Hello there! I've been dreaming of studying at NYU since I started high school. My grades are pretty solid, and I partake in several extracurriculars. But I also know that NYU is a competitive school to get into. Can someone give me an idea of how difficult it is to get in? What kind of stats do they look for? Is there anything specific they seem to value?
NYU is indeed a competitive school, but keep in mind that they evaluate applications holistically. This means that while your grades and test scores matter, they're just one part of your application.
The average GPA for admitted students falls around 3.8, depending on the year, and the average SAT score is typically within the range of around 1470-1560. For the ACT, the average score is usually between 33-35. However, as of the 2024-2025 application cycle, NYU is test-optional which means submitting standardized test scores is not mandatory.
Extracurricular involvement is also crucial. Successful applicants usually have 8-10 extracurricular activities, but remember that quality is more important than quantity. NYU would be looking for consistency, leadership, and a genuine passion in a few areas, rather than a wide scattering of shallow involvements.
NYU especially appreciates students who can show their fit for the school culture. It's located in one of the world's most vibrant and diverse cities. The school encourages adventure, diversity, and global citizenship, so if you've been engaged in activities that highlight these values, such as international travel, learning new languages, or community service with diverse populations, those could be valuable to highlight.
Writing a strong essay that demonstrates your enthusiasm and fit for NYU is critical. This is your opportunity to stand out from other applicants and show them why you are specifically interested in NYU, how you will make a meaningful contribution to their community, and how NYU will assist you in achieving your future goals.
Keep in mind that the college application process is a self-reflective one and it's important to consider more than just acceptance rates and average scores. Make sure NYU aligns with your academic and personal goals. I hope this information is helpful and I wish you the best of luck with your application process!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.