New York University is one of the best colleges in the United States due to the quality of its programs, research-oriented departments, and high standards. With a 21 percent acceptance rate, any student who wants to get into NYU has to stand out, and one of the best ways to do so is to enroll in any one of the NYU programs for high school students.
If you or someone you love is looking for ideal NYU pre-college programs, this comprehensive overview will help. It contains a list of some of the best pre-college programs hosted by NYU for high school students who want to increase their chances of admission into the university, discusses the importance of pre-college programs at NYU, and details how to apply.
Why High School Students Should Attend an NYU Program
The NYU pre-college program is an unforgettable adventure that helps ease the transition into college classroom learning. Without adequate preparation, new students may be overwhelmed. A pre-college course at NYU provides students access to resources and professional training, helps them develop critical thinking skills, and exposes them to the right academic programming for college life.
High School Student Requirements for NYU Program
A high school transcript that includes all classes and grades is one of the main admissions requirements. Students whose native language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency from a recognized agency. Applicants will also need to pay a fee of $25 and include a compelling personal statement with their application for admission.
Can High School Students Attend an NYU Program Online?
Yes, there are options for NYU online classes and seminars for high school students enrolled in the NYU pre-college program. The most popular option is the 90-minute online seminar for students interested in any one of the many academic fields at NYU or ambitious students who want more opportunities for deep learning. Students may also opt for online classes depending on their chosen field.
How High School Students Can Get Into an NYU Program
- Apply online. First, visit the official NYU pre-college application website and fill out the online application form. Students will need to fill in details like name, date of birth, email address, mailing address, and grade level. Make sure all details are correct.
- Activate the account. The details provided will be used to create an account. Prospective students will subsequently receive a PIN in their email for account activation and to log in to their account and submit their resumes.
- Submit a resume. NYU acknowledges that applicants are high school students or recent graduates. However, students will need to provide a resume that contains academic and extracurricular information to increase their chances of acceptance. NYU might ask for additional information depending on the application.
- Wait for a response. Students will receive an instant email acknowledging their application has been received. If they are granted admission, they will receive another email after a few days with details regarding how to complete their enrollment.
- Complete the enrollment. At this point, students are now students of the NYU pre-college program. Follow the instructions to complete the enrollment and start attending classes. Note that admittance into the pre-college program is not a guarantee of admittance into the conventional university setting.
NYU Academies
College of Arts & Science
The College of Arts & Science at NYU is happy to welcome pre-college students for a range of topics. A wide range of courses is available for high school students, worth between three and four credits each.
Popular Pre-College Programs
- American Studies-Social and Cultural Analysis
- Computer Science
- Creative Writing
Tisch School of the Arts
Tisch School of the Arts is one of the most popular academies at NYU. If you are thinking of eventually pursuing advanced study and a degree in the department, it is important to choose credited pre-college courses from the facility. Each course offers three to four credits. The program format for these programs could be subject to change due to COVID-19.
Popular Pre-College Programs
- Undergrad Film & TV
- Open Arts Curriculum
- Dramatic Writing
Tandon School of Engineering
For those who want to become engineers, the Tandon School of Engineering at NYU offers a great program. Students can get a taste of this program by applying for the NYU pre-college program. Those who do well in the program can earn up to eight credits.
Popular Pre-College Programs
- Mathematics
- General Engineering
- Biomolecular Science
Popular NYU Programs for High School Students
| Program | Cost | Location | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYU Pre-College | $3,600-$15,700 |
Online | 6 weeks |
| NYU STEP | $200-$350 | NYU Washington Square campus | 5 weeks |
| NYU GSTEM | $4,500 | NYU Washington Square campus | 6 weeks |
| Tisch Online Screenwriters Workshop | $7,065 | Online | 1-3 months |
| Tisch Summer High School Program | $12,000 – $13,000 | NYU Washington Square campus | 1 month |
| Computer Science for Cyber Security | Free | NYU Washington Square campus | 3 weeks |
| Coding for Game Design | $2,448 | NYU Washington Square campus, online | 2 weeks |
| NYU Summer College Access Leadership Institute | Free | NYU Washington Square campus, online | 1 week |
| NYU College of Dentistry’s Saturday Academy | Free | NYY Washington Square Campus, online | 7 weeks |
| NYU Tandon’s Summer Program in Machine Learning | $2,100 | NYU Washington Square campus, online | 2 weeks |
The Best NYU Pre-College Programs
NYU Pre-College Program
- Discipline: STEM, humanities and social sciences, health and education studies, arts and media, business, college prep
- Learning Method: Online
High school students from the ninth to 11th grades may apply for this credit-based, pre-college program. There are lots of courses to choose from, and it is better to do something as closely related to your future career ambitions as possible. Pre-college programs at NYU usually last for a few weeks during the summer months.
