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Are you considering studying at NYU? Here’s your definitive guide to getting in. We’ll discuss New York University requirements and what you can do to help your application shine.
Since it was established in 1831, New York University (NYU) continues to be one of the best non-Ivy League colleges in the US. NYU has a QS ranking of #38 globally, and Forbes recently honored 19 NYU alumni in their “30 under 30” list across different industries.
With this level of prestige in mind, it’s no wonder NYU attracts thousands of eager and competitive applicants annually. This article will cover everything you need to know about getting into NYU and its admission requirements. We’ll walk you through the process so you can confidently navigate your application.
New York University’s acceptance rate is 8%. Despite its large student population, NYU is selective in its admissions. Recent class data shows that NYU received over 118,000 applications, a first-time decrease since 2007.
Three undergraduate schools accepted less than 10% of applicants:
NYU has made it clear that diversity is a priority for the school. The university understands that there is no one profile for an ideal applicant. The incoming undergraduate class is the most diverse in history. According to NYU, no single ethnic group constitutes more than 22% of the class population.
For more info on NYU’s acceptance rate trends, here’s a table outlining the acceptance rates from the past few years:
The NYU early decision acceptance rate is estimated to be around 18%. While this is a higher rate than the overall acceptance rate, it is still very competitive.
Considering that only 8% of a pool of over 100,000 applicants have secured a spot at this institution, NYU’s admissions process is quite selective.
Prospective students must submit meticulously crafted and distinct applications to maximize their chances of being accepted.
The yield rate for NYU is 54.39%. This means that it accepts over half of the students who apply every year.
Take our interactive quiz below to find out how likely you are to get into NYU.
To put together the best application possible, it can be helpful to know the average stats of recent incoming classes. That way, you can know what benchmarks to aim for. Here are some admission stats from the most recent NYU class.
A 3.7 unweighted GPA is typical for most admitted first-years at NYU. This means you should try to get straight As in all your high school classes!
While there’s no set GPA requirement, most admitted students are ranked in the top 10% of their graduating class.
Successful candidates had an average SAT score of 1520, with the middle 50% ranging from 1470 to 1570. The average SAT reading and writing scores ranged from 720 to 770, and math scores ranged from 750 to 800.
NYU is test-optional and doesn’t set a minimum SAT score requirement. However, if your SAT score is at the higher end of these ranges, we recommend submitting it to strengthen your application and demonstrate your academic prowess.
If you choose to submit SAT scores, you can submit your highest result if you took the test more than once.
New York University’s average ACT score is 34, and the middle 50% range of scores from admitted students is 33 to 35. Similarly to the SAT, the ACT is not required, but if you have a high score, you should submit it for a stronger overall application.
You can submit multiple tests for the ACT, and the university will create a “superscore” from the highest scores of each section of all the tests you submit. This superscore isn’t an option for the SATs.
New York University evaluates candidates based on their academic qualifications and personal experience. To create a strong application, you should demonstrate intellectual abilities through your GPA and SAT/ACT. You should also write compelling essays, participate in relevant extracurriculars, and gain lots of work experience.
Here’s some more info on how this university evaluates applications from their Common Data Set:
NYU's freshman admission decisions emphasize more academic and less nonacademic factors. The rigor of the secondary school record, class rank, GPA, and standardized test scores are very important. The school values talent, character, and extracurricular activities over first-generation status, alumni relations, volunteer work, work experience, and state residency.
First, every undergraduate applicant will need to submit a general application.
Here’s what you’ll need to include:
NYU requires one letter of recommendation, which can be sent by a teacher or a professor. They also accept up to three letters of recommendation, so the more the merrier.
When gathering your mentors, think strategically about who the best person is to recommend you. Forget about titles; go for the individuals who have worked personally with you and can add to your narrative.
When applying to NYU, make sure you have a good amount of quality extracurriculars to show them. The university doesn’t care about elite titles or how complex an extracurricular is. They want to see how your participation contributes to your narrative.
A good extracurricular is anything that establishes initiative, entertainment, and leadership. A night out with your friends might not be a good option, but the leader of a sports team is.
Depending on the school/college you’re applying to, you may also need to submit supporting documentation. For example, the Tisch School of Arts requires applicants to submit an artistic portfolio or audition.
Here are some additional program requirements you should be mindful of at NYU:
You’ll need to stay aware of college application deadlines so that you don’t miss any important requirements. Here are some significant dates that you should keep track of when applying:
The Regular Decision deadline at NYU is January 5. All Regular Decision applicants will receive their admission notification by April 1. Note that the cutoff time for applications is 11:59 pm in your local time.
Early Decision I applicants should submit their applications by November 1 and will receive their admissions decision by December 15. However, if you’re applying for Early Decision II, you’ll need to submit by January 1 to get a decision by February 15.
