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Published December 08, 2023

NYU Admissions Counselors Tackle the 2023-24 Supplemental Essay

Staff Writer

NYU Supplemental Essay (Jimmy's Version)

“we’re used to people telling us there are no solutions, and then creating our own. so we did what we do best. we reached out to each other, and to our allies, and we mobilized across communities to make change, to benefit and include everyone in society.” judith heumann, disability rights activist and 2022 nyu commencement address speaker.

Humanity is a web within which we are all intrinsically tied. Realizing one’s own agency is the key to better community. Realizing that we as humans can leverage that agency together is the key to a better world.

Even the tiniest drops of water can create a new path over time. The power of persistence has motivated me my entire life. Each individual voice, relationship, and community is a work of art, and that art is a powerful medium of change. The world we experience today needs that art, the persistence that comes with it, and passion that inspires it. The fact that almost 8 billion of us around the globe are writing a story together, whether we want to or not, is a harmony of existence. As humans on this planet, we have the ability to steer that pen on paper.

Through my community engagement, extracurricular leadership, and academic exploration, I have already learned an incredible amount towards how I want to show up in this world. I’ve learned that when people come together over a cause, there is no hurdle too high. I’ve learned that diversity is essential, and diversity of thought results in innovative ideas and solutions. I’ve learned that sustainable design principles can build healthier, happier environments.

From a pool of individuals’ solutions comes the collective future of our dreams. I would love nothing more than to roll up my sleeves and learn amongst the greatest minds of my generation as a student at NYU. 

NYU Supplemental Essay (Ayham's Version)

“you have the right to want things and to want things to change.” sanna marin, former pm of finland and 2023 nyu commencement address speaker.

I grew up in a household that valued tradition wholeheartedly and held a profound connection to following our beliefs, customs, and legacy till the day we leave this world. I loved my traditions and customs, but I also loved change: learning, growing, prospering, and reimagining tradition. Yet, at times, these two values clashed, unfortunately, and I was faced with the dilemma of “what is right?” I remember staring at my computer screen, looking at my academic record, and being happy with my grades and position at my school. I made my mother proud, and that’s all that mattered… But was it?

Part of me, deeply hidden inside, was unsatisfied. I was good at what I did, but I wasn’t happy. I wanted to be in a more open, diverse, and inclusive environment. I wanted to feel more challenged –  I wanted change. I remembered my traditions and beliefs, but I also wanted to remember myself, my wants for change, and I wanted to better myself. These two parts of my identity don’t always have to clash. So, I catered to the next step of my life, applying to college, to situate myself in spaces where I can experience the growth I want to see for myself. The challenges I want to endure. I am applying to NYU because I do have the right to want things, and I want to experience my new self in the global education NYU has to offer.

NYU Supplemental Essay (Bridget's Version)

Share a short quote and person not on this list, and why the quote inspires you..

“Everybody wave goodbye to Juice Box!” So screams Will Ferrell in the 2005 cinematic masterpiece Kicking and Screaming . Admittedly, this is a weird quote for a college essay, but hear me out. Every Friday night growing up, my family would choose a movie to watch. Most often, we would choose Kicking and Screaming , a comedy about a crazy soccer coach.

Every week, we’d sit in the same places and settle in to watch the same movies in rotation. And every week, regardless of how many times she’d seen it, my younger sister laughed hysterically when Will Ferrell screamed at the “juice box boy.”

How could she think it was so funny? I didn’t. And after all, she was basically a mini-me – or so I thought. When you’re 13, it seems like your siblings are non-player characters; you live in the same house and occasionally chat about chores, but you never think about them as real people with independent thoughts. Or, at least I didn’t. My sister’s laughter led me to realize that, even though we lived in the same house, I didn’t actually know all that much about my siblings. Since then, I’ve made an active effort to learn more about the people around me. In college, I strive to extend this sense of curiosity about people into the rest of my life, too. I believe that everyone has a unique perspective to share. By learning about other people, I can learn more about the wider world around me.

Your Guide to the NYU Supplemental Essay

Looking for advice on the 2023 NYU supplemental essay question? NYU Admissions Counselor Katie Hindman has advice and tips for applicants.

Announcing the 2023-2024 Common Application for NYU

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Why I’m an Admissions Ambassador at NYU

Becoming an Admissions Ambassadors was one of the best decisions I made.

College essay resources

How to ace nyu’s supplemental essays: guide & examples | 2022-2023, school supplements.

Brad Schiller

Ah! What a great year to apply to NYU! 

The outlook is rosy — they’ve changed their former “Why NYU” prompt to an easier one. 

