4 Great “Why NYU?” Essay Examples | CollegeVine Blog
You can go about choosing a topic for this essay in a few ways. Whichever you choose, think strategically. This is the only supplemental essay you’ll write for this highly selective school (unless you’re applying for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholars Program at NYU; see below). Beyond your academic record and activities list, consider what is most important to share about yourself that clearly and powerfully sets you apart.
The following essay examples were written by authors who were admitted to New York University and are intended to provide examples of successful NYU application essays. All names have been redacted for anonymity. Please note that other has shared these essays with admissions officers at NYU in order to deter potential plagiarism.
For more help with your NYU supplemental essays, check out our 2020-2021 ! For more guidance on personal essays and the college application process in general,
NYU Essay Examples (And Why They Worked)
Because NYU’s essay focuses on how you’ve been an agent of change, the Powerwall structure can shine for you here. You can find out why we call it Powerwall in our guide to ,” but here’s the TL/DR version of how to use it:
This essay begins with a student who is searching for answers. She has trained to help her community, applied her training to her environment, and then expands on her findings. In her volunteering endeavors, she finds her purpose. She continues with a personal story with Mahdi, and successfully brings us into her world. We are engaged. She is now frustrated because she can’t help enough, and with a bit of karma, she is approached by an NYU student, and at this moment NYU becomes her answer. She then cites why NYU is her solution, which major she will pursue, which classes she will take, and which student organizations will help to accent her goals. This essay succeeds because we see this student as community oriented and ambitious. As readers, we know that she will be a great and focused addition to the campus. This is a student with purpose, and she makes it clear that NYU will propel her to reach her goals.
New York University has one required NYU essay prompt in the 2021-2022 . Each applicant will produce a “Why NYU” essay in addition to their Common App personal statement. As you look at the , you’ll notice that there are additional requirements for Steinhardt (an for all applicants to the Music Department with the exception of Educational Theatre, and a for those applying to Studio Art) and Tisch (an for applicants to all programs). Applying to one of these programs? Make sure you complete all of the requirements referenced on the pages linked above. This NYU essay guide will only cover the required “Why NYU” essay. However, you can use the tips here to help craft the , , and essays as well.
Due to NYU’s relatively low acceptance rate and competitive admissions process, a strong NYU application essay is key to maximizing your admissions odds. In fact, this is your chance to show NYU your demonstrated interest (DI). Demonstrated interest is what universities use to gauge just how interested a student is in attending their particular school. Want to read more about using supplemental essays to convey DI to each school that you’re applying to? Check out this article on DI by .
Your Guide to the 2024-25 NYU Supplemental Essay Question
NYU’s single supplemental essay invites you to describe how you’ve been a bridge builder in your life—making connections between groups, cultures, or ideas. Citing “a world where disconnection seems to often prevail,” NYU signals its intention to admit individuals who can craft and lead us toward a more connected and collaborative world.
Why NYU Essay (READING ACCEPTED STUDENTS ESSAY!!!)
There’s more to the picture, however. The NYU supplemental essay prompt also enforces a strict word limit to test your (the applicant’s) ability to respond to their prompt clearly and succinctly. The NYU supplemental essay prompt is intentionally broad. Thus, each writer has ample opportunity to discuss their research on the school, passion about their potential major(s), and general excitement about NYU.
New York University (NYU) Supplemental Essays Guide: 2021-2022
Finally, the NYU admissions committee is looking for well-edited, dynamic writing in each “Why NYU” essay. Having a 400-word limit helps admissions officers identify both strong and weak writing quickly. Most importantly, they’re looking for students who they believe will bring diversity to their community and will excel in a rigorous academic environment.
HOW TO WRITE THE WHY NYU ESSAY (and transfer statement)
This NYU essay prompt is more than just a simple “Why NYU” essay question. In fact, there are several layers to the NYU essay. The admissions team is interested in your reasons for applying not only to NYU, but your interest in a particular campus, college, program, and area of study. Consequently, it’s best to approach this NYU supplemental essay as an NYU-specific personal statement. Similar to your Common App personal statement, you’ll want to treat this NYU essay as an introduction to the admissions committee.
How to Write the NYU Supplemental Essay
Consequently, it’s no surprise that gaining a seat at NYU is exceptionally competitive. To boost your admissions odds, you must ensure that each component of your application presents you in the best possible light, including your NYU supplemental essays. Read on to learn what you can do to make sure your writing sets you apart for all of the right reasons.