How to Get Into NYU: Requirements and Strategies
/Discover the NYU acceptance rate and requirements, plus a sample essay to boost your NYU admissions odds
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Part 1: Introduction
If your child is an ambitious student with a passion for exploring other cultures and studying alongside like-minded young leaders, they should consider applying to New York University. Founded in 1831 with an intentional global focus, NYU is the perfect school for students who want creativity, expression, and innovation to be at the forefront of their education.
The cross-cultural mission of NYU is demonstrated in multiple ways. The members of its student body hail from over one-hundred countries, creating a diverse campus community and student life. NYU has degree-granting campuses in three different nations: its original campus in New York, a second in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and a third in Shanghai, China.
In addition to the three main campuses, NYU offers its students eleven study-away sites for international travel and educational opportunities. Over 60 percent of NYU students take advantage of study abroad experiences as undergraduates, visiting locations such as Germany, Argentina, Italy, Ghana, Spain, France, Israel, London, the Czech Republic, and Australia.
In the classroom, NYU students learn from esteemed researchers and thinkers who shape society. With a 8:1 student-faculty ratio, students have the opportunity to build relationships with Pulitzer Prize winners, Guggenheim fellows, Turing Award winners, Nobel Prize winners, and winners of Grammy, Emmy, and Academy Awards.
On any given day, NYU students study in different countries and different time zones but receive the same level of high-quality education. An Economics major at NYU in New York might take a course on “Poverty and Income Distribution,” while an Econ major in Abu Dhabi studies “Oil and Energy in the Middle East” and one in Shanghai takes a “Modern Economic Growth: Explore China” course. And even though thousands of miles separate them, they are connected through the NYU spirit and community.
And after NYU? Graduates join an alumni network of over 500,000 members. With notable alumni spread across every industry—from award-winning actors and actresses to Fortune 500 CEOs to prime ministers and presidents—it’s no wonder that 95 percent of NYU grads are employed or in graduate school within six months of earning their degree.
If your child is excited about this world-class university and hoping to discover the secret of how to get into NYU, they’re not alone. Over 100,000 students apply to NYU every year, making the admissions competition extremely fierce. In this guide, we’ll explore the NYU acceptance rate, NYU admissions requirements, and NYU application to help your child make their NYU dreams become reality.
NYU ranking
Forbes: 46
Niche: 45
U.S. News & World Report: 25
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education: 15
Where is NYU located?
NYU’s three degree-granting campuses are located in some of the most unique and vibrant cities found in the modern world. The original NYU campus resides in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan—a borough that’s proud of being a center for art, culture, and entertainment. With just a quick subway ride, students can frequent prestigious museums, theaters, and galleries, as well as famous tourist attractions such as Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Broadway, and Times Square.
The NYU campus in Abu Dhabi was founded in 2010 on Saadiyat Island. Abu Dhabi is one of the seven United Arab Emirates, located near Dubai and the neighboring country of Saudi Arabia. Through college-led experiences, students get the opportunity to explore the seven emirates with particular attention paid to appreciating the rich religious and cultural traditions found in the Middle East.
In 2013, NYU founded its newest campus in Shanghai, China—a joint venture with East China Normal University. Set in the heart of China’s largest city, NYU Shanghai’s campus resides in the Pudong financial district, just a few miles from the East China Sea. Recognized as a major global financial hub, Shanghai boasts a futuristic skyscraper skyline and iconic waterfront promenade. It’s the perfect location for students from around the world to meet, learn, and grow together.
NYU setting
NYU takes pride in being a “distinctly urban university,” with each of its campuses located right in the middle of the action taking place in their respective cities. Whichever location they choose, NYU students have access to cultural engagement, advantageous career opportunities, and memorable experiences.
Greenwich Village—the home of NYU’s New York campus—is well-known for its tree-lined streets, jazz clubs, and Off-Broadway theaters. NYU resides adjacent to the historic Washington Square Park, where students can gather, study, or enjoy observing the eclectic people of New York. Within a quick stroll of campus are numerous cafes, restaurants, and markets, ranging from fast food to premier fine dining. In the city that never sleeps, it’s easy to imagine NYU students don’t get much shut-eye, either.
On Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, NYU students commonly venture off-campus to shop at local markets, eat lunch in nearby parks, explore art galleries, or walk along the Persian Gulf. By immersing themselves in the local culture, students have opportunities to build relationships in the community, practice their Arabic, and deepen their cross-culture interactions.
With over 26 million people calling Shanghai home, NYU Shanghai students have no trouble finding activities, eateries, and new friends as they explore the city. Through NYU-led programs like This is China and Project OutReach, students can learn how to make traditional Chinese pottery, practice martial arts, or serve the local community by planting trees and performing at homes for the elderly.
NYU student population
Undergraduate students: 29,401
Graduate students: 29,743
NYU acceptance rate
Below are admissions statistics related to the class of 2027:
Applications: ~120,000
Acceptances: ~9,600
Matriculants: ~5,700
Acceptance rate: 8%
NYU tuition and scholarships
NYU’s 2023–2024 general cost of attendance (i.e., tuition, room, board, and fees) is $90,222. Certain schools, such as the Stern School of Business or Tisch School of the Arts, have slightly higher price tags.
41 percent of the class of 2024 received financial aid. The average first-year financial aid award is $37,000.
Who gets into NYU?
If your child wants to know how to get into NYU, a good place to start is by examining the academic statistics and demographics of successful applicants. Here are some numbers for the class of 2026:
Most accepted students ranked in the top 10% of their graduating high school class.
NYU average GPA: 3.7
25th percentile: 3.5
75th percentile: 3.9
NYU average ACT score: 33
25th percentile: 31
75th percentile: 35
NYU average SAT score: 1550
25th percentile: 1350
75th percentile: 1530
Demographic information for the class of 2027:
International students: 22.2%
First-generation students: 22%
26% of students identify as Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander, African American/Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, or Hispanic
The most popular major areas at NYU are visual and performing arts; social sciences; business, management, and marketing; liberal arts and sciences; and the health professions.
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Part 2: NYU admissions requirements
To stand out from other competitive applicants and have strong NYU admissions odds, your child should focus on three main areas of achievement throughout high school—academic rigor, high test scores, and in-depth extracurricular activities.
NYU academic requirements
The students NYU seeks to enroll are self-driven, ambitious, and innovative. These are qualities your child can easily reflect in their academic history—both in the classes they choose and in the grades they earn.
NYU has the following minimum class requirements for freshman applicants.
English/writing: 4 years
History/social studies: 3–4 years
Math: 3–4 years
Lab science: 3–4 years
Foreign language: 3–4 years
However, adhering to the minimums won’t demonstrate your child’s full potential or their fit for NYU. To better impress the NYU admissions committee, your child should pursue four years each in the main academic subjects listed above. In addition, they will want to push themselves to take high-level coursework, especially in their areas of interest.
For example, if your child wants to pursue a career in the health professions, they would be wise to take honors, AP, IB, or dual-enrollment courses in science and math—whatever level they can successfully handle. This will reveal your child’s commitment to a medical field and their potential to succeed in the rigorous science coursework they’ll face at NYU.
(Suggested reading: IB vs AP: Which one is better for college admissions?)
NYU testing requirements
With the goal of being more accessible to students from all backgrounds, NYU has developed a flexible testing policy. To be considered for admission, applicants must submit one of the following items:
IB diploma
3 AP exam scores
3 IB higher-level exam scores (if IB diploma not earned)
Other international examination (many different options can be approved by NYU)
Students hoping to get into NYU can satisfy the testing requirement with whichever option suits them best—each holds equal value in the eyes of the NYU admissions committee.
It’s worth noting that for the 2023–2024 admissions cycle, NYU has adopted a temporary test-optional policy in response to the widespread SAT and ACT test cancellations. All students applying to start at NYU in Fall 2023 will receive equal admissions consideration whether they submit test scores, don’t submit them, or submit them after the normal deadlines.
NYU extracurricular activity requirements
While having a rigorous academic history and strong test scores might get your child past an initial NYU admissions screen, their extracurricular activities are what will set them apart as an exceptional candidate for NYU.
