This admissions data tells us that most of NYU's admitted students fall within the top 7% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to NYU received a composite ACT score between 30 and 34, while 25% scored above 34 and 25% scored below 30.

NYU does not require the optional ACT writing exam. If you took the ACT more than once, NYU will take your highest scores from each section of the exam and create a new superscored composite score for you.

In 2019, the average high school GPA of NYU's incoming freshmen class was 3.69, and 42% of incoming students had average GPAs of 3.75 and above. This data suggests that most successful applicants to NYU have primarily A grades.

The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to NYU. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in with a free Cappex account.

New York University is highly selective with a low acceptance rate and standardized test scores that are well above average. To be admitted, you're most likely going to need the full package: "A" grades, high SAT/ACT scores, and impressive accomplishments outside of the classroom. You will notice from the graph above that a few students were accepted with test scores and grades below the norm. NYU has holistic admissions, so the admissions officers are evaluating students based on more than numerical data. Students who show some kind of remarkable talent or have a compelling story to tell will often get a close look even if grades and test scores aren't up to the ideal. Also, because NYU is a diverse, international university, many applicants are coming from countries that have different grading systems than U.S. schools.

The university is a member of the Common Application, a widely used application that provides plenty of opportunities for you to share information other than numerical grade and test score data. Letters of recommendation, the Common Application essay, and your extracurricular activities will all play a role in the admissions process. Students applying to the Steinhardt School or Tisch School of the Arts will have additional artistic requirements for admission. The university does not typically conduct interviews as part of the admissions process, although admissions staff may invite some candidates to interview if they feel a conversation would aid them in making an admissions decision.

Finally, like all selective colleges, New York University will be looking at the rigor of your high school curriculum, not just your grades. Success in challenging AP, IB, Honors, and Dual Enrollment classes can all improve your chances of being admitted, for these courses represent some of the best predictors of college success.

All admissions data has been sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics and the New York University Undergraduate Admissions website.