🎓

NYU Admission Strategies

Sep 4, 2025

Overview

This lecture provides key strategies to improve your chances of being admitted to NYU, focusing on global mindset, experiential learning, and effective essay writing.

The Global Mindset

  • NYU highly values applicants who demonstrate global thinking and cross-cultural engagement before applying.
  • Examples include connecting local actions (like interviewing immigrants or volunteering) to global issues in essays.
  • NYU's educational philosophy centers on its worldwide campuses and 12 study-away sites across six continents.
  • Applicants should highlight global citizenship through stories, not only in their activities list but also in their essays.

Experiential Edge

  • NYU seeks students who apply classroom knowledge to real-world environments, especially urban settings like New York City.
  • Essays should explain how you plan to use the city as a classroom to effect positive change.
  • Each of NYU's 20 schools and colleges has its own admissions committee and unique qualities; tailor your application accordingly.

Why This NYU Essay Worked

  • The featured essay links the student’s personal journey (Model UN, refugee crisis simulation) to NYU's academic opportunities.
  • The student shows research by naming specific NYU programs, courses, and professors aligned with their interests.
  • The essay weaves together NYU’s global focus with the applicant’s desire for real-world impact, especially via study abroad.
  • A strong essay should mention at least four proper nouns (programs, professors, classes) specific to NYU.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Global Mindset — Demonstrating awareness and engagement with worldwide issues and cultures, not just local concerns.
  • Experiential Learning — Gaining knowledge through direct, hands-on experiences beyond traditional classroom settings.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Highlight experiences that demonstrate a global mindset in your NYU application and essays.
  • Research specific NYU programs, professors, and courses to mention in your essay.
  • Tailor your application to the particular school or college at NYU.
  • Review the NYU course catalog for relevant offerings.
  • Prepare for supplemental essays by checking out additional resources and sample responses.