Getting into NYU is tougher than ever. We're diving into the official NYU Common Data Set (CDS) for 2024-2025 to move past the myths and analyze the hard numbers.
For Fall 2024, NYU received 110,807 first-year applications, admitted 10,232 students, and enrolled 5,666. That's a stunning 9.2% admission rate and a 55.4% yield rate—placing it among the most selective universities in the world. (Source: CDS Page 7, Section C1)
While a perfect 4.0 isn't a hard requirement, the vast majority of admitted students are at the top of their class. The data for enrolled Fall 2024 first-year students is clear. (Source: CDS Page 11, Sections C11-C12)
That means 94% of all enrolled first-year students had a 3.5 GPA or higher. (Note: NYU does not consider class rank in its evaluation).
The takeaway: A high GPA in challenging courses is the undeniable standard. Landing in the 3.75+ range puts you in the core competitive group.
NYU's policy for Fall 2026 is "Recommended" (Source: CDS Page 9, Section C8A). The 2024 data shows that "optional" truly means optional, as a minority of enrolled students submitted scores. (Source: CDS Page 10, Section C9):
However, for the students who chose to submit, the scores were exceptionally high. The middle 50% of enrolled students reveal an elite scoring bracket.
| Test | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| SAT Composite | 1480 | 1550 |
| SAT ERBW | 720 | 760 |
| SAT Math | 760 | 800 |
| ACT Composite | 34 | 35 |
The takeaway: You are not penalized for omitting scores. But if you do submit, a 1480 SAT or 34 ACT is the starting point for the competitive range.
This is one of the most revealing sections of the Common Data Set. The university tells us exactly what it values (Source: CDS Page 8, Section C7). The strong emphasis on essays and recommendations is a key differentiator.
Rigor of secondary school record
Academic GPA
Application Essay
Recommendation(s)
Character/personal qualities
Standardized test scores
Extracurricular activities
Talent/ability
First generation
Geographical residence
Volunteer work
Work experience
Class rank
Interview
Alumni/ae relation
State residency
Religious affiliation/commitment
Level of applicant's interest
NYU is explicit about the high school preparation it requires. You must have a minimum of 16 academic units, and 20 are recommended. (Source: CDS Page 8, Section C5). The required distribution is:
| Subject | Required Units | Recommended Units |
|---|---|---|
| English | 4 | 4 |
| Mathematics | 3 | 4 |
| Science | 3 | 4 |
| Foreign language | 3 | 4 |
| Social studies | 3 | 4 |
| Total Academic Units | 16 | 20 |
The takeaway: The 4x4 model (4 units of English, Math, Science, and Social Studies/Foreign Language) is the clear recommendation for a competitive applicant.
The NYU Common Data Set 2024-2025 paints a clear picture: the ideal applicant is an academic standout with a high GPA in rigorous courses. Beyond your transcript, your Essay, Recommendations, and Character are "Very Important," weighing more heavily than extracurriculars. Here are some tools to improve your NYU application:
