Receiving postsecondary education is a great step towards achieving your career goals, and New York University is among the best universities in the United States, ranking number 28 in the US News national universities list. Thousands of soon-to-be postsecondary students need to know how to get into NYU, and this article is designed to help both undergraduate and graduate students get into their first-rate degree program of choice.
If you’re wondering how to get accepted into New York University, it is important to know the minimum NYU requirements for admission, including what secondary school education you must have. As well, you will learn about the NYU acceptance rate, how to apply, and how to be among the small percentage of accepted candidates.
All About NYU Admissions
New York University is a highly selective school, with admissions officers reviewing an applicant’s official transcripts, application essay, and letter of recommendation. Their rigorous process is to ensure students meet the admission requirements imposed by the institution. Below is a description of three of the main contributing factors to an applicant’s success in the holistic review process, including average test scores and degree requirements.
NYU Acceptance Rate
Figures from NYU’s 2021 admission records show an acceptance rate of less than 13 percent, an all-time record for their campus in New York. This acceptance rate is significantly lower than other years and indicates just how selective the institute has become. However, NYU has become more diverse, with 29 percent of admittees being under-represented students. As well, NYU has students from all 50 states in the country, and over 100 countries globally.
NYU GPA
Although New York University does not have a minimum accepted unweighted grade-point average (GPA), the majority of students have an unweighted 3.7 GPA or higher. To achieve this score, students must excel academically. Subsequently, obtaining a GPA closer to 4.0 increases your chance of admittance.
NYU Total Enrollment
Figures from the 2021 season indicate that NYU currently caters to over 53,000 students. It has nearly 30,000 undergraduate students, another 18,000 graduate students, and over 5,000 students who run noncredit programs. The school also has a graduation rate of 85 percent, and over 95 percent of its graduates gain employment or enroll in graduate degree programs within six months of graduation.
NYU Requirements
- An Excellent School Transcript. Prospective applicants to NYU generally have a GPA of 3.7 or higher. You must also take and excel in several advanced placement (AP) and international baccalaureate (IB) courses available in your high school curriculum. However, applying to advanced programs requires you to submit an official transcript from your undergraduate or graduate institution.
- A Work Portfolio. This requirement applies to students who are in the arts or cultural studies. Your portfolio allows you to display your skills and demonstrate why your chosen program should admit you. It also helps the application reader determine how suitable you are to your chosen program.
- High SAT and ACT Scores. While there is no official cutoff mark for standardized testing, some reports indicate that the most successful applicants have a minimum SAT score of 1500, which is in the 75th percentile. You’ll have to obtain a score near this mark to boost your admission chances.
- An Application Essay. All selected applicants must submit an application essay of no more than 400 words with their application for admission. The essay is an excellent opportunity to convince the admissions committee of your personal qualities and demonstrate why NYU is a good fit for you.
- Letters of Recommendation. Depending on your program, you may need one or several letters of recommendation. Ideally, school counselors and other people who know you well and can speak candidly about your strengths and weaknesses should write them for you.
- An English Language Proficiency Exam. This requirement applies only to international applicants. Suppose you’re a freshman international applicant or you have a degree from a non-English-speaking institution outside the United States. In that case, you may have to submit scores from an English language proficiency test.
Is It Hard to Get Into NYU?
Yes, it is difficult to gain admission into NYU. Due to the high volume of applications, as New York University receives nearly 100,000 applications annually, there is immense competition. Although the institution has flexible standardized testing policies, applicants must have an SAT score around the 1500 mark. As previously mentioned, further requirements include excellent academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and an application essay.
With the list of requirements necessary to even be considered for a spot at this prestigious university, there are still even more requirements, based on which school you choose to go with. If you’re applying to Tisch School of the Arts, NYU Stern School of Business, or Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, a portfolio of work and supplemental essays must be submitted.
These same requirements apply to students who wish to join NYU’s study abroad programs, choosing their other campuses in Abu Dhabi or Shanghai, or even its universities in London, Sydney, or Madrid. Refer to the admission requirements when applying to boost your chances of admission, and try to apply early for an Early Decision admission.
How to Prepare for an NYU Interview
Typically, there is not a formal interview process at New York University, except potentially for those applying to Tisch School of the Arts or Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. Prospective students applying for these schools may be required to audition or submit a portfolio, rather than standardized test scores.
