How to get into NYU—General Information
New York University is a private college in New York City, New York, with additional campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai. The New York City campus extends from midtown Manhattan to downtown Brooklyn. It was founded in 1831. The university is ranked #26 by the Center for World University Rankings for institutions worldwide. As of fall 2021, the undergraduate NYU enrollment totaled 29,700.
What we’ll cover in this How to get into NYU Guide:
- Guidance on NYU GPA requirements
- Optimum NYU SAT scores
- The NYU Early Action policy
- Perfecting your NYU application
- Writing effective NYU supplemental essays
- The NYU interview, and more.
When thinking about how to get into NYU, make sure each part of your NYU application — your GPA, NYU SAT scores, NYU interview, and NYU supplemental essays — is top-notch. This means keeping your GPA high, studying in advance to ensure strong NYU SAT scores, and building up your extracurriculars. Additionally, start strategizing for the NYU application process well before the NYU application deadline for the best chance of success!
Figuring out how to get into NYU takes strategy. We can help. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) includes graduates from some of the country’s top schools. Want to maximize your NYU admissions odds? Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.
How can I get into New York University?
When considering how to get into NYU, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. Of the 100,131 applicants for NYU’s class of 2025, the New York campus gave offers to just over 12,500. This makes the acceptance rate 12.8%, the lowest NYU acceptance rate to date.
Applications for the NYU Class of 2026 also exceeded that of the Class of 2025 by 5%. The NYU Early Action applications surpassed 19,000, which is a 12% increase since fall 2021. So, when thinking about how to get into NYU, expect an even lower acceptance rate for the Class of 2026.
Despite the competitive acceptance rate, NYU subscribes to a holistic admissions process. This means admissions officers personally review and consider each NYU application in context. There is no definitive formula for how to get into NYU, but a successful NYU application tends to have combined NYU SAT scores between 1370 and 1540 (or ACT scores or 31 to 35). NYU hopefuls should also pursue a variety of extracurricular interests.
Finally, if you want to know how to get into NYU, keep your grades up. Although there are no official NYU GPA requirements, you should plan to exceed the average NYU GPA of 3.7. Also, try to impress at your NYU interview, write solid essays, and prepare early to match the average NYU SAT scores.
How hard is it to get into New York University?
While there are no formal NYU GPA requirements, NYU is a very selective school. As you think about how to get into NYU, remember that over 100,000 students apply each year, and fewer than 13,000 made the NYU enrollment in the Class of 2025.
NYU ranked #28 in the U.S. News 2022 edition of Best National Universities. Considering its low acceptance rate, preparation is essential for success. Due to the caliber of the other candidates also vying for an NYU enrollment offer, aim for mostly A’s, to graduate in the top 10% of your class, and engage in school and community activities with leadership-level responsibilities.
If the low NYU enrollment seems overwhelming, don’t worry. This guide will provide detailed tips on how to get into NYU so you can ace your NYU application and join your year’s NYU enrollment.
What GPA for New York University?
When figuring out how to get into NYU, know that there are no formal NYU GPA requirements. However, you should still aim for a high GPA. Your grades will make a major difference for your NYU application.
The unofficial NYU GPA requirements range between 3.62 and 3.8. In addition, most of the first-year students in the NYU enrollment rank in the top 10% of their schools. Class rank may matter more than the unofficial NYU GPA requirements, so bear this in mind when considering how to get into NYU.
Additionally, don’t just take easy courses to rank at the top of your class — that’s not how to get into NYU! Admissions will look at the rigor of your course load as well as your aptitude. To have the best chance at NYU enrollment, you should take honors, AP, IB, and maybe even community college courses when available. If your school doesn’t offer those types of courses, don’t worry. At NYU, context matters. You won’t be put at a disadvantage if advanced courses aren’t available to you.
Finally, you might wonder how to get into NYU if you can’t meet the unofficial NYU GPA requirements. If so, check out our article for advice on what to do if your grades don’t match the NYU average GPA of 3.7.
What does the New York University application look like?
