New York University (NYU) is a globally respected private research university located in the heart of Manhattan’s Greenwich Village. As one of the largest private universities in the United States, NYU is known for its strong academic programs, international reach, and prime urban setting. With nearly 30,000 undergraduates, NYU offers an unparalleled mix of academic rigor and city life immersion.
If you’re applying to NYU and want to increase your chances of admission, it’s essential that your statement of purpose and college application essays are polished and effective. You can check out our statement of purpose editing services and college application essay editing to get expert help from experienced editors. NYU also features in our Top 100 US Universities for 2025, where you can explore how it compares to other leading schools.
Admissions for New York University
Academic Programs
NYU is home to several world-renowned undergraduate schools, including the College of Arts and Science, the Tisch School of the Arts, the Stern School of Business, the Rory Meyers College of Nursing, and the Tandon School of Engineering. Students can choose from over 270 areas of study, including popular majors such as business, computer science, film and television, international relations, economics, and psychology. The university also offers unique cross-disciplinary options and dual-degree pathways.
Admissions Overview
Admission to NYU is highly selective. For the Class of 2028, the university received more than 118,000 applications and admitted roughly 9,440 students, resulting in an acceptance rate of approximately 8%. Students admitted to NYU typically present strong academic profiles, including top grades in challenging coursework and impressive extracurricular involvement. NYU is test-optional, but competitive applicants who submit scores generally fall within the 1480–1570 SAT and 33–35 ACT range.
Academic Environment
NYU maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1. While some intro courses can be large, many upper-level courses are smaller and discussion-based. Students at NYU often complement their classroom learning with real-world experience, thanks to the university’s strong internship connections in finance, media, tech, and the arts. NYU’s global academic centers, such as those in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai, also allow undergraduates to study abroad while staying on track academically.
New York University Admissions Statistics (Class of 2028)
| Statistic | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Applicants | 118,000+ |
| Students Enrolled | ~9,440 |
| Acceptance Rate | ~8% |
| Total Undergraduate Enrollment | 29,000+ |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 8:1 |
| SAT Middle 50% Range | 1480–1570 |
| ACT Middle 50% Range | 33–35 |
| Countries Represented | 130+ |
| First-Year Students Receiving Aid | ~60% |
Sources:
- Admissions Data: NYU Undergraduate Admissions
- Testing and GPA Data: U.S. News – NYU
- General Information: NYU Facts
Student Life at NYU
NYU offers a college experience unlike any other, with its campus woven throughout one of the world’s most iconic cities. Instead of a traditional closed campus, students navigate New York as their classroom. Whether it’s grabbing lunch in SoHo, attending lectures at the NYU Skirball Center, or interning on Wall Street, the city is deeply integrated into student life.
There are more than 300 student-run clubs and organizations, including academic societies, cultural groups, advocacy orgs, and performing arts ensembles. While NYU does have Greek life, it’s not a defining feature of the social scene. Instead, students tend to form communities around shared interests and academic passions.
NYU guarantees housing for first-year students, and most live in university residence halls located in or near Washington Square Park. Students rave about the location, safety, and access to everything from art galleries to food trucks.
What’s Good
I interned at a film company during the week and took classes with award-winning professors. It’s the best of both worlds.
NYU is super international, and I love that you’re surrounded by people from all over.
There’s always something happening. It’s impossible to be bored here.
What’s Not-So-Great
NYU can feel overwhelming at times. You really need to be independent.
There’s no traditional campus, which some students miss.
The cost of living in New York is high, and budgeting is a real skill you need to develop.
Admissions Requirements at NYU
NYU uses a holistic admissions process that considers academics, activities, character, and fit. Applicants are reviewed on their academic history, rigor of coursework, extracurriculars, recommendations, and essays. There is no minimum GPA requirement, but most successful applicants are among the top of their high school class.
Does NYU Require the Common App Essay?
Yes. NYU requires the Common Application personal statement and a supplemental question about your interest in NYU. This supplemental essay is a key opportunity to show how your goals align with NYU’s programs, community, and urban setting. Make sure your essay is well-organized, reflective, and specific to NYU.
SAT and ACT Requirements
NYU is test-optional through the 2025 admissions cycle. You can apply without SAT or ACT scores, but if you choose to submit them, aim for competitive scores. For reference, the middle 50% of admitted students score between:
SAT: 1480–1570
ACT: 33–35
NYU also offers flexibility in how applicants meet its testing requirements, including submitting three AP scores, IB diplomas, or other approved qualifications in lieu of traditional test scores.
GPA Expectations
NYU does not publish a strict minimum GPA requirement, but most admitted students have unweighted GPAs above 3.7. The admissions team considers the rigor of your courses, your performance over time, and your standing within your school.
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Note: All data and statistics are sourced from NYU’s official publications and reliable third-party sites. For the most up-to-date information, visit the NYU Undergraduate Admissions website.