycle, which means you have the choice to submit your SAT or ACT scores, but they're not a requirement. But, remember, if you feel your scores will positively contribute to your application, you may want to include them.

The essays also hold a lot of weight. NYU is known for its "Why NYU?" essay prompt, where you must specifically outline why you're interested in NYU and its individual programs. Demonstrating a deep understanding of NYU and its academic programs can be a great way to make your application stand out.

Extra-curricular activities can show NYU that you're active in your community and passionate about specific areas. NYU values well-rounded applicants who can contribute on campus and beyond. Remember though, it's not about the quantity of extracurriculars, it’s more about the quality of your involvement and commitment.

Finally, when it comes to personal qualities, NYU values intellectual independence and looks for students who have a variety of experiences, backgrounds, and interests.

Remember, every application is unique. The most competitive applicants are those who excel in these areas and also fit with the university’s culture and atmosphere. Best of luck!