NYU STEP
- Discipline: STEM
- Learning Method: In person
The NYU Science and Technology Entry Program is designed for students in grades seven through 12. It is a state-funded initiative for African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, and other Americans from economically struggling communities. It is a non-credit program meant to prepare students for the advanced technology fields they’ll face as undergraduates.
NYU GSTEM
- Discipline: STEM, health and education studies
- Learning Method: In person
This high school program is for high school girls who are interested in STEM fields and health education disciplines. Note that it does not offer credits, but students get to experience college student life by participating in research, going on field trips, and joining a large peer network of scientists. It is a great experience on a thriving college campus. Financial aid is also available for students who cannot afford the full tuition.
Tisch Online Screenwriters Workshop
- Discipline: Art and media
- Learning Method: Online
Students from grades nine to 12 with a love for screenwriting can apply for this academic program. It runs for about 10 weeks and successful students earn four college credits. It is offered by the faculty of arts and media and is available to international students who wish to learn online. To qualify for this program, students need a GPA of at least 3.0.
Tisch Summer High School Program
- Discipline: Arts and media
- Learning Method: In person, online
Tisch Summer High School Program offers a residential program and online summer sessions for high school students interested in media and arts. It is geared toward students in grades 10 and 11 with an interest in filmmaking, writing, dance, drama, production, and design. They will earn four to six credits from this college experience, depending on the number of courses taken.
Computer Science for Cyber Security
- Discipline: Computer science, cyber security
- Learning Method: In person
Those with an interest in cyber security will benefit from this program. Students currently enrolled in grades eight to 10 can apply for this program. It is a non-credit cyber security bootcamp, and it teaches students groundbreaking technology in computer science and cyber security.
Coding for Game Design
- Discipline: STEM
- Learning Method: In person, online
Love to code? Students can take this non-credit coding college class specifically for game design. Those in grades 10 to 12 are welcome to apply and learn from the Consortium for Research and Evaluation of Advanced Technologies in Education (CREATE). Students can learn the core requirements for thriving in this demanding field.
NYU Summer College Access Leadership Institute
- Discipline: College prep
- Learning Method: On campus, online
NYU CALI is for students who simply want to prepare for the college admissions process while preparing for a higher level of study at the same time. It is a one-week, non-credit prep seminar designed for students in the 10th and 11th grades. It typically takes place each July so high school students can learn tips to help them ace their official application to NYU so they can be prepared when the time comes.
NYU College of Dentistry’s Saturday Academy
- Discipline: STEM
- Learning Method: Online, in person
Popularly known as the Saturday Academy, this program is for students interested in a future profession of dentistry. It is held virtually and on campus and is free for admitted students. Dentistry is one of the most in-demand clinical care professions today, and this is a learning experience that will bring any dentistry class to life. If you’re interested in this field of healthcare, this program is for you. Students in the 10th to 12th grades attend classes every Saturday for seven weeks during the fall season.
NYU Tandon’s Summer Program in Machine Learning
- Discipline: STEM
- Learning Method: Online
Machine learning is all the rage these days and students do not need to wait until they are in college to start learning. This two-week machine learning bootcamp by NYU’s Tandon’s Summer Program is for students in grades eight to 11. They will learn automation, artificial intelligence, and other related technologies.
Next Steps After Your NYU Program for High School Students
After you complete an NYU high school program, you can either return to high school or start applying to colleges. It depends on the academic field you opt for and your current career path. When applying to NYU or any other college, having a summer program on your resume can improve your chances of a positive admissions decision.
NYU Programs for High School Students FAQ
Yes, NYU has a range of programs for high school and middle school students with exceptional academics. Most of these programs are paid but some are free. There is also a pre-college program that prepares high school seniors for college life. The Career Edge Program the school offers is an opportunity for students to study what it’s like to work in the real world.
NYU looks for students with exceptional academic records. Typically, students need a GPA of at least 3.0 to qualify for most high school programs at NYU. They’ll also need to participate in extracurricular activities like volunteer work and sports. Students will also need to submit class rank and standardized test scores if they are trying to get into NYU proper.
No, NYU is not an Ivy League university. It does, however, have a solid track record because of its excellent academic and athletic programs across the board. A degree from NYU will hold just as much weight in the job market as one from an Ivy League.
High school students should attend summer internship programs, pre-college programs, or university high school programs. There are also local summer programs to keep students academically active and boost their credentials for when they’re ready to attend college. Students as young as high school sophomores should start to think about what they’re going to put on their future college applications.
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