Founded in 1831, New York University is the largest private university in the United States. The University, which is composed of 14 schools, colleges, and divisions, occupies five major centers in Manhattan. It operates branch campus and research programs in other parts of the United States and abroad, as well as study abroad programs in more than 25 countries. New York University is also one of the largest employers in New York City, with over 16,000 employees.Total enrollment is just over 50,000. Undergraduate enrollment is about 11,000. All freshmen are guaranteed housing.
NYU is a highly selective university, currently accepting about 28% of all students who apply.
SAT or ACT with writing and application essay required. Important note: The special NYU application MUST be stapled to your Common Application or, if entering online, must be sent concurrently.
Mid 50% test scores:
SAT verbal: 620 - 710
SAT math: 620 - 710
ACT: 27 - 31
GPA 3.5 or higher: 70%
GPA 3.0 - 3.49: 28%
GPA 2.0 - 2.99: 2%
For contact information and all updates, please go to their website: New York University
3 comments:
This is a long one, but I knew I was going to write this, so I took notes!
I went to visit NYU yesterday with Christian and his father, who is an NYU grad. It's changed a LOT in all those years, mostly in real estate and student body. There are newer buildings now, and a lot more of them - currently, the university stretches from 20-something street all the way down to the South Street Seaport, where they have housing. The student body used to be much more local; now, it draws students from all over the country and internationally, too. They also have something like 7 or 8 campuses all over the world and most of their undergraduates do at least one semester of study abroad.
As you probably know, it's not your typical college with quad, surrounding buildings, etc. all "right there". But they do everything they can - actually to an amazing extent - for their students. There are NYU buses that will take students to all the dorms 24 hours a day. Our tour guide told us that if you accept a 15 minute free bus commute, those apartments at the South Street Seaport are million-dollar, roomy NY apartments with all the bells and whistles: hardwood floors, all-new-appliance kitchens, etc. "Everyone" gets a meal plan, she said, and there are dining halls in most of the dorms/student buildings. In her dorm, there were 2!
The talk at the beginning was very informative. A few interesting points: He said that NYU - like most universities - look first and foremost at course work and how you did plus SAT scores. He actually did say that although honors and AP courses were good things, they understand that some people go to very small schools that don't have those classes and that was fine! He said although NYU usually accepts A- to A students and SAT's in the high 600's on each part, they will do an SAT composite: they'll take not only your highest SAT score, but they'll take your highest verbal, highest math, etc. and make your "personal best" composite score.
He said you MUST send in the special NYU application concurrently with your online Common Application or, if you send in a paper Common Application, you MUST STAPLE the special NYU application to it. This has caused people to not get in. It's important.
You must also take two SAT subject tests; any two will do.
He said your letter of recommendation should tell them: what kind of student are you? Are you a leader? Are you the kind to ask questions in class? Or are you more the kind to help out other students? Volunteer yourself? etc...
Your essay, which they require, must be very well written and spell check alone won't cut it! It has to be about you; it should be a well-written advertisement for yourself. Showcase your writing ability; put your best face forward.
They have one of the best business schools in the country, as well as their film and performance arts school, the Tisch school of Performing Arts. The Tisch school, as well as some of the art and music programs in the other schools, requires an audition and submission of a portfolio, if applicable.
There are also "green light" safety places that are open 24 hours a day on just about every block. If ever you feel the need, you may walk in and be escorted back to your dorm, 24/7.
He said, more than once, that NYU was very proud of their "diversity". If you want to go to a school where students don't look like you, don't dress like you, don't talk like you, don't act like you, don't believe the same things you do, then this is the place for you.
He was in favor of "early decision" if you are absolutely sure that NYU is the place for you, because if you do apply with early decision, the chances for entry go up. NYU accepts 28% of all applicants; that number goes up to 36% with early decision. But be warned: early decision means if they accept you, you MUST attend. You'll also know by early December. 30% of their freshman class comes in via early decision.
They offer merit scholarships to 10% of their students. The vast majority are need-based scholarships. Most all students have a combination of scholarship, work-study and loans. Sometimes you get a very little bit better financial deal if you apply early decision.
Someone asked and was told that NYU has an endowment of about one billion dollars; it's mostly in real estate.
Also asked was: do you need a laptop? Short answer: Yes. You could get by with a desk-top, but most don't. It is *not possible* to attend NYU without use of a computer.
They offer just about everything you can think of for their students. There were game rooms, the library was gargantuan, holding literally millions of books. All students may use all the libraries, so, for example, students in the school of Arts and Science may use the Law School library, the Business school library, etc. They have the ability to provide you with some extremely rare out-of-print works. Get this: they have every DVD ever recorded, usually in multiple copies. Who needs Netflix when you have NYU?! There is also something called Ticket Central, where NYU students get just about every ticket in NY for huge discounts. The guide told of Mets tickets for $4. Yankees, Knicks, Broadway shows, concerts, etc. all for a fraction of what real people pay. There are soundproofed, professional music rooms for you to practice in, but that's for everyone, not just the music students. As a matter of fact, if you'd like to take lessons in just about any instrument you can dream of, you can. For free. Our tour guide even told us that if, out of the 300 clubs offered, you still can't find the exact one you want to join, tell them what it is and NYU will "write you a check" to start it. "Actually", she said, "I'm waiting for someone to start the velcro-bodysuit-velcro-wall jumping club and if I had the time, I'd start it myself!" Where do they get the money for such things? Read on.
The price is astronomical, but I guess I'm supposed to limit this to factual information as opposed to opinion, so I'll tell you that yes, total costs, including room, board, books and fees come to a cool 50 grand. Yes, that's each year. You can save about $10,000 if you commute from home, which about 25% of their undergrads do. And yes, they have plenty of commuters from Westchester.
Book your tours online; they offer 3 almost every day and you have to be registered.
~Karen Hanley
Anyways, I got into NYU, and so I decided to go and look at it to see what it is like.
There are a few very important things to know about this school if you want to attend it.
Number 1, the administration values teachers more than they do the students. They say so themselves.
Second, The students who go to NYU are only interested in one thing, their careers. At the orientation day I was at 99% of the questions had nothing to do with student life, it had to do with internships, and research oppurtunities and job placement. If you want to go to college and not have a social life come here.
Thirdly, they throw around the word diversity like a sacred word.
Fourth, its the city, if you like the city, its great. But if you hate the city, or would only like to visit, don't come here.
Keep in mind, my comments come only from the perspective of the College of Arts and Sciences, I know nothing about any of the other schools.
Stephen Herman
Thanks, Stephen, for your comments. It's always valuable when a student offers information from their own experience.
(Oh, and congrats on getting in; whether you attend or not, it's quite an honor to be accepted to NYU!)
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