Wondering how to make the most of your NYU application? Read on for expert tips on how to get in!
Early Decision applicants at any college often enjoy higher acceptance rates than their Regular Decision peers, although other factors may explain these data trends. However, you should consider applying through NYU’s early decision program if:
NYU is pretty tight-lipped about its early decision acceptance rate, but data trends indicate it’s likely substantially higher than regular decisions. Although many regular decision applicants are admitted each cycle, applying through early decision can show your passion and interest in NYU. Don’t forget about this option!
The chances are that most applicants won’t be invited to interview, meaning you have one shot to “speak” to the admissions committee. Your personal statement is crucial to your success in all college applications, but your supplemental essay is where you can get school-specific.
Although the essay is only 250 words, strive to make each count. Before writing, spend ample time brainstorming your story and considering all angles of your experiences and background.
Unfortunately, not all high school resources are created equally. Maybe you’ve been struggling to speak to a guidance counselor or feel you need a little more support as you navigate this new and exciting process. This is more common than you’d think; the average counselor-to-student ratio in NYC high schools is 1:215!
One surefire way to boost your chances of admission is to partner with a talented NYU admissions consultant. These experts can provide a fresh perspective on your application, help you strategically position yourself as the best candidate possible, and more!
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Don’t just take our word for it! Ramya, a current senior at NYU, got in despite the challenging applications. Here’s what she had to say about her experience with Quad Education:
“I think what made Quad stand out was how involved the counselors were with the process and they feel like they the counselors really got to know you in the process to really help you and see where your strengths were so they could help you out the best they could."
If you’d like to hear the rest of Ramya’s story, check out this video:
NYU admires students who show passion and dedication beyond just academics. While grades matter, your involvement outside the classroom also counts.
Explore activities that genuinely interest you and where you can make a meaningful impact. Whether you volunteer, join clubs, play sports, pursue artistic endeavors, or take on leadership roles, demonstrate your commitment and the positive difference you make.
NYU values diversity and individuality. Use your essays as a platform to reveal your authentic self and what sets you apart from other applicants.
Go beyond surface-level statements and share personal anecdotes, reflections, and insights that provide a genuine glimpse into your character, experiences, and aspirations. Write in a way that reflects your personality and showcases your unique perspective on the world.
Writing a standout application requires feedback and revision. Once you've written your essays, seek input from teachers, mentors, or peers who can offer valuable perspectives.
Be open to constructive criticism and use it to refine your essays further. Pay attention to clarity, coherence, grammar, and punctuation to ensure your writing is polished and error-free. Taking the time to edit and refine your work demonstrates your commitment to presenting your best self.
Managing the college application process can be overwhelming, so staying organized is crucial. Create a timeline or checklist to keep track of important dates and requirements.
Set realistic goals and set aside time for each task to avoid last-minute stress. Utilize digital tools or planners to stay on top of deadlines and reminders. Meeting deadlines consistently demonstrate your reliability and respect for the application process, which can positively influence how your application is viewed.
Applicants to NYU must submit two college admission essays in the general application. The first is your personal statement, which you’ll submit to every school you apply to. The other is an NYU-specific essay.
This is NYU’s most recent essay prompt, although this may change depending on the application cycle:
We are looking for peacemakers, changemakers, global citizens, boundary breakers, creatives and innovators—choose one quote from the following and let us know why it inspires you; or share a short quote and person not on our list who inspires you, and include why.
You have a 250-word limit to answer this prompt.
If you need some inspiration before you start writing your own response, check out our database of 190+ College Essay Examples!
Still curious about how to get into NYU? Explore our answers to common frequently asked questions below!
While there's no GPA cutoff, the average GPA of admitted students is 3.7. A higher GPA can make you more competitive, but you can offset a lower GPA with strong test scores, extracurriculars, and essays.
NYU excels in performing arts and business programs.
No, NYU is not an Ivy League school.
Interviews are not typically required except for certain programs/schools like NYU's Opportunity Programs.
Yes, NYU is test-optional, but you can still submit high scores if you want them considered.
Yes, NYU allows double majors and cross-school minors in another NYU undergraduate school.
NYU received a record-breaking 120,000 applicants for first-year undergraduate admissions in the most recent cycle.
Yes, NYU superscores ACT scores, considering your highest scores.
NYU’s tuition costs $62,796 a year.
While possible, a 3.5 GPA may require supplementing your application with high SAT/ACT scores, compelling essays, and strong recommendations, as the average incoming GPA is 3.7.
NYU is one of the largest and highest-ranked universities in the world. Getting in is quite competitive, although it regularly admits many driven and capable students. Focus on showcasing your passion and individuality to make a lasting impression on the admissions committee.
Working with an experienced admissions consultant can also help you craft a winning application that will wow NYU and land you an acceptance rate just like this one:
