--- title: How to Get into NYU description: How do you get into NYU? The urban campus is one of the nation's flagship universities and has an increasingly competitive admission rate. image: https://admitreport.com/hubfs/NYU%20How%20To.jpg --- [Think you can get into a top-10 school? Take our chance-me calculator... if you dare. 🔥](https://uq2z800a22f.typeform.com/to/GSbIvdW0) [![](https://admitreport.com/hubfs/admit-report-logo-black.svg)](https://admitreport.com/) [College Essays](https://admitreport.com/college-essays) Personal Statement Supplemental Essays Writing Advice Example Essays Other Application Writing Sections Personal Statement Foundations [How to Write a Personal Statement](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-statement-for-colleges) [Brainstorming a Personal Statement](https://admitreport.com/blog/college-essay-brainstorming-questions) [Personal Statement Mistakes](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-end-a-college-essay) [How to Revise a Personal Statement](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-write-a-college-essay#how-to-edit-a-common-app-essay) Personal Statement Strategy [Writing About Strengths](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-statement-for-colleges) [Finding a Topic](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-write-a-college-essay#how-to-choose-a-college-essay-topic) [Tone & Theme](https://admitreport.com/blog/college-essay-requirements#college-essay-conventions) Common Application [Common Application Prompts](https://admitreport.com/blog/common-app-essay-examples#the-2022-2023-common-application-essay-prompts) [Common Application Requirements](https://www.reddit.com/r/ApplyingToCollege/comments/owlhkp/my_giant_guide_to_to_the_common_app_what_is_it/) [How to Write a Common App Essay](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-statement-for-colleges) [Common App Essay Examples](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-statement-examples) Personal Statement Examples ["Great" Essay Examples](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-statement-examples#the-best-personal-statement-examples) ["Good" Essay Examples](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-statement-examples#good-personal-statement-examples) ["Bad" Essay Examples](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-statement-examples#bad-personal-statement-examples) Types of Supplemental Essays [Why Us](https://admitreport.com/blog/why-this-college-essay) [Diversity Supplemental Essay](https://admitreport.com/blog/diversity-essay) [Community Supplemental Essay](https://admitreport.com/blog/community-essay-examples) [Academic Interest Supplemental Essay](https://admitreport.com/blog/academic-interest-essay) [Why This Major Supplemental Essay](https://admitreport.com/blog/why-this-major-essay-examples) [Challenge Supplemental Essay](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-challenge-essay-examples) [Extracurricular Supplemental Essay](https://admitreport.com/blog/extracurricular-activities-essay) Supplemental Strategy [Writing About Strengths](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-write-a-college-essay#goal-1-write-persuasively-about-your-strengths) Our College Essay Philosophy [Creating a Cohesive Application Narrative](https://admitreport.com/blog/cohesive-application) [Writing Vulnerably](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-statement-for-colleges) [Strengths-Based Writing](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-write-a-college-essay#goal-1-write-persuasively-about-your-strengths) Writing Techniques [Brainstorming a College Essay](https://admitreport.com/blog/college-essay-brainstorming-questions) [Drafting a College Essay](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-write-a-college-essay#how-to-draft-a-common-app-essay) [Revising a College Essay](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-write-a-college-essay#how-to-edit-a-common-app-essay) Personal Statement ["Great" Example Essays](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-statement-examples#the-best-personal-statement-examples) ["Good" Example Essays](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-statement-examples#good-personal-statement-examples) ["Bad" Example Essays](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-statement-examples#bad-personal-statement-examples) Supplemental Essays [Why Us Examples](https://admitreport.com/blog/why-this-college-essay) [Diversity Supplemental Examples](https://admitreport.com/blog/diversity-essay) [Extracurricular Supplementals](https://admitreport.com/blog/extracurricular-activities-essay) [Academic Interest Supplementals](https://admitreport.com/blog/academic-interest-essay) [Community Supplementals](https://admitreport.com/blog/community-essay-examples) [Why this Major Supplementals](https://admitreport.com/blog/why-this-major-essay-examples) [Challenge Supplementals](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-challenge-essay-examples) School-Specific Supplementals [Harvard Supplementals](https://admitreport.com/blog/harvard-supplemental-essays) [Yale Supplementals](https://admitreport.com/blog/yale-supplemental-essays) [Stanford