Thinking about how to get into NYU? Then, you need to know exactly what the NYU application requires. Every part of your NYU application matters during the school’s holistic admissions process. Embrace every aspect of the NYU application as a chance to shine and increase your odds of being offered NYU enrollment. To give yourself an edge, submit even the optional elements, like the NYU supplemental essays and NYU SAT scores.
The NYU Early Decision I application deadline is November 1st, the NYU Early Decision II application deadline is January 1st, and the NYU application deadline for Regular Decision is January 5th. There is no NYU Early Action program.
To complete your NYU application, follow these instructions:
- Complete the Common Application, which will include:
- A Common Application School Report
- A completed Teacher Evaluation form
- Collect and submit required documents:
- Standardized test scores (optional)
- A Self Reported Academic Record
- An audition or portfolio (for artistic programs)
- English language testing
- College records
- The Common Application Mid-Year Report (if mid-year first-semester senior year grades are available)
For NYU artistic programs that require an audition or portfolio, submit your NYU application one month ahead of the NYU Early Decision November 1st deadline to receive your NYU Early Decision result by December 15th. Submit your NYU application for Regular Decision by January 5th to receive a decision on April 1st.
There is no NYU Early Action program. So, if you choose to apply early, your decision to attend NYU would be binding under the NYU Early Decision policy. Keep this in mind as you select your NYU application deadline.
No matter what program you’re interested in, start collecting all necessary materials well in advance of the NYU Early Decision and RD NYU application deadlines. For more tips on how to ace the Common App, click here.
What extracurriculars does New York University like?
Extracurriculars form a key part of your “how to get into NYU” strategy and NYU application. Don’t let meeting the average NYU SAT scores or beating the informal NYU GPA requirements distract you from this part of the NYU application! Extracurriculars can be especially important when thinking about the NYU supplemental essays and NYU interview (for Tisch School of Arts applicants).
Firstly, don’t just pick activities you think will impress admissions officers—instead, showcase your interests and commitment through the activities you choose.
If you accept an NYU enrollment offer, you’ll have access to a broad range of clubs and organizations. So, you can expect the extracurriculars you list on your NYU application to hold weight. Writing about your extracurriculars in the NYU supplemental essays isn’t required, but it’s a good strategy to bolster your candidate profile.
Check out our webinar for more tips on building a strong extracurricular profile.
What is the acceptance rate at New York University?
The NYU acceptance rate is one of the first things to consider when figuring out how to get into NYU.
As we said earlier, out of over 100,000 global applicants, fewer than 13,000 made the undergraduate enrollment in the Class of 2025, making the acceptance rate just 12.8%. So, NYU enrollment may be a reach even if you meet or exceed the average NYU SAT scores and unofficial NYU GPA requirements.
Although there are no formal NYU GPA requirements, you’ll have to keep your grades and NYU SAT scores high to compete with the low NYU acceptance rate. Aim to graduate in the top 10% of your high school. Class rank is important in light of the low acceptance rate and NYU enrollment.
Are you at the end of your high school career with a GPA lower than the informal NYU GPA requirements of 3.7? Don’t worry — it is possible for high NYU SAT scores and great NYU supplemental essays to offset a suboptimal GPA.
Lastly, check out our expert guide to learn more about how acceptance rates should impact your “how to get into NYU” strategy.
Does New York University offer interviews?
If you’re considering how to get into NYU, you need to know whether an NYU interview will be part of your NYU application process.
The answer is: it depends. Most students who submit an NYU application are not offered an NYU interview. The exception is if the program you’re applying to requires an audition, like the Tisch School of the Arts, which does offer students an NYU interview.
If you intend to apply Regular Decision to the Tisch School of Arts, plan to attend your NYU interview in-person in New York. All NYU Early Decision interviews will be conducted virtually. Note that the NYU interview is mandatory for this particular program.
If you are a design candidate for the Tisch School of Arts, be aware of the following NYU interview requirements:
- Prepare and bring a portfolio of your work
- Create a one- to two-page personal statement
- Develop a resume of all related experience
- Provide a formal or candid photo of yourself
To apply to NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts Early Decision, your NYU interview must be scheduled by November 8th at 9 am EST. For Regular Decision Tisch applicants, the deadline to schedule an NYU interview is January 5th at 9 am EST.
