Here's an example of the NYU supplemental essay!


In fact, in the first of the “Why NYU” essay examples, the writer draws a clear connection between their interest in studying at the Stern School of Business and the opportunity to participate in the International Business Exchange Program:


Make sure you’re writing about your interests and passions. At this point in the application process, most students are aware of , but it’s worth reiterating: admissions officers will affirm prospective students who have become specialists or experts in something. When it comes to talking about your passions, don’t be shy in your NYU supplement essay.

To help your NYU essay stand out, you’ll need to create stronger connections between the school and your academic, personal, and professional goals. An example of this in a “Why NYU” essay could look like a student who is excited to study urban planning at NYU. In their NYU essay, they could link their interest in studying the history and future of New York City as the main reason for pursuing this particular program at NYU.

Essay Example 1: Studying Sociology at NYU

Clarify your role. Another question the prompt offers you to consider asks, “What specific actions have you taken to build bridges between diverse groups, ideas or cultures?” This is where you can show NYU what you’re capable of. Consider using the to enumerate the specific steps you took to build the bridge. This student shared their involvement within the Jewish community, taught others about the Holocaust, joined the student leadership board of the Holocaust Center for Humanity, added ideas to the discussion, and built an interactive website for the center. Highlight the range of skills you bring to the table.

When you’re writing the NYU supplemental essay, it’s best to go into detail. Be specific about the that interest you and make sure you support all of your arguments with stories and examples when relevant.

Similar to the language in the first of our “Why NYU” essay examples, this writer is able to say a lot in a few sentences. They’ve not only identified their extracurricular/internship work with IRC but also established their level of commitment to helping refugee youths.

You can also take a hybrid approach by choosing a central theme to focus on, incorporating a few reasons why NYU is the best school for you to pursue this focus. Make sure to back up your argument with specific facts and examples.


Essay Example 2: Diversity at NYU

For example, if your extracurriculars deal with creative writing and your high school courses are mainly in literature, picking a STEM major, simply to impress the admissions committee will likely raise red flags. In cases like this, you may want to talk about the ways that an NYU education will help you find your academic area of focus. Your “why” may not be as clear, but you can still write a successful “Why NYU” essay that focuses on what draws you to the unique community at NYU.

How To Answer the 24/25 NYU Supplemental

The third strategy for this NYU supplemental essay question is to choose one value that relates to you and to the college and to focus on it. Find a way to discuss how the college’s ethos aligns with your own values. Then, weave in specific NYU opportunities that interest you and relate to this value.

Essay Example 3: “NYU is creative and determined”

After all, the NYU essay prompt asks “What motivated you to apply to NYU?”, and not “What motivated you to apply to college in New York City?”. A solid strategy in approaching this NYU supplemental essay, then, is to center your essay around NYU. This might seem obvious. However, you’d be surprised how many students realize after the fact that their completed NYU essay revolves around the city of the school and not the school itself.

Hence, your ‘Why NYU?’ essay’s flow should be like:

To recap, the NYU application essay you submit should be thoroughly researched. After familiarizing yourself with NYU’s and , you should include specific details related to your program of interest in your “Why NYU” essay. If it’s relevant to your essay you may also want to write about specific NYU and .

Prompt: Why do you want to attend CMC?

Your NYU supplemental essay should be written in your own voice. Instead of trying to sound impressive or academic, just prioritize sounding like yourself. With that being said, there’s no room for curse words or other inappropriate languages in your college admissions essays.