Supplementals](https://admitreport.com/blog/stanford-supplemental-essays) [USC Supplementals](https://admitreport.com/blog/usc-supplemental-essays) [Dartmouth Supplementals](https://admitreport.com/blog/dartmouth-supplemental-essays) [All Supplemental Essays](https://admitreport.com/blog/tag/supplementals) Activities Descriptions [Writing Activities Descriptions that Stand Out](https://admitreport.com/blog/extracurricular-activities-essay) Admissions Office Communications [Finding Your Admissions Officers](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-write-an-email-to-a-college-admissions-office-sample#contacting-your-admissions-counselor-vs-the-admissions-office) [Emailing an Admissions Office](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-write-an-email-to-a-college-admissions-office-sample) [Preparing to Apply](https://admitreport.com/how-to-apply-to-college) Preparation Pathways Extracurricular Activities Academic Basics Testing Admissions 101 Grade-Based Timelines [First-Year Timeline](https://admitreport.com/blog/first-year-timeline) [Sophomore Timeline](https://admitreport.com/blog/sophomore-timeline) [Junior Timeline](https://admitreport.com/blog/junior-timeline) [Senior Timeline](https://admitreport.com/blog/senior-timeline) International Students [How to Apply as an International Student](https://admitreport.com/blog/applying-to-college-as-an-international-student) Extracurriculars in Admissions [How Admissions Officers Evaluate Extracurriculars](https://admitreport.com/blog/extracurriculars-and-college-admissions) [How to Find Authentic Extracurriculars](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-organically-find-your-extracurricular-interests) [Basic Extracurricular Pathways](https://admitreport.com/blog/extracurricular-pathways) [Extracurricular Magnitude and Impact](https://admitreport.com/blog/extracurricular-magnitude-and-impact) [Leveling Up Your ECs](https://admitreport.com/blog/leveling-up-your-extracurriculars) [Crafting ECs by Combining Interests](https://admitreport.com/blog/craft-amazing-extracurriculars) [Passion Projects](https://admitreport.com/blog/passion-project-ideas) GPA [How Admissions Officers Evaluate Extracurriculars](https://admitreport.com/blog/extracurriculars-and-college-admissions) [Unweighted vs. Weighted GPA](https://www.reddit.com/r/ApplyingToCollege/comments/15ehsq5/aos_dont_want_you_to_know_this_one_weird_fact/) [Assessing Your GPA & Admissions Chances](https://admitreport.com/blog/50-thousand-applications) [Class Rank](https://admitreport.com/blog/academics-gpa) Course Work [Course Rigor](https://admitreport.com/blog/do-colleges-care-about-ap-scores) SAT & ACT [How Admissions Officers Evaluate Standardized Test Scores](https://admitreport.com/blog/what-does-test-optional-mean#how-do-admissions-officers-evaluate-my-test-scores) [Test-Optional Admissions](https://admitreport.com/blog/what-does-test-optional-mean) AP & IB Tests [Do AP & IB Tests Matter in Admissions?](https://admitreport.com/blog/do-colleges-care-about-ap-scores) [When to Send Your Scores](https://admitreport.com/blog/senior-timeline) Types of Institutions [Liberal Arts College](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-make-a-college-list#liberal-arts-colleges) [Private University](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-make-a-college-list#highly-selective-private-institutions) [State University](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-make-a-college-list#large-state-schools) [Community Colleges](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-make-a-college-list#community-colleges) How Applications are Reviewed [How Applications are Reviewed](https://admitreport.com/blog/50-thousand-applications) [The Job of the Admissions Officer](https://admitreport.com/blog/reading-5k-essays-in-a-top-15-admissions-office) [What is the Committee?](https://admitreport.com/blog/50-thousand-applications#the-third-trial-committee-recommendations) [Your Application Strategy](https://admitreport.com/application-strategy) Navigating the application College Application Strategy College Research Building Your College List Application Materials Common Application Guide [How to Use the Common Application](https://www.reddit.com/r/ApplyingToCollege/comments/owlhkp/my_giant_guide_to_to_the_common_app_what_is_it/) [Common Application Essay Prompts](https://admitreport.com/blog/common-app-essay-examples#the-2022-2023-common-application-essay-prompts) Applying to International Schools [A Guide to Applying as an International Student](https://admitreport.com/blog/applying-to-college-as-an-international-student) Our Strategy Philosophy [Creating a Cohesive Narrative](https://admitreport.com/blog/cohesive-application) [How Admissions Offices Process Applications](https://admitreport.com/blog/50-thousand-applications) College-Specific Application Guides [Harvard](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-get-into-harvard) [Stanford](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-get-into-stanford) [Yale](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-get-into-yale) [MIT](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-get-into-mit) [USC](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-get-into-usc) [See