Get expert strategies on how to get into New York University (NYU), including key admissions data and insights on what the admissions committee seeks in successful applicants.
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New York University has an acceptance rate of 9.23%. According to the Common Data Set (CDS), a standardized college report sharing admissions data, NYU received 110,807 applications in the 2024-2025 admissions cycle and admitted 10,232 students.
NYU’s acceptance rate has dropped significantly over the past five years. In the 2020-2021 admissions cycle, the acceptance rate was 21%, which is more than double the 9.23% acceptance rate in the 2024-2025 admissions cycle.
From 2020-2025, the number of applicants rose from 80,210 to 110,807, while the number of admitted students decreased from 16,918 to 10,232. These numbers reflect both rising interest in NYU and a more competitive admissions process.
Here’s an overview of NYU’s acceptance rates over the past four admissions cycles:
| Year | Number of Applicants | Number of Accepted Students | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | 110,807 | 10,232 | 9.23% |
| 2023-2024 | 113,578 | 10,693 | 9.41% |
| 2022-2023 | 100,662 | 12,539 | 12.5% |
| 2021-2022 | 95,517 | 12,380 | 13.0% |
| 2020-2021 | 80,210 | 16,918 | 21.0% |
NYU’s Early Decision (ED) acceptance rate is approximately 20%. While NYU offers an ED, it does not report exact ED acceptance statistics. However, the ED acceptance rate is generally estimated to fall between 20% and 30%, with recent trends suggesting it’s likely closer to 20% as overall acceptance rates continue to decline.
If your application is strong and NYU is your top choice, applying ED can improve your chances of admission. However, only apply via ED if you are confident your application is at its best.
Getting into NYU is very challenging. Around 9 out of 10 applicants are denied admission due to NYU’s competitive admissions standards. Prospective students must demonstrate strong academics, leadership, initiative, and a clear interest in NYU to stand out.
Try our interactive quiz to estimate your chances of getting into NYU.
The average GPA at New York University in the 2024-2025 admissions cycle was 3.81. The CDS reports that 54% of NYU’s enrolled students had a GPA between 3.75 and 3.99, and only 18% had a perfect 4.0 GPA.
| GPA Range | Percent of Enrolled Students Within This Range |
|---|---|
| 4.0 | 18% |
| 3.75-3.99 | 54% |
| 3.50-3.69 | 22% |
| 3.25-3.49 | 5% |
| 3.00-3.24 | 1% |
| 2.99 and below | 0% |
Together, 72% of admitted students had a GPA of 3.75 or higher, so aiming for at least a 3.85 will put you in a competitive position.
New York University’s median SAT score in the 2024-2025 admissions cycle was 1520. Students admitted during the 2024-2025 admissions cycle had a middle 50% SAT range of 1480 to 1550, according to the CDS. To stand out, you should target a score near or above 1540.
NYU’s median ACT score is 34. According to NYU’s class profile, the middle 50% ACT score range of admitted students is 33-35. Aiming for a 35 is recommended for competitive applicants.
New York University looks for students who demonstrate strong academics, commitment, intellectual curiosity, drive, and initiative.
The NYU admissions team evaluates these traits based on several academic and non-academic factors, as reported in the CDS.
Based on the CDS, the Rigor of a Student’s Secondary School Record, their Academic GPA, Application Essay, and Recommendation(s), are ‘Very Important’ to the NYU admissions officers. Standardized Test Scores are ‘Considered’ by NYU, and Class Rank is ‘Not Considered’.
| Academic Factors | Very Important | Important | Considered | Not Considered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rigor of Secondary School Record | x | |||
| Class Rank | x | |||
| Academic GPA | x | |||
| Standardized Test Scores | x | |||
| Application Essay | x | |||
| Recommendation(s) | x |
New York University wants students who have challenged themselves academically in high school. Students should take AP, IB, or honors courses when available and perform well in them.
However, it’s worth noting that 54% of students had GPAs between 3.75 and 3.99, and 18% had 4.0 GPAs. New York University also doesn’t consider Class rank at all. So if you have a GPA below 3.99, you’re not automatically at a disadvantage in the application process.
NYU still considers standardized test scores ‘Very Important,’ even though the university is test-optional through the 2025–2026 cycle. Despite the policy, 59.5% of the Class of 2028 submitted ACT or SAT scores, underscoring that many applicants still choose to include them to strengthen their applications.
Fortunately, NYU offers one of the most flexible testing policies in the country. You can submit just one form of testing from a wide range of options, including the SAT, ACT, three Advanced Placement (AP) exams (with specific subject requirements for Stern and Tandon), the full International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, three IB Higher Level exams, A-Levels, or other approved international exams.
NYU also superscores both the SAT and ACT, meaning they consider your highest section scores across test dates. This flexibility can help applicants strengthen their academic profile, even if their GPA is lower.
NYU marks Character/Personal Qualities as ‘Very Important’ in the admissions process. Extracurricular Activities, Talent/Ability, First-Generation status, Geographical Residence, Volunteer Work, Work Experience, and the Level of an Applicant’s Interest are ‘Considered’ by the admissions committee.
