#admitted. Profiles of 3 Admitted NYU Students
- Tina Chulet
- Apr 17
- 4 min read
Cracking the NYU Admissions Code
Have you ever dreamed of studying at New York University, right in the heart of Manhattan? With thousands of ambitious students applying every year, the competition is fierce. So, how do you stand out and secure that coveted acceptance letter?
Unlike Harvard, MIT, and Caltech, which heavily prioritize academic prowess, research, and highly prestigious awards, NYU—and schools like USC, Boston University, and colleges ranked 10-20 also value well-rounded applicants. While awards still matter, they are less dominant, and it is acceptable to have diverse interests rather than extreme specialization.
Today, we’re diving into the real stories of three students who successfully got into NYU. We’ll unpack exactly what made their applications shine—so you can build a winning strategy too.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how to strengthen your profile and boost your chances of studying abroad in the USA at NYU.
Why NYU? The Unique Appeal
NYU is unlike any other university. Its open-campus setup and globally connected environment make it a top choice for international students who thrive in dynamic, urban settings. But what exactly makes NYU special?
1. The Urban, Global Vibe
NYU is woven into the fabric of New York City, offering students a real-world learning experience. The campus, spread across Greenwich Village, allows students to be fully immersed in the culture of SoHo, East Village, Chelsea, and Tribeca.
2. Creative and Artistic Energy
From the Tisch School of the Arts to Steinhardt’s creative programs, NYU attracts filmmakers, artists, writers, and performers who push boundaries. The university is a hub for bold, innovative, and groundbreaking work in the arts.
3. A Diverse, Inclusive Community
With students from over 130 countries, NYU is one of the most international universities in the U.S.. This multicultural atmosphere fosters open-mindedness, activism, and intellectual curiosity, making it an ideal place for those who thrive in a global learning environment.
Student Profiles: Who Gets Into NYU?
To understand what makes a successful NYU application, let’s break down the profiles of three admitted students.
Admit #1: The Well-Rounded Leader
Academics:
IB Score: 39/45
SAT: 1500
Extracurriculars:
Sports: Soccer team captain; competed in international tournaments and trained in Europe
Business: Founded a glass-blowing business, selling 5,000 products and earning $3,000 CAD
Leadership: Senior School Action Council, Model UN Head Delegate (mentored younger students)
STEM: Research in chemistry and cellular biology, Student Researcher at Lumiere (academic research in gene editing)
Community Impact:
Founded Harmony Heights Music Academy, a nonprofit providing music lessons to 50+ underprivileged children, with 40 volunteer teachers
Volunteer at “Aastha” Hospice, supporting bereavement programs
Why This Student Got In:
This applicant had a balance of leadership, academics, and impact. Their ability to combine business, STEM, and social impact showcased versatility and initiative—qualities NYU values.
Admit #2: The Creative Influencer
Academics:
IB Score: 40/45
SAT: 1500
Extracurriculars:
Leadership: Student Body President, Class President
Athletics: Soccer team ranked #2 nationally, competed in international tournaments in Spain
Creative Ventures: Built an Instagram comic strip account, "ThumbPaint," gaining 100K followers
Co-founder of the Psychology Club
Why This Student Got In:
NYU appreciates creative entrepreneurship. The comic strip’s massive following highlighted originality and digital influence, making this applicant a perfect fit for NYU’s arts and media culture.
Admit #3: The Academic Achiever with Social Impact
Academics:
A-Levels: A*, A*, A
SAT: 1520 Super score
Honors & Awards:
International Recognition:
John Locke Essay Competition Finalist (16.9% acceptance rate)
National Recognition:
Indira Gandhi NSS Award for completing 240+ hours of service, including organizing blood donation drives
STEM Achievement:
USA Biology Olympiad Certificate of Merit (Top 30% worldwide)
Other ECs:
Bharat Scouts and Guides: Led sanitation & hygiene drives in rural areas (part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan initiative)
Trinity School of Music (Piano, Level 6)
Why This Student Got In:
This applicant combined academic excellence with social responsibility. Their international and national recognitions, along with significant social impact, made them a standout candidate.
Final Thoughts: How NYU Admissions Differ from Top-Tier Schools
While the top 5 colleges heavily prioritize research and prestigious academic awards, colleges ranked 10-20 are more flexible—allowing well-rounded students to shine. Awards and honors still play a role, but they do not need to be highly prestigious international recognitions like those expected at top 5 colleges.
Additionally, research dominates less at NYU. At Harvard, to receive a 1/6 academic rating, you must display extraordinary academic prowess, such as having a published research paper. At NYU, leadership, creativity, and impact can be equally compelling.
So, what does this mean for you? If you’re aiming for NYU or other similar colleges, focus on building a compelling, well-rounded application. Your combination of leadership, social impact, and creative ventures could be just as valuable as a specialized research-heavy application at an Ivy League school.
Start applying for competitions, awards, and leadership roles early, because admissions officers look for proven excellence. If you’re planning to study abroad in the USA or need guidance on US college admissions for international students, keep following for more expert tips!
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