the full list](https://admitreport.com/blog/tag/application-strategy) Tools & Resources [Demonstrated Interest](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-show-demonstrated-interest) [How to Use the Common Data Set](https://admitreport.com/blog/common-data-set) Visiting Colleges [When to Visit Colleges](https://admitreport.com/blog/touring-colleges#ways-to-visit-college-campuses) Resources [Common Data Set](https://admitreport.com/common-data-set) [Colleges That Change Lives](https://ctcl.org/) School List Basics [How to Build the Perfect School List](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-make-a-college-list) [Safety Schools](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-make-a-college-list#what-is-a-safety-school) [Target Schools](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-make-a-college-list#what-is-a-target-school) [Reach Schools](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-make-a-college-list#what-is-a-reach-school) Early Decision Strategy [Early Action vs Early Decision](https://admitreport.com/blog/early-action-vs-early-decision) [How to Pick Your ED](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-strategize-your-early-decision-application) [Early Decision II](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-strategize-your-early-decision-application#what-s-the-strategy-for-ed-ii-schools) Letters of Recommendation [Teacher Letters](https://admitreport.com/blog/letters-of-recommendation-for-college) [Counselor Letters](https://admitreport.com/blog/letters-of-recommendation-for-college) [How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation](https://admitreport.com/blog/letters-of-recommendation-for-college#how-to-get-the-best-letters-of-recommendation-possible) School Report [What Is a School Report?](https://www.reddit.com/r/ApplyingToCollege/comments/vz09mf/the_document_in_every_application_most_students/) [All Resources](https://admitreport.com/blog) [College Consulting](https://sierraadmissions.com/) [About Us](https://admitreport.com/about-us) [![](https://admitreport.com/hubfs/admit-report-logo-black.svg)](https://admitreport.com/) [College Essays](https://admitreport.com/college-essays) [Preparing to Apply](https://admitreport.com/how-to-apply-to-college) [Your Application Strategy](https://admitreport.com/application-strategy) [All Resources](https://admitreport.com/blog) [College Consulting](https://sierraadmissions.com/) [About Us](https://admitreport.com/about-us) ###### Contents Last updated March 21, 2024 Every piece we write is researched and vetted by a former admissions officer. Read about [our mission](https://admitreport.com/standards) to pull back the admissions curtain. [Blog](https://admitreport.com/blog) > [Application Strategy](https://admitreport.com/blog/tag/application-strategy), [Private University](https://admitreport.com/blog/tag/private-university) > How to Get into NYU # How to Get into NYU Admissions officer reviewed by [Ben Bousquet, M.Ed](https://admitreport.com/about-us) Former Vanderbilt University Written by [Kylie Kistner, MA](https://admitreport.com/about-us) Former Willamette University Admissions ###### Key Takeaway NYU has a reputation for blending seamlessly with New York City. Its campus transitions into the city and the admissions office sees itself as the "school without walls." NYU prioritizes a cosmopolitan, critical, creative student body who are at the leading edge of their fields. These are the values we'll talk about cultivating in your application.  At over 50,000 enrolled students, New York University’s student population could make up a small city. The largest private university in the country, New York University attracts tens of thousands of applicants each year. With an acceptance rate of 21%, only a fraction of NYU hopefuls are admitted. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about applying to NYU. By the end, you’ll have a strategic application approach that will increase your chances of admission. Ready? Let’s get started. ## How to Apply to NYU Applying to NYU is pretty straightforward if you’re already on the Common App. All you’ll need to do is add NYU to your colleges and complete the NYU supplement. First, be sure to gather all your Common App materials, including your: - Background information - Extracurricular activities list - Personal statement - Official high school transcript - School report - Letters of recommendation Once that’s complete, you’ll be able to fill out the NYU supplement, including an optional supplemental essay. NYU also asks you to complete a Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR). And depending on the school or program you’re applying to, you may have some additional requirements. Be sure to check them out on [NYU’s admissions website](https://www.nyu.