What should I write for the New York University supplemental essay?
First, you will submit your NYU supplemental essays the Common Application. In addition to the Common App personal statement, the app asks one NYU essay prompt—“Why NYU?” For tips on the NYU supplemental essays, click here.
In addition, there are more NYU supplemental essays for the Tisch School of Arts.
You’re required to keep your “Why NYU” response to 400 words or fewer. Given the word limit, be sure to strategize. The NYU supplemental essays are the part of your NYU application where you should show your interest in the school. Be specific about what parts of NYU interest you.
The NYU supplemental essays aim to find out not only your reasons for applying to NYU, but also your interest in a specific campus, college, program, and/or area of study.
Strong NYU supplemental essays are key to your “how to get into NYU” strategy. Check out our NYU essay guide for more tips on how to complete the NYU supplemental essays.
How does New York University review applications?
When thinking about how to get into NYU, most students wonder about the NYU GPA requirements or average NYU SAT scores. While these are important, it takes more than high grades and test scores to make it to NYU enrollment. Like many top schools, NYU uses a holistic review process and considers each applicant in context.
According to the NYU Executive Summary of the undergraduate admission process, senior admissions staff review every NYU application individually when considering students for NYU enrollment.
Even with the NYU application figures topping 100,000, NYU remains committed to its comprehensive review process. Per the NYU Executive Summary, NYU admissions considers the following list of criteria:
- The NYU application and NYU supplemental essays
- School report and transcript
- Test scores
- Counselor and teacher evaluations
- Audition/portfolio results
The admission team rates each NYU application based on the criteria above to determine whether an applicant will be offered admission. NYU Early Decision I Decisions are available on December 15th. NYU Early Decision II Decisions are available on February 15th. Regular Decisions are available on April 1st.
Will New York University consider my social media?
Looking at an applicant’s social media is not part of the NYU admissions protocol. In some cases, applicants themselves may ask admissions personnel to look at social media. So, if you’re involved in a community initiative that you’ve highlighted on social media, this could bode well for you.
Considering NYU receives over 100,000 applications a year, it’s not likely your social media presence will affect your NYU application. However, it’s not unheard of for an admissions officer to check social media. So, as a precaution, make sure your social accounts show you in the best light. As a rule of thumb, be mindful, responsible, and safe on social media.
Is New York University a good school for me?
When researching how to get into NYU, it’s easy to forget to ask whether NYU is right for you! Yes, NYU offers top-notch academic programs, world-class professors, and an attractive location. However, not everyone would thrive as part of the NYU enrollment.
Firstly, remember that the cost of living is high in the city and NYU sports are limited as there are no major athletics fields. The student body is large, and the campus is not a traditional environment — bear this in mind as you write your NYU application.
That said, NYU is committed to inclusion and diversity across all its campuses, so it’s a great fit if this is important to you. Its urban campus is exciting, vibrant, eclectic, and suits the curious and adventurous well!
Additional strategies to get into New York University
Build your profile
When thinking about how to get into NYU, remember that the school looks for students with a wide range of interests, talents, and goals for their futures. In advance of the NYU application deadline, develop your interests and pursue opportunities that bolster your profile.
Cultivate relationships
NYU takes your recommendation letters seriously. During high school, build strong relationships with your teachers, supervisors, and mentors.
Don’t wait
You can boost your NYU admissions chances by strategizing early. The NYU application deadline arrives quickly, especially NYU Early Decision, so start preparing as soon as possible. If NYU admissions requires it, proactively schedule your NYU interview. Also, if you’re applying for NYU Early Decision, give yourself enough time to submit NYU SAT scores.
NYU seeks exceptional, well-rounded students, not just those who meet the unofficial NYU GPA requirements and NYU SAT scores. That’s why there is no formula to guarantee an offer of NYU enrollment. If you feel like you’re a good fit for NYU, apply! Submit the strongest application you can, and consider NYU Early Decision if NYU is your top choice. Good luck!
This guide was written by Amanda Rebuck. If you want to know how to get into NYU, we’ve got you covered. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) includes graduates from the country’s top schools. Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.
