Updated: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
With a location in the heart of New York City and a plethora of renowned programs and internship opportunities, it’s easy to understand why New York University is a top choice on many students’ college lists. As a result, NYU is also a highly competitive college, with acceptance rates falling below 10% in recent years.
Given the school’s rigorous admissions process, applicants must do everything they can to stand out for all the right reasons, including acing the NYU interview. Keep reading to learn more about what these conversations entail and how you can maximize your performance to boost your admissions odds.
Every college has its own rules when it comes to admissions interviews, and NYU is no exception. For undergraduate applicants, interviews are only available for a small subset of students who are interested in specific programs.
Students who apply to prehealth programs will be invited for an interview following a review of their application. Additionally, students who are applying to NYU through Opportunity Programs will be invited and must attend an OP Eligibility Information Session, which includes a group interview with a member of NYU’s admission team.
Given its competitive acceptance rate, students need to do their research to learn more about how to get into NYU before they start applying. While acing the NYU interview can certainly work in an applicant’s favor, it’s not the only part of the admissions process that a student must prioritize.
Like many colleges, academic excellence is the top criteria that admissions officers look for when reviewing applications. New York University reports a 3.81 unweighted GPA as the average for the class of 2028, and the middle 50% range of test scores is 1480-1550 for the SAT and 33-35 for the ACT. Students should keep in mind that NYU also evaluates academic rigor, meaning it’s in their best interest to pursue advanced classes throughout high school and challenge themselves as much as possible.
Students can set themselves apart by emphasizing academic excellence, in addition to a commitment to extracurricular pursuits and strong ties to their local communities. Standing out will be crucial since NYU has received more than 100,000 applications annually in recent years.
NYU’s admissions committee has high expectations of their applicants, given the number of submissions they receive. Admissions officers are looking for students who are passionate about NYU and can articulate their desire to attend. Rather than simply expressing interest in the school, the most competitive NYU applicants will do their research on the college so they can discuss specific classes, student clubs, and opportunities on and off campus that interest them.
Admissions officers will affirm applicants who have committed significant time toward extracurriculars and personal passions that they wish to continue pursuing by attending New York University. Additionally, GPA and other academic factors will be a high priority throughout the application review process at NYU.
The NYU admissions interview process will vary slightly depending on the program a student is applying to. Prehealth applicants will participate in one-on-one interviews with a member of NYU’s admissions committee, while Opportunity Program applicants will take part in group interviews. Conversations are meant to give students the opportunity to learn more about the programs they’re applying to and convey their interest in attending NYU.
NYU admissions interview questions will vary depending on the person you’re speaking with and the program you’re applying to. Here are a few sample questions to have on your radar:
To answer this question effectively, focus on a singular milestone you’ve reached and articulate its meaning and the impact it has had on your life. While it’s important to choose an achievement that you find substantial, what matters most is how you describe it and your ability to explain why it makes you proud.
To ace the NYU admissions interview, you’ll need to demonstrate your academic curiosity. Come prepared to discuss at least a few books you’ve chosen recently for outside reading so you can share what you’ve learned from them and why you were drawn to them.
We all face obstacles at certain points in our lives — what matters most is what we discover by overcoming them. NYU admissions officers will want to learn about specific challenges that you’ve encountered and how these hurdles have helped you grow, both as a student and a member of society. When answering this question, focus on the personal growth and development component by highlighting how your mindset has changed and what you would do differently if you encountered a similar situation today.
Many colleges ask some version of a “why our school” query, so be ready to have this conversation as part of the NYU admissions interview. Admissions officers ask this question to evaluate an applicant’s demonstrated interest in attending the college and to learn more about the impact they would have on campus. When responding, focus on specific learning opportunities, course offerings, and professors that set NYU apart and don’t shy away from calling out extracurricular opportunities that you would take advantage of as well.
While acing the NYU admissions interview is an important step, it’s far from the only application component students must prioritize when considering how to get into NYU. If you’re looking for personalized guidance on maximizing your chances of acceptance, our college admissions counseling services can help you stand out for all the right reasons.
New York University (NYU) continues to be one of the most sought-after institutions for higher education, attracting a diverse and talented pool of applicants from around the globe. This has led to increased competition for admission and lower acceptance rates. If you wish to join the student body, understanding NYU admissions statistics is an important first step.
Students interested in going to school in New York City often prioritize two colleges: New York University (NYU) and Columbia University. Although these institutions are located in the same metropolitan area, New York City, there are several key differences between them.
Many colleges include an admissions interview as part of the application process, which is a great way to further demonstrate your interest, learn more about the school, and get answers to your questions. It’s a good idea to send a thank you note via email after you’ve been interviewed. Not only is it a good practice, but it helps keep you top of mind and gives you one more opportunity to make your case for admission. Keep reading to learn more about how to craft a good thank you email.