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/how-to-apply/all-freshmen-applicants/additional-program-requirements.html). ### NYU Application Options NYU has three application plans: Early Decision I, Early Decision II, and Regular Decision. As with all other Early Decision applications, your ED I or ED II application to NYU will be binding. You’ll be required to submit an Early Decision Agreement, which is basically a contract that says that you agree to attend NYU if you’re admitted. There are a few ways you can get out of the contract (like insufficient financial aid), but for the most part, a contract is a contract. If you’re not ready for that kind of commitment, no worries. You can always apply Regular Decision. (Still not sure if EDing to NYU is the right choice for you? We have a whole post about [Early Decision strategy](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-strategize-your-early-decision-application) that can help you make your decision.) ### NYU Application Deadlines Early Decision I: November 1 Early Decision II: January I Regular Decision: January 5 ## How hard is it to get into NYU? NYU is one of the most well-known schools in the country, and it’s located in one of the most exciting places to spend your early twenties (plus more campuses in equally exciting places)—there’s obviously a lot of demand. That’s why NYU received over [80,000 applications](https://admitreport.com/blog/nyu-common-data-set) last cycle. At a 21% acceptance rate, NYU ranks alongside schools like [Boston University](https://admitreport.com/blog/boston-university-common-data-set), the University of Michigan, and the University of North Carolina. It’s not quite as hard to get into as, say, [Stanford](https://admitreport.com/blog/stanford-common-data-set) or the University of Chicago, but it’s still a highly-selective, competitive school. ## What does NYU look for in applicants? New York University’s admissions office refers to NYU as “[the campus without walls](https://www.nyu.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions.html).” As an applicant, you should embrace this vision before you even get there. NYU admissions officers are on the lookout for students who aren’t afraid to engage with the world around them. Think about it: admissions officers want to admit students who will benefit from and contribute to the campus community. And when your campus is New York City, there’s a lot to benefit from and contribute to. If an NYU admissions officer can only accept one out of every five students, they’re going to gravitate toward the ones who are willing to put themselves out there and make an impact. As you’ll see in the coming sections, you’ll definitely need the grades, course rigor, and maybe even standardized test scores to get in. But that alone isn’t sufficient. Across your application, you want to show NYU admissions officers that you’re someone who will soak up everything you can during your time at NYU. And how do you show them that? By demonstrating strong engagement both in and out of the classroom, by writing excellent and compelling essays, and by acing the [NYU supplemental](https://admitreport.com/blog/nyu-supplemental-essays). ## NYU GPA requirement There’s no minimum GPA you need to apply to NYU. But the applicants who actually get admitted tend to have strong GPAs. As you might remember from our [NYU Common Data Set](https://admitreport.com/blog/nyu-common-data-set) post, 21% of enrolled first-year NYU students had a perfect 4.0 GPA in high school. What’s more, 85% had above a 3.5. So if you want to get into NYU, you’ll want to aim for at least a 3.5 GPA. ## NYU SAT Scores NYU is currently test-optional, so you won’t be required to submit test scores with your application. I know—sometimes test-optional policies can make the decision even more confusing. That’s why we have a whole post dedicated to [test-optional strategy](https://admitreport.com/blog/what-does-test-optional-mean). To make your decision, you’ll need to look at NYU’s middle 50% ranges. These are the score ranges within which the middle 50% of applicants scored. SAT Composite: 1390-1510 ACT Composite: 31-34 In general, if your scores fall within these ranges (especially on the higher ends of them), you should be okay to submit your scores. ### Does NYU superscore? Yes! NYU will superscore your SAT or ACT. “Superscoring” is the practice of taking your highest individual scores for each section—even if you earned them on different test dates—and combining them to make one overall “super score.” It’s the easiest way to get your highest composite SAT or ACT score because you don’t have to worry about acing every section all in one go. ## What high school course work do I need to get into NYU? No matter where your academic interests lie, NYU admissions officers want to see that you’ve challenged yourself in the classroom. Specifically, they want to see what you’ve taken as many rigorous courses as you can manage. Rigorous courses include AP, IB, and dual-enrollment classes, so try to opt for those over standard or even honors-level classes if you can. NYU doesn’t require you to take a specific course load, but they do have recommendations about how you should disperse your courses across the core subjects. Let’s take a look: - 4 years of English - 3-4 years of history and/or social studies - 3-4 years of math - 3-4 years of lab sciences - 3-4 years of foreign language If you aren’t able to fulfill any of these suggestions because your school doesn’t offer the right classes, don’t