The NYU Interview: What to Expect and How to Prepare

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’ best-fit lists. As a result, New York University is also a highly competitive college, with acceptance rates falling to approximately 12% in recent years.

Given the school’s rigorous admissions process, applicants must do everything they can to stand out for all of 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.

Does NYU Do an Interview?

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 are applying to NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts can participate in interviews that are typically held in person. Similarly, select students who are interested in enrolling in New York University’s Prehealth programs will be invited for an interview following a review of their application. Finally, students who are applying to NYU through the Opportunity Program will be invited and must attend an OP Eligibility Information Session, which includes a group interview with a member of NYU’s admission team.

Is it Difficult to Get Into NYU?

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 3.7 unweighted GPA as the typical GPA of most admitted students, and the middle 50% range of test scores is 1350-1530 for the SAT and 30-34 for the ACT. Students should keep in mind that NYU also evaluates academic rigor, meaning it’s in their best interest to pursue advanced-level courses throughout high school and challenge themselves as much as possible.

Emphasizing academic excellence, in addition to a commitment to extracurricular pursuits and strong ties to their local communities, are some of the best steps students can take to set themselves apart. Standing out will be crucial since NYU has received more than 100,000 applications annually in recent years. 

What Are the Expectations of the Admissions Committee?

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 the college through their application and NYU admissions interview. 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 they wish to take, on-campus clubs they would join, and opportunities on and off-campus that they would take advantage of. 

Admissions officers will affirm applicants who have committed significant time towards extracurricular pursuits and personal passions that they wish to continue to pursue by attending New York University. Additionally, academic excellence and grades will be a high-priority factor throughout the application review process at NYU.

The NYU Interview: What’s the Interview Process Like?

The NYU admissions interview process will vary slightly depending on the program a student is applying to. Tisch and 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. 

Common NYU Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

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:

What is Your Greatest Accomplishment? What Are You Most Proud of?

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.

What Non-school Books Are You Currently Reading?

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 read recently and make sure to share what you’ve learned from them and why you were drawn to them.

Tell Me About a Challenge You Faced and How You Overcame It 

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, make sure to 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. 

Why Did You Choose NYU?

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. 

Secure Your Chances of Getting Accepted With IvyWise

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 of the right reasons.