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Since NYU is recognized throughout the world, our applicants — first-year and transfer alike — come from a variety of secondary school experiences. With that said, everyone is measured against the same admissions criteria.

To succeed at NYU, what should I have taken in high school?

We find students are best prepared for NYU if they’ve studied the following subjects:

  • English/Writing - 4 years
  • History/Social Studies - 3 to 4 years
  • Mathematics - 3 to 4 years
  • Laboratory Sciences - 3 to 4 years
  • Foreign Language - 3 to 4 years

Note: Our top applicants have taken demanding coursework in the above subjects for four years, however, we understand that not all students have options for choosing coursework depending on the type of school they are in. We will not hold students at a disadvantage if they do not meet these requirements if they did not have the option to do so.

Additional Program Requirements

If you are applying to the Stern School of Business or the Tandon School of Engineering, please note the following:

  • International Baccalaureate: You are encouraged to take either the higher or standard level of Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Higher Level Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation. 
  • A-Levels: Students applying to the Stern School of Business or to Computer Science or Engineering majors are encouraged to take A-Level Mathematics.
  • Applicants to the Tandon School of Engineering should have Physics, Chemistry, and Calculus (or at least Precalculus) on their transcript. -
  • Applicants to the Stern School of Business should have Calculus or, at least, Precalculus on their transcript.