Updated: Friday, December 13, 2024
With a location in the heart of New York City and an array of top-ranked academic programs, New York University is a popular choice for many students. The institution has plenty of research and learning opportunities to offer, as well as all the advantages associated with going to school in a major metropolitan city.
Consequently, gaining admission to NYU is particularly challenging, with acceptance rates plummeting to new lows in recent years. Learn what it takes to gain admission to New York University and what to keep in mind throughout the application process.
How to Get into New York University: Table of Contents
Getting into New York University takes strategic planning and hard work throughout high school. Part of that strategy is deciding which application timeline is right for you. NYU offers three options, each with its own deadline. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these timelines to ensure all your application materials are submitted on time.
For first-year undergraduate admissions, New York University applicants have three options: Early Decision I, Early Decision II, and Regular Decision. While the deadlines are typically around the same date every year, they may fluctuate slightly. For the 2024-25 admissions cycle, the deadlines are:
New York University advises that for programs that require an audition or portfolio, students should aim to submit their Common Application one month in advance to allow ample time to prepare their audition or portfolio.
Students applying ED I should expect a decision on December 15. The decision date for ED II applicants is February 15. Regular Decision applicants can expect to receive their decision on April 1.
Before applicants choose which application process they wish to use to apply to New York University, they must learn about each of their options. There is often confusion about the different application timelines and what various terms mean, such as Early Action vs rolling admission.
Early application rounds include Early Decision, which is binding, and Early Action, which is non-binding. NYU only offers Early Decision, which comes in two rounds. Students who apply ED I or ED II cannot apply Early Decision to other schools; therefore, it’s best to use this option only if NYU is your top-choice school. If you are admitted, you must enroll at NYU and withdraw all other applications.
Regular Decision is typically the final application round. It is non-binding, meaning students do not have to enroll if they are admitted and are free to apply to other schools. Because the RD deadline comes later, this is a good option for students who want to submit fall semester senior grades to strengthen their application.
Finally, schools that offer rolling admissions will typically accept students until they reach their enrollment capacity, so it’s advisable to submit your application as early as possible to secure a spot in the class. For most RA schools, applications are accepted September through May. New York University does not offer rolling admissions.
Students who apply Early Decision and Regular Decision to NYU may find out they have been waitlisted. This means that the university did not have the space to admit every qualified student who applied. Students who are waitlisted during the Early Decision rounds are released from the binding agreement.
If you are waitlisted, you can choose to accept or decline your spot. NYU does not report its waitlist admission rates, but it’s worth considering that your chances of getting off the waitlist are often slim at prestigious universities. If you wish to remain on the waitlist, you can provide a mid-year grade report in the applicant portal.
Early Decision applicants may receive a deferral, meaning their application will be evaluated in the Regular Decision round. It helps to know what to do if you have been deferred. NYU applicants must complete the Deferral Response Form and can provide additional updates, such as mid-year senior grades, accomplishments, and awards.
In recent years, New York University has received increasing numbers of applications while the admissions rate has decreased. Let’s look at the admission rates from the past four admission cycles:
NYU admissions will evaluate your profile holistically from ninth grade onward, so it’s important to start high school strong and build up from there.
Several factors carry significant weight during New York University’s admissions process, with course rigor and academic performance considered most important. So, what does NYC look for? The admissions committee seeks students who are intellectually curious and committed to deepening their expertise in the field they are most passionate about. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate how they have made an impact in their schools and communities and what they hope to contribute to NYU.
If you’re eager to attend New York University, visiting the campus is the best way to determine if it’s a great fit for you. Register for a student-led tour of the Washington Square or Brooklyn campus or sign up for the NYU Open House. This weekend program allows you to meet faculty, admissions and financial aid staff, and current students. You can even take a mini class.
If you don’t already live in New York City, it’s also important to determine if it’s a place where you can feel at home. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the area around campus.
Can’t make it to New York City? NYU also offers virtual options that include information sessions and campus tours.
You have opportunities to connect with student ambassadors on campus during your tour or the NYU Open House. If you sign up for online programming, you can connect with student tour guides during live campus tours or by participating in a live Q&A with current students during the weekly virtual info sessions.
Take advantage of the in-person or virtual opportunities to connect with NYU student ambassadors by asking them about their experiences. Each student will have a unique perspective on what it’s like to study and live in New York City, so try and talk to as many students as possible. If you can’t register for a live event, you can listen to students talk about their NYU experience on the on-demand virtual tour or self-guided mobile tour.
Thousands of accomplished, highly qualified students apply to NYU every year, making it very challenging to gain admission. Recent class profiles can provide valuable insights that allow you to see how you compare to admitted students. Knowing this data can help you pinpoint what you need to work on to become the strongest possible candidate for admission.
