Okay, all that being said, where to start with the NYU essay?


Keep in mind that you should be discussing all of this in the context of NYU. Obviously, if you're interested in NYU because of one of their 10 undergraduate schools, then that's particular to NYU, but the same goes for their campus locations, programs, and areas of study.


I am committed to public leadership and have no doubt that NYU Wagner is the place for me to learn these skills.

Thank you for getting through this!

No. You should highlight yourself in ways that the admissions committee will appreciate enough to bring you in for an interview. Highlighting a skillset you have, qualities you have, or academics are great, but there is no one element in that list that is required to be included in your essay.

Here's an example of the NYU supplemental essay!

Besides the standard "what motivated you to apply to [school]?" question that almost every "why this school" essay asks, the NYU prompt gives you one extra nudge for what to focus on in your essay.

I believe both paths clearly relate Stern’s mission, as on both I will use 21st century technology to solve age-old problems—such as how to increase fundraising and strengthen community ties. For example, social media are often underused tools for generating donations and maintaining steady communication with supporters. However, since neither tools nor challenges remain static, I will continue to seek out and apply evolving solutions to maximize results.

For instance, if you're passionate about studying theater, you wouldn't just write that you want to attend NYU because you love theater and NYU has a theater program and is in New York, a city that has theater; that description could apply to half a dozen schools. Instead, you'd go into the details of what attracts you about specific classes and professors at Tisch, or other opportunities that are unique to NYU (ability to do certain kinds of projects, the potential for interdisciplinary collaboration, etc).

We would like to know more about your interest in NYU. What motivated you to apply to NYU? Why you have applied or expressed interest in a particular campus, school, college, program, and or area of study? If you have applied to more than one, please also tell us why you are interested in these additional areas of study or campuses. We want to understand - Why NYU? (400 word maximum)


NYU Essay Examples (And Why They Worked)

There are no rules that say you do, which means you don’t have to. Still, remember that these essays will be (mostly) about you, so the first person is understood to be in play and will be the most convenient way to convey your story to the applications committee. Use the storytelling perspective that best suits your essay, of course, but don’t feel the need to try something different just because you can.

4 Great “Why NYU?” Essay Examples | CollegeVine Blog

NYU doesn’t post a limit on their website. From year to year, application requirements might vary. Pay attention to any instructions in your application package and make sure you stick to the limits that NYU sets. Never go above the limit, remember to include spaces in character count restrictions, and more than anything, remember that brevity is the soul of wit: a shorter essay – well-written – will be more effective than a rambling one.

How to Write the NYU Essays 2024-2025

Constructing a supplemental essay is a long process and can feel intimidating. We hope that reading these examples will make you feel a lot less intimidated and more confident about going forward with your application. If you need an extra boost, a can really help you refine what you have written. Remember to put in the work, go after what you want, and seek help where you need it.

Wrote one sentence for the NYU essay, still waitlisted

If I devise a new solution that provides greater significant change for children, I am likely to spring into action to fill that void. However, I would not establish a new organization for the sake of being entrepreneurial—rather, only if I had a unique approach to an unmet need. Also, to launch a new social venture, I will need the support of others already established in the nonprofit community. As my professional experience in this area is currently limited, I may need to first prove myself before branching out on my own. Ultimately, these two paths may not be mutually exclusive, but rather intertwined.

Your Guide to the 2024-25 NYU Supplemental Essay Question

"Why this school" essays are also a useful way for schools to judge student interest in a school (which can indicate whether or not a student will attend if admitted). Based on students' "why this school?" essays, colleges can distinguish students who are specifically interested in attending that school from students who clearly applied just because of the school's location or ranking