Your Guide to Applying

On this page you’ll find step-by-step application instructions on applying to all three of NYU's degree-granting campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai. If one of the following applies to you, follow the instructions below to apply as a first-year student:

  • Currently in high school, even if taking college courses.
  • Participating in a dual-enrollment program, even if you’re earning enough credits for an associate’s degree. (Dual-enrollment means that you are in high school and also in a college-level program.)
  • Graduated with a GED or high school diploma equivalency test and have not enrolled in a degree-seeking program.
If you left high school early and are attending a college or university, apply as a transfer student.

How do I apply?

Step 1: Start and Complete the Common Application Online

The Common Application is required for students applying to any or all of NYU's three degree-granting campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, or Shanghai. You'll be able to choose your campus(es) and program(s) of interest on the NYU-specific page of the Common Application.

You’ll need:

  • A personal email address that you check regularly. Please do not use a school email address as you may miss important information about your application and admissions decision.
  • Contact information for the counselor or other school representative who will complete your Common Application School Report, where they are able to submit your high school transcript and optional letter of recommendation.
  • Contact information for one person (or, optionally, up to three maximum) who will complete a letter of recommendation. NYU requires one letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, coach, supervisor, or anyone else in a position of authority. If your recommender is unable to submit their letter through the Common Application, they can email it directly to admissions.docs@nyu.edu. Please have them include either your date of birth or Common App ID.
  • Nonrefundable $80.00 application fee. Students who are unable to pay the application fee can request a fee waiver.

Are you ready? Start the application now.

Step 2: Gather and Submit Necessary Documents

Depending on your educational background and the program you are applying to, you will need to provide the following:

  • Standardized test scores (see NYU’s standardized testing requirements). Standardized testing is optional for the upcoming application term.
  • A Self Reported Academic Record (SRAR). All applicants will be invited to complete this after submitting their application.
  • An audition or portfolio for specific artistic programs in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development and Tisch School of the Arts. For applicants to these programs, testing is optional and a required audition or portfolio can be submitted in place of standardized testing:
    • Steinhardt requires an audition or portfolio for all applicants to the Music Department and a portfolio for those applying to Studio Art.
    • Tisch requires an audition or portfolio for applicants to all programs. 
    • For programs that require an audition or portfolio, we strongly recommend you submit your application one month in advance to ensure ample time to prepare your audition or portfolio.
  • English language testing if you have not completed at least 3 years of study where English is the sole language of instruction at the time of application submission and English is not your first language.
  • Records of all college work that you have received academic credit for and does not appear on your high school transcript.
  • The Common Application Mid Year Report with updated academic record if mid-year grades are available. This should show your first semester senior year grades.

When should I apply?

Follow the key dates and deadlines below. Learn more about early decision.

For programs that require an audition or portfolio, we strongly recommend you submit your Common Application one month in advance to ensure ample time to prepare your audition or portfolio.

Notification Plan Application
Deadline*
Decision
Early Decision I November 1 December 15
Early Decision II January 1 February 15
Regular Decision January 5 April 1

*The cut-off time for applications is 11:59 pm in your local time zone.

Sending Documents

NYU will accept official or unofficial transcripts and test scores for the purposes of our application review process. Students can send unofficial documents by email to admissions.docs@nyu.edu or upload them through their applicant portal, which they will gain access to after submitting the Common App.

Include an official English translation if the document isn't in English. A school official or a translation agency accredited in the country of the educational institution can issue the translation. NYU will only make exceptions for documents in Mandarin Chinese submitted to NYU Shanghai.

Documents not submitted through the Common Application can be mailed to:

New York University
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
400 Lafayette Street 4th Floor
New York, NY 10003
USA

Or sent via email to:
admissions.docs@nyu.edu

Remember To ...

Use your name exactly as it appears on your passport or birth certificate on your application and supporting documents.