The Interview, your Alumni/ae Relations, State Residency, and Religious Affiliation/Commitment are ‘Not Considered’ in the New York University application review process.
| Non-Academic Factors | Very Important | Important | Considered | Not Considered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interview | x | |||
| Extracurricular Activities | x | |||
| Talent/Ability | x | |||
| Character/Personal Qualities | x | |||
| First Generation | x | |||
| Alumni/ae Relation | x | |||
| Geographical Residence | x | |||
| State Residency | x | |||
| Religious Affiliation/Commitment | x | |||
| Volunteer Work | x | |||
| Work Experience | x | |||
| Level of Applicant’s Interest | x |
Among non-academic factors, Character/Personal Qualities is the only one NYU ranks as ‘Very Important’, which is a key insight. NYU is less focused on how many clubs you joined or how long your resume is, and more interested in who you are as a person.
In your essays and activities section, focus on what your experiences have taught you:
NYU looks for students who are thoughtful, grounded, and purpose-driven. Rather than listing achievements to impress, reflect on how your experiences have shaped your worldview and helped develop your character and core traits.
Students who demonstrate authenticity, integrity, and introspection will stand out most in NYU’s character-focused review process.
The ideal NYU applicant is:
| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Application | Accepted |
| Coalition Application | Accepted |
| Essays and Personal Statement | Required |
| Letters of Recommendation | 1 |
| Interview | Not required |
| Application Fee (2025) | $85 |
| Fee Waiver Available? | Available |
| Requirements | Required Units | Recommended Units |
|---|---|---|
| English | 4 | 4 |
| Mathematics | 3 | 4 |
| Science | 3 (all lab) | 4 (all lab) |
| Foreign Language | 3 | 4 |
| Social Studies | 3 | 4 |
| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| SAT or ACT | Not required |
| Scores Due in Office | January 31, 2025 |
| Requirements | Offered? | Deadline | Notification Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Admission | Yes | January 5, 2025 | April 1, 2025 |
| Early Action | No | N/a | N/a |
| Early Decision I | Yes | November 1, 2024 | December 15, 2025 |
| Early Decision II | Yes | December 15, 2024 | January 1, 2025 |
Here are two more tips to improve your New York University admissions chances:
NYU only requires one letter of recommendation but accepts up to three letters. However, you should only submit more than one letter if the extra letters add meaningful new insights to your application. As Risa Harms, Associate Director of NYU Admissions, explains in her MEET NYU article:
“If you feel one recommender is truly the best advocate for you, there is no need to obtain additional letters just for NYU.”
A teacher, counselor, coach, supervisor, or mentor can write your letter of recommendation. Your recommender could be an athletic coach, club advisor, employer, or community mentor. The letter should come from someone who knows your potential to grow and succeed in college.
If you choose a teacher, pick one from a recent, rigorous course so they can speak to your growth and strengths. According to Harms:
“A teacher recommendation serves as a ‘highlight reel’ for your performance in their class… including how you engage with the material, approach challenges, and contribute to the classroom experience.”
The best recommenders don’t just say you’re a “good student”—they can speak in detail about your work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and impact on classroom culture. Choose someone who saw you push yourself, ask thoughtful questions, or support peers—qualities admissions officers care deeply about.
It’s important to also avoid rushing your letter, as a rushed letter often reads as vague or generic. Harms states the three keys to a strong recommendation are time, space, and grace.
You should give your teacher enough time to write a thoughtful and thorough letter, space to reflect on your strengths without being rushed or micromanaged, and grace by providing helpful materials such as a brag sheet, résumé, or a list of NYU’s core values they might choose to reference if they find them relevant.
Taking New York University Precollege courses shows admissions you’re ready for college-level work and eager to explore your passions. These courses can also show your interest in the school, which NYU considers in the admissions process.
NYU’s summer courses are taught by world-class faculty and follow the same rigorous standards as regular NYU classes.
Here’s what Paolo Bitanga, an NYU grad and Quad admissions counselor, shared about pre-college courses in one of our webinars:
“You can either use more academic extracurriculars to enhance your strengths or you can use it to fill in the gaps… I have had a few peers, colleagues, and clients who've attended pre-college summer programs... you can spend the summer at whatever dream school you want. I believe there is a bit of a mini admissions process there, but that does enhance your application and you definitely do want that to come out in your application.”
Pre-college programs can serve different strategic purposes. These programs can either reinforce your academic strengths or show initiative in areas where your transcript may be lighter. Either way, they reflect the type of proactive mindset NYU values highly.
Beyond academics, pre-college courses also help you build independence, time management, and self-discipline, all traits that prepare you for success at NYU.
NYU is best known for its performing arts programs through the Tisch School of the Arts. It’s also top-ranked for its business programs through the NYU Stern School of Business.
New York University does not typically require interviews as part of its admissions process. However, certain NYU programs, such as Opportunity Programs or artistic programs at Tisch, may require or offer interviews.
Yes, NYU allows students to pursue double majors and even minors across different NYU undergraduate schools, offering flexibility in academic planning.
Yes, if you're homeschooled, a parent can write your New York University recommendation letter. However, your parent must be your primary instructor or the person responsible for assessing your academic performance.
NYU’s admissions process is competitive, but with the right guidance, you can stand out. Our NYU admissions consulting service connects you with an expert who will help you highlight your strengths and craft a compelling application from start to finish.
Schedule your free consultation today to get one step closer to getting into New York University.
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