New York University does not require a specific GPA to gain admission. However, data for the class of 2027 shows that the average high school GPA of admitted students was 3.81. Setting a goal to achieve this GPA or higher will help you, but you must also take the most rigorous courses available to you.
NYU remains test-optional for the 2024-25 admissions cycle, which means you are not required to submit an SAT or ACT score to be considered for admission. However, you will be a more competitive applicant if you submit a strong SAT or ACT score with your application.
According to NYU’s class of 2027 data, the score range for the middle 50% of students was 1480-1550 on the SAT and 33-35 on the ACT. You will want to submit a score if it’s comparable or better than these scores.
Your personal statement — a response to one of the seven Common App essay prompts — is an opportunity to share your story with the admissions committee and showcase your writing skills. This is one of the most important soft factors of your application, so it’s important to be authentic and honest. The personal statement should add something new to your application and provide more insight into who you are and how you think about the world.
In addition to your personal statement, you can choose to respond to NYU’s supplemental essay question. This is optional, but it is to your benefit to complete this step. Here’s the prompt for 2024-25:
In a world where disconnection seems to often prevail, we are looking for students who embody the qualities of bridge builders—students who can connect people, groups, and ideas to span divides, foster understanding, and promote collaboration within a dynamic, interconnected, and vibrant global academic community. We are eager to understand how your experiences have prepared you to build the bridges of the future. Please consider one or more of the following questions in your essay:
New York University requires one letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach, counselor, or supervisor. You can have two additional recommendation letters submitted on your behalf, but this is optional. If you choose a teacher to write a recommendation, ask one who knows you well and can speak to your character as well as your academic performance.
For undergraduate applicants, the NYU interview is only available for a small subset of students who are interested in specific programs. This includes students applying to the Tisch School of the Arts and prehealth programs. Students applying to NYU through the Opportunity Program must attend an OP Eligibility Information Session, which includes a group interview with a member of NYU’s admission team.
New York University admissions officers are eager to admit applicants who will make a lasting impact on the NYU community. Your academic and extracurricular achievements provide insight into how you might contribute to NYU but take advantage of the supplemental essay to give specific examples of the impact you hope to make.
NYU is one of the largest private universities in the U.S. and has a total student population of almost 62,000. This population is made up of students from across the country and around the world who represent every walk of life. However, it is still highly selective with a current admission rate below 10%. The data below is for the class of 2027.
| Acceptance rate | 9.41% |
| Class size | 3,362 |
| Undergraduate majors | 270+ |
When discussing what makes New York University unique, it’s impossible to ignore the school’s prime location in the heart of lower Manhattan. NYU prides itself on being a school “in and of the city,” which means that every student can take advantage of all that New York City has to offer. Most students complete many internships during their time at NYU and often have the chance to attend concerts, performances, and one-of-a-kind events that take place throughout the city.
From a renowned undergraduate business school to top-tier performing arts, NYU has plenty of programs that are internationally recognized. Students have the chance to study with esteemed faculty who are at the top of their fields. NYU has 14 global academic centers, including campuses in Shanghai, China, and Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Additionally, students have no shortage of options when it comes to extracurricular activities. New York University offers hundreds of campus organizations, in addition to 23 varsity sports teams and near-endless community service opportunities. Students can also enjoy traditions like the annual Strawberry Festival, which features a 160-square-foot strawberry cake!
Famous alumni include Angelina Jolie, Spike Lee, Debra Messing, Pedro Pascal, Amal Clooney, Meg Ryan, Andy Samberg, Judy Blume, Suzanne Collins, Neil Simon, and Rachel Brosnahan.
Where is NYU?
New York University has two New York City campuses: Washington Square and Brooklyn. Additional campuses are in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai.
What is NYU known for?
Aside from its location in the heart of NYC, New York University is renowned for its academic programs, top-tier faculty, and innovative research.
What GPA do you need to get into NYU?
While you do not need a specific GPA to gain admission to NYU, the average GPA for students admitted into the class of 2027 was 3.81.
What is the acceptance rate for NYU?
The acceptance rate has been on a downward trend for the past several years, with an 8% admission rate for the class of 2028.
How big is NYU?
The Manhattan campus is 230 acres, with most of the main buildings surrounding Washington Square Park.
How many students attend NYU?
The total student population is approximately 62,000. About 30,000 are undergrads.
What does NYU look for?
New York University looks for students who show intellectual curiosity and academic achievement, are eager to dive deeper into their interests, and have made a positive impact on their schools and communities.
Students hoping to gain admission to NYU can benefit from college admissions counseling. An experienced counselor knows how to help each student build a strong profile and highlight their best qualities to help them stand out from their peers.
While New York University is a reach school for many students, you can maximize your chances of admission. All IvyWise college admissions counselors have worked in admissions at top schools, including NYU, so they know what admissions committees are looking for and what it takes to get in. Schedule an Initial Consultation today to learn how we can help you achieve your college admissions goals.
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