(Yes, with our patented “ Simple ‘Why Us’ method that works ,” “Why NYU” wasn’t too difficult. But, there’s no avoiding at least a little research with “Why Us” essays, and they tend to take more time, so.) 

Instead, NYU is now asking for a nice, short Community/Contribution essay (250 words or less):

NYU was founded on the belief that a student’s identity should not dictate the ability for them to access higher education. That sense of opportunity for all students, of all backgrounds, remains a part of who we are today and a critical part of what makes us a world class university. Our community embraces diversity, in all its forms, as a cornerstone of the NYU experience.

We would like to better understand how your experiences would help us to shape and grow our diverse community. Please respond in 250 words or less.

Even better, what NYU hasn’t changed is the fact that there’s just one — yes, only one! — supplemental essay for NYU. We love it. 

For everything you need to make this essay easy to write and (more importantly) impress with, meet us below the table of contents.

(For help with all aspects of your college application, head to our College Essay Help Center .)

Prompt close read (1 of 3): Talk about the *actions you take* to further your heritage or identity

Here’s the prompt again:

As you can see, the intro is focused on finding out where you come from, citing things like “all backgrounds,” and “diversity, in all its forms.” 

⚠️ Potential problem alert! ⚠️

The issue with this prompt is that it could easily guide you into centering your essay on your family, your ethnicity, your nationality, or something similar. Now, obviously: (1) those things are rightly important to you, and (2) probably do belong in this essay. 

However, the potential problem with an essay about family, ethnicity, or nationality is that those are aspects of your identity over which you have little control. The risk is that you write about them in a way that makes you seem passive.

To deal with this risk , make sure that, as you address these important aspects of your identity, you show how you amplify, contribute to, or carry on these aspects of your culture. Focus on “I statements” and active verbs, to show that you’re a dynamic person who makes a difference to those around them.

In other words, don’t educate the NYU admissions team about your Cuban heritage — that’s not actually what they’re looking for in this essay. (They can read a million books and articles on Cuban culture on their own time, remember?)

Instead, educate them on what you do with your Cuban heritage. For example:

• You have a loving relationship with your Cuban grandma — talk about how you nurture, partake in, and cherish that relationship.
• You keep up your Spanish — talk about the challenges to speaking fluently, and what you do to stay up-to-speed in a language you don’t speak at school.
• You help your family organize a yearly “Cuban-themed” block party — what does the party mean to you? How does it support other Cubans in your community? How does it educate non-Cubans? Where do you go for decorations and what did you do last year when the caterers canceled at the last minute?

These examples show that you don’t need a momentous thing to talk about, but you do need to showcase your active role in that thing. 

Prompt close read (2 of 3): talk about your “point of view” (rather than “your background”)

Similarly, you don’t have to write about your background, sexuality, neurodiversity, or any other “identity” aspect of your life if you don’t think it’s your best, most interesting material.

You can also talk about experiences you’ve had that give you a unique or rare point of view on the world. Generally, this is a great way to approach this question, because it ensures that your essay will show you as a dynamic person (which is what colleges want to see ).

For example, you could write about:

• What you’ve learned from your parents who own their own small business — what you do in the shop, how you see things differently from your peers.
• What you’ve learned from your work as a cashier at the grocery store — what you’ve learned about your co-workers, the customers who come in, the business of selling food, how you see things differently from your peers.
• What you’ve learned as you’ve gotten obsessed with journalism through the school newspaper — how you’re the only person in your class (that you know of) who reads the Boston Globe daily, how you’ve become bolder and bolder when asking questions of authority figures, how you can spend hours logging on City government hearings or parsing through scholarly articles, how you see things differently from your peers.

Prompt close read (3 of 3): Don’t forget the “contribution” part of the prompt 

The last sentence of the prompt reads:

We would like to better understand how your experiences would help us to shape and grow our diverse community.

This sentence shows that NYU is looking for interesting students who will work together to form a fascinating community. 

Therefore, your essay should similarly not only show what gives you a unique point of view but also suggest that you’re a great community member. Someone who makes places better. Who contributes.

Brainstorm — decide what’s the most impressive of your points of view before starting on your answer 

Now that you understand what you should be saying in this essay, begin by spending time brainstorming your most interesting “point of view” experiences. (Keep to the high school years, which are most relevant to admissions readers.) Brainstorm things like your:

• Family traditions, relationships; unusual family dynamics + roles you’ve played in these.
• Ethnic, cultural, religious, or national heritage + roles you play in this.
• Other identities, such as disabilities, neurodiversity, sexuality, gender expression + how you’ve wrestled with/expressed these.
• Jobs, internships, or extracurriculars that are unusual or have changed your point of view.
• Self-learning and independent projects you’ve undertaken.
• Any other skills you’ve developed or meaningful experiences you’ve had.