If you do end up being asked for an interview, you must respond to that request swiftly and professionally. Be prepared to sell your skills, experience, and passion to the interviewer, and persuade them that you are the right fit for the program. Ready answers to common interview questions and brush up on the program you are interested in, as well as the institution.
10 Tips for Getting Into NYU
Obtaining admission into NYU is difficult by any standards. However, thousands of students get an excellent education at this prestigious university, and it is worth the effort. Everything about your application, from the essay to your academic records, must be stellar. Below are some tips you can use to improve your admissions chances.
1. Take as Many AP and IB Classes as Possible
During your final years in high school, there is no specific number of advanced placement (AP) classes you must take. However, it is recommended you take between five to 12 AP classes if available, or obtain an IB diploma. This will help build an excellent transcript and make your application stand out.
2. Earn a High SAT and ACT Score
Although NYU does not have a specific SAT and ACT cutoff mark, the admissions office carefully considers standardized tests. Successful first-year applicants generally score above 1500 on the SAT, and accepted students have an average ACT score of 33. Aim for these numbers to get a competitive score and boost your application merits.
3. Apply for an Early Decision Admission
If you apply for an Early Decision admission, you are more likely to gain admission than Regular Decision applicants. With an overall acceptance rate of 13 percent, you should do anything you can do to increase your odds of admission. The two deadlines for Early Decision are November 1 and January 1, so apply as soon as you can.
4. Obtain Powerful Letters of Recommendation
Ask for a letter of recommendation from your teachers and other individuals familiar with your academic work and personal aspirations. They know you best, and their opinions will account for much during the admissions process.
5. Take an English Language Proficiency Exam (ELPE)
International students must submit test scores for an English language proficiency test, especially from regions where English is not the language of instruction. If you score highly on international examinations like IELTS, TOEFL, or other recognized proficiency tests, you are more likely to get accepted into NYU.
6. Prepare for Any Interviews
Some of NYU’s programs may require an interview. They count towards the admissions decision, and you should prepare well for them. These discussions allow you to introduce yourself to potential colleagues and friends. They’ll also help your interviewers better understand your motivations, goals, and aspirations.
7. Compile a Strong Portfolio of Work and Creative Submissions
The NYU Stern School of Business and Tisch School of the Arts require applicants to submit portfolios or supplemental essays. First-year applicants may also audition for places at these respected institutions. Select examples that best express your distinct talents and personality when compiling your portfolio.
8. Prepare a Compelling Resume and Cover Letter
Some graduate programs may require you to submit a resume and cover letter. You can use these documents to showcase your academic and professional experiences, especially those related to your field of study. They are excellent tools to gain a competitive edge over other applicants, and you should prepare your resume and cover letter carefully.
9. Write a Strong Personal Statement
A strong personal statement or application essay is one way to convince application readers of your suitability for the program. Write about your motivations for choosing NYU, why you are a good fit, and how you will positively contribute to the school and its community. You can also discuss why Washington Square and Greenwich Village appeal to you.
10. Submit All Necessary Documentation and Applications Promptly
You should submit all the necessary applications and other documents promptly. The competition is stiff, and prompt submissions give the admissions committee more time to review your application in its entirety. It also helps if you apply for the NYU Grossman School of Medicine or College of Arts and Science programs and submit other documents later.
What Does It Take to Get Into NYU?
You’ll need excellent grades, exceptional academic documents, innovative thinking, and a spirit of adventure to get into this dream school. A placement examination or an artistic review process may also be required. The application requirements for incoming students are numerous, but the admissions process is relatively straightforward.
How to Get Into NYU FAQ
Yes, all applicants use the Common App for the application process. Using the Common App, you can apply to one or all three of NYU’s degree-granting campuses in Shanghai, Abu Dhabi, and New York. You can also choose your preferred programs and campus on the Common App page specific to NYU.
Yes, there are a few scholarships for successful applicants and students. The cost of attendance is high, and New York University provides need-based aid to most undergraduate students who apply for a financial aid package. You can apply for scholarships, loans, and grants to fund your education.
Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, NYU Stern School of Business, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and NYU School of Law are some of the more well-known institutes in NYU. They account for a large portion of the student population, and they have several distinguished alumni.
There are three deadlines for admissions applications. The first two are for Early Decision, and they are November 1 and January 1. The deadline for Regular Decision admission is January 5. Applicants must also pay an application fee of $80 and send unofficial documents by email or upload them through the applicant portal.
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