Are You Ready to Apply to NYU

Learn What it Takes to Gain Admittance at NYU For high school students interested in living in the heart of a major city, New York University often emerges as a best-fit option. The renowned institution has a multitude of unique opportunities and specializations, as well as a one-of-a-kind campus location. Students who are interested in attending NYU need to do their due diligence and compile compelling applications, particularly as the admissions rate has dropped significantly in recent years. Keep reading to learn more about what it takes to gain admission to this top-tier institution and how applicants can stand out. School BasicsFounded in 1831, New York University is a private research university based in New York City. NYU’s historical campus is based in Greenwich Village although the University has buildings throughout the city, including in midtown and Brooklyn. Undergraduate enrollment surpasses 25,000 and students have the opportunity to enroll in a variety of sub-schools, including the Stern School of Business and the Gallatin School for Individualized Study. NYU athletes play in the NCAA Division 3 category. Application 101Given the unique location and diverse array of opportunities, many students are eager to enroll at NYU. Consequently, the school reported its lowest admission rate on record last year, with just a 16% acceptance rate. Students who are interested in applying have the option to send in applications through Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision, which have the following corresponding deadlines: November 1, January 1, and January 1. All applicants must apply via the Common App and there is an $80 fee associated with applying. Applicants must include SAT, ACT, AP, or SAT II scores, as well as official high school transcripts, and a personal statement. Some programs, such as those at Tisch School of the Arts, also require an audition or portfolio that relates to the program a student is applying to. What it Takes to Stand OutWith such a low acceptance rate, it's important to find out exactly what it takes to gain a seat at NYU. While there is no fool-proof formula for admissions, there are several steps applicants can take to put their best foot forward. Researching the institution and applying to a program that aligns with a student’s specific goals and passions is a priority, especially at a school like NYU where there are so many different specialized options. Additionally, it is important to get a sense of what kinds of scores and grades applicants need to be competitive. The University reports a 3.7 unweighted GPA as the typical GPA of most First-Years and the middle 50% range of test scores are:1350-1530 for the SAT, and 30-34 for the ACT. In addition to possessing the requisite SAT or ACT scores and grades, students need to make sure they are carefully following all of the specific application guidelines for the program they are applying to. If an applicant is interested in a degree program that requires a portfolio or audition, be sure to compile something that serves as a highlight reel and showcases your best work. Similarly, students who are applying to specialized academic programs, such as the undergraduate business program at Stern, need to make sure their application emphasizes their passion and interest in the field. Regardless of major, students should let their unique personalities as well as interests and passions shine through in their applications. With the proper preparation and research, students can emerge as competitive applicants throughout NYU’s admissions process. If you are interested in applying to the institution and need additional guidance, we have members of our college admissions team who have experience at NYU.