Your child’s time outside the classroom is valuable. Instead of filling it with a bunch of activities that are meant to look good for colleges and help them appear “well-rounded,” we suggest a different extracurricular approach. Your child should identify the main areas of their interests and pursue those whole-heartedly in creative and innovative ways—making them specialists in that specific field.
For example, if your child is passionate about business and entrepreneurship, they should prioritize the activities connected to their interest. They might join or start a related club at high school and take on leadership roles. They could enroll in business-focused summer programs or training courses for students. But they should also pursue self-directed activities, such as creating a detailed business plan, starting their own business, or approaching business leaders in the community to seek advantageous internships. Taking initiative and displaying focused ambition will help your child stand out as an impressive NYU applicant.
Considering NYU’s unique international focus, students seeking an extra admissions edge will demonstrate a global interest through their activities. An obvious way to do so is by traveling to foreign countries on vacations, service, or educational trips. However, there are many ways to engage in diverse communities without leaving the country. Your child could learn a new language, join the cultural celebrations of local ethnic groups, or study and celebrate specific traditions of a foreign culture.
For example, the Japanese tea ceremony is an artistic and spiritual experience that requires the study of philosophy, art, and calligraphy. If interested in Japanese culture, your child could find a Japanese mentor, painstakingly learn the intricacies of this ceremony, and host a formal event for their friends or community once they’re ready. This would show a deep, authentic appreciation for different cultures.
(Suggested reading: Extracurricular Activities for College Admissions: The Ultimate Guide)
NYU application requirements
After years of succeeding in rigorous coursework, studying to ace standardized tests, and pursuing focused extracurriculars, your senior might be ready to apply to NYU. Here are the requirements for the NYU application.
A completed Common Application, including the Common App Essay and Common App Activities Section.
High school transcript
A Self Reported Academic Record (SRAR)
One or two teacher letters of recommendation
Test scores to satisfy NYU’s flexible testing policy
Optional: college transcripts for any dual-enrollment courses taken
If your child is applying to the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, they will be required to submit an audition or portfolio.
If your child is applying to the Tisch School of the Arts, they will be required to submit an audition or portfolio.
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Part 3: Applying to NYU early decision vs. regular decision
If your child has decided to apply to NYU, they still have one more decision to make—how should they apply? NYU offers three different admissions options, and it’s important to understand the distinctions so you can help your child make the best choice for them.
NYU Early Decision I
Application deadline: November 1st
Admissions notification: December 15th
Possible decisions: Accepted, denied or deferred to regular decision
If accepted, students must enroll at NYU and withdraw all other applications
NYU Early Decision II
Application deadline: January 1st
Admissions notification: February 15th
Possible decisions: Accepted, denied, or deferred to regular decision
If accepted, students must enroll at NYU and withdraw all other applications
NYU Regular Decision
Application deadline: January 5th
Admissions notification: April 1st
Possible decisions: Accepted, denied, or waitlisted
If accepted, students are not bound to attend NYU. They can compare acceptances and financial aid offers from other schools before making an enrollment decision.
It’s important to note that both early decision I and early decision II are binding, meaning your child is committing to attend NYU if granted an acceptance offer. The only options for students to decline an early decision acceptance from NYU is if the financial aid award doesn’t sufficiently cover their need or if they weren’t accepted to the primary campus, school, or program they designated on their application.
How to know if your child should apply to NYU early decision or regular decision?
If NYU is your child’s top college choice and they would be 100 percent committed to attending if accepted, they might consider applying for early decision I or early decision II admissions. The biggest factor in choosing which one to go for is time—will they be able to complete the best possible version of their application before November 1st? If they feel rushed, taking the extra two months to refine their application might be in their favor.
However, if financial aid is a concern and your child would like to be able to compare offers from the other colleges they apply to, they should hold off and apply regular decision to NYU.
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Part 4: 2023–2024 NYU supplemental essay (example included)
NYU requires applicants to write six supplemental essays responding to and sharing famous quotes that allow students to express their interest and fit for this prestigious institution. Let’s review and dissect this year’s prompts before sharing a sample essay.