worry. NYU admissions officers will evaluate your transcript in the context of your school, so you won’t be penalized. That said, NYU admissions officers will still hope to see that you’ve challenged yourself as much as possible within the context of your school. The more you’ve done that, the more competitive an applicant you’ll be. ## What extracurriculars do I need to get into NYU? As with any highly-selective school, your extracurriculars matter at NYU. If you’ll recall from the [NYU Common Data Set](https://admitreport.com/blog/nyu-common-data-set), extracurriculars are ranked “important” in the application evaluation process. So they’re not quite as important as your GPA or course rigor, but your commitment to your extracurriculars will factor into your admissions decision. I know you’re reading this section hoping to learn about that one perfect extracurricular that will move the admissions needle in your favor. But sadly, it doesn’t exist. The best extracurriculars will vary from applicant to applicant. And there isn’t an ideal extracurricular for anybody—it’s all about how your extracurricular resume adds to your overall application narrative. As you’re planning out your extracurriculars, or thinking about how to portray them in your application, there are a couple of guidelines you can keep in mind: - **Excel as much as you can in your extracurriculars.** Let’s face it. The more impressive your accomplishments, the more impressive your application. If you can show that you’ve had a great impact or reached a regional, state, or national level of recognition, your application will have a better chance of standing out. - **Choose extracurriculars that you’re passionate about and committed to**. When I was an admissions officer, it was always fun to look at a student’s activities list and say, “Ah, yes, that makes total sense.” Being able to show that you’ve stuck with your activity is good, too. - **If you can’t find extracurriculars to suit your needs, make up your own**. Whether you do a passion project or start your own small business, taking initiative and making an impact can be just as beneficial to your application as participating in an organized activity. So find your passions, stick with them, and emphasize your magnitude, reach, and impact across your application. If you’re stuck, we have a great post about [leveling up your extracurriculars](https://admitreport.com/blog/leveling-up-your-extracurriculars) that might spark some ideas. Good luck! ## Final Takeaways + NYU Supplemental Essays Ready to move to the Big Apple? It’s time to start writing. By this point, you should understand a bit more about NYU’s admissions process—what they’re looking for, what it takes to get in, and how to devise an application strategy that stands out to NYU admissions officers. Now it’s time to start writing. Check out our [NYU supplemental essay guide](https://admitreport.com/blog/nyu-supplemental-essays) to get going on your NYU supplemental essay.       ###### Liked that? Try this next. ###### [![post preview thumbnail](https://admitreport.com/hubfs/siora-photography-hgFY1mZY-Y0-unsplash.jpg) How A Selective Admissions Office Reads 50k Applications In A Season](https://admitreport.com/blog/50-thousand-applications) ###### [![post preview thumbnail](https://admitreport.com/hubfs/Power%20of%20a%20Cohesive%20College%20Application.jpg) The Incredible Power of a Cohesive College Application](https://admitreport.com/blog/cohesive-application) ###### [![post preview thumbnail](https://admitreport.com/hubfs/12%20Common%20App%20Examples.jpg) 12 Common App Essay Examples (Graded by Former Admissions Officers)](https://admitreport.com/blog/common-app-essay-examples) ###### [![post preview thumbnail](https://admitreport.com/hubfs/CDS%20Posts%20(28).png) The 3.5 things I learned reading essays in a top-15 admissions office](https://admitreport.com/blog/reading-5k-essays-in-a-top-15-admissions-office) ### Upgrade your college journey ###### Content [Admissions Guides](https://admitreport.com/admissions-guides) [Categories](https://admitreport.com) ###### Legal [Privacy Policy](https://admitreport.com/privacy) [Terms of Use](https://admitreport.com/terms) K&S Canon, PLLC 1200 5TH Ave Ste 1950, Seattle, WA, 98101-1183, United States Copyright © 2026 McNeil Admissions ### "The only actually useful chance calculator I’ve seen—plus a crash course on the application review process." Irena Smith, Former Stanford Admissions Officer We built the best admissions chancer in the world. How is it the best? It draws from our experience in top-10 admissions offices to show you how selective admissions actually works. [Get Chanced (We Dare You)](https://uq2z800a22f.typeform.com/to/GSbIvdW0) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Kylie Kistner, MA", "url" : "https://admitreport.com/blog/author/kylie-kistner" }, "dateModified" : "2024-03-21T23:46:47.623Z", "datePublished" : "2023-03-09T00:09:39.000Z", "headline" : "How to Get into NYU", "image" : [ "https://admitreport.com/hubfs/NYU%20How%20To.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-get-into-nyu", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject" }, "name" : "McNeil Admissions LLC" } } ```