If you create a free Prompt account , you can develop these ideas through our brainstorming modules. 

Prompt’s essay-writing method starts with figuring out what you want to say, not letting the prompt dictate what you write about. So, after this exercise, you should be able to sift through and choose the experiences that show you as the most dynamic, interesting, and able to contribute to a fascinating NYU campus community. 

You experiences should demonstrate one or more of the 5 Traits Colleges Look for in Applicants :

• Drive (grit)
• Contribution
• Intellectual Curiosity
• Diversity of Experiences — which we’ve been talking about this whole article :-)

Example Essay

Please note that Prompt strongly believes that influencers shouldn’t influence your college essays and that, for essays that get published in flashy places , you don’t know if the essay got that student in or if they got in despite what was maybe a bad essay. 

That being said, an example can be worth a thousand words. Here’s one to think about:

I am the only teenager I know who actually reads the newspaper. And I don’t mean online — I asked my parents for a New York Times subscription for my birthday last year, and I peruse the whole thing before school each day. 

Becoming a journalist is my obsession and becoming a reporter for my school paper was the best thing I’ve ever done at school. As I’ve gained experience, my identity as a reporter has become more central to how I view the world. 

Take my latest article on our school’s cafeteria staff experience [bitlink] — as a freshman, I never thought much about our cafeteria staff; as a reporter, I knew there was a story there when I asked a worker how they were and they just said, “Tired.”

I was shy as a young kid. Now, I love asking nosy questions (and I love that this pushes against stereotypes others might have of me as an Asian-American). Currently, I’m co-researching a piece on our school’s racial education gap. Teachers and administrators have not enjoyed the questions I’ve put to them. To me, that’s only shown me that I’m pursuing the right story. 

As a senior, it’s also exciting that I’m in a position to mentor new, younger journalists. I love the moment when a member of the new cohort finally gets that the school paper isn’t just an “extracurricular;” it’s a whole new way of seeing the world and making a difference in it. 

• Word count: 245
• The essay focuses on the “view point” type of diversity — focused on how this student has a different point of view on the world because of their interest in journalism.
• The essay focuses strongly on “I statements.” The reader learns about many active steps the student has taken in high school.
• [bitlink] — This indicates that if you’re making a statement like this, it’s a good idea to provide a link for the reader. They’re unlikely to click it (though they might), but it adds believability to your story.
• The essay mentions the student’s Asian-American identity and how that impacts them. It’s a great idea to talk about many different identities if you can, so long as you choose one aspect to be your prime focus. 
• The essay ends on the “contribution” note we talked about, with the student talking about mentoring others.  

Helpful info on all the “other” stuff you’ll consider as you apply to NYU (and other schools)

A few helpful resources for the non-supplement parts of your application:

• Common App : Since you must use it for NYU , read our guide to acing everything to do with writing your Common App application . 
• Whether to submit test scores: NYU remains test-optional for 2022-23. Our test-optional article will guide you through the tricky waters of making this decision. 
• Early options: NYU offers Early Decision I and II . Read our Early Admissions article so you know how to approach this decision. 

BTW, here’s our guidance for approaching any college supplement + here’s where you can find our guides for almost every college’s supplements . 

Feeling inspired? A great place to start is at our College Essay Help Center . 

More articles on Prompt.com’s admissions-boosting methods:

• Work with a college essay coach
• Strong essays increase your chance of admission by up to 10x
• Don’t let influencers influence your college essays
• Should I apply test-optional?
• Early admissions: Everything you need to know
• College Essay Help Center

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How to Respond to the 2023-2024 NYU Supplemental Essay

Cece Gilmore is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cece earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University. While at ASU, she was the education editor as well as a published staff reporter at Downtown Devil. Cece was also the co-host of her own radio show on Blaze Radio ASU.

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Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

New York University is located in the heart of the city that never sleeps, New York City! Due to its ideal location in the Big Apple, NYU has an acceptance rate of 13% . Your NYU application will need to impress if you want to gain an education in NYC!

NYU applicants are offered the opportunity to submit an optional essay to better showcase who they are. NYU states that students who do not submit the optional essay will not be penalized in their admissions review process. Students who are set on NYU might want to take this extra step to impress. Keep reading to learn how to ace the NYU supplemental essay question!

Don’t miss: Top New York scholarships

The NYU supplemental essay: The prompts

Get excited, because NYU only requires one optional supplemental essay response! Students will respond to the following statement from NYU:

We are looking for