Question 1: "We're used to people telling us there are no solutions, and then creating our own. So we did what we do best. We reached out to each other, and to our allies, and we mobilized across communities to make change, to benefit and include everyone in society." Judith Human, 2022 NYU Commencement Address (250 words)
This prompt targets NYU’s values and its seeking of students who will be changemakers. It’s also prioritizing the persistence those changemakers embody. Ultimately, they want to know how your child will contribute to their campus community and push their spirit of learning forward.
The text gives some hints as to what exactly you should include in your essay. NYU wants to hear about how through your personal experiences you wish to enact change, the adversity inherent in enacting change, and how you may have experienced a change in your own life.
There are many ways to approach this essay, but regardless of how you decide to tackle it, keep in mind that it is essentially an opportunity to give more context to an achievement or extracurricular activity that you may not have had the chance to discuss elsewhere on your application. At the same time, you’ll have the chance to show NYU that this highlight is representative of who you are as a person, not just as a student looking to get into one of the best schools in the country.
Let’s look at how one of our students answered this essay:
When faced with complicated, interconnected issues it’s common to encounter people who tell you there are no answers, that the current trajectory is inevitable. In my experience, these issues are particularly prevalent in regards to the issue of climate change. Climate change seems like such an insurmountable problem that it is often easier to resign ourselves to it.
While climate change is certainly an immense, existential threat this doesn’t mean we are rightfully frozen into inaction. The way we think about climate change contributes to the sense of despair. We tend to think of the environment as a single, external issue, rather than an intimate aspect of our lives. We tend to think of climate change as an issue that cannot be “solved” unless it is “solved” on the largest scale. Even to the most knowledgeable it’s hard to say what this would look like.
In the last few years, I’ve found myself becoming less sympathetic to mainstream thinking about climate change (i.e. its inevitability). During my summers, I’ve spent multiple weeks volunteering on several organic farms—growing vegetables, milking cows, caring for chickens, etc.— and have found deep joy and connection here. The immensity of “climate change” does not negate the work that millions of people are doing on a small scale. In line with Judith Human, I’ve realized the extent to which experience dictates thinking. We cannot predict what “solutions” we might arrive at when we change our surroundings, our activities, and the people around us.
This response works well because not only does the applicant open with a direct response to the heart of the prompt, but they follow this up by stating how despite the obstacles, they are doing something about the problem personally.
This student does a few other things in the essay that really work well for the prompt:
They clearly recognize the enormity of the issue they’re choosing to confront.
They state exactly what they're doing to enact change and relate how their decision to try has changed their own worldview.
They stay on-topic, keeping the focus on a response to the quote.
Question 2: "I encourage your discomfort, that you must contribute, that you must make your voice heard. That is the essence of good citizenship." Sherilynn Ifill, 2015 NYU Commencement Address (250 words)
Question 3: "If you know how to fly but you never knew how to walk, wouldn't that be sad?" Lang Lang, 2015 NYU Honorary Degree Recipient (250 words)
Question 4: "You have the right to want things and to want things to change." Sanna Marin, Former Prime Minister of Finland, 2023. NYU Commencement Address (250 words)
Question 5: "It's hard to fight when the fight ain't fair." Taylor Swift, Change, Released 2008, 2022 NYU Commencement Speaker (250 words)
Question 6: Share a short quote and person not on this list, and why the quote inspires you. (250 words)
Gain instant access to essay examples for every supplemental essay prompt from the top universities and BS/MD programs in the United States.
Final thoughts
Attending NYU is the goal of many high-achieving students with passions for creativity, innovation, and cultural exploration. While your child will face tough competition in the application process, showing their fit for NYU through rigorous academics and intentional extracurriculars will increase their admissions chances. And if they write a personal, enthusiastic NYU supplemental essay, they just might be able to achieve their dreams of getting into NYU.
About the Author
Dr. Shirag Shemmassian is the Founder of Shemmassian Academic Consulting and one of the world's foremost experts on college admissions. Over the past 15 years, he and his team have helped thousands of students get into top programs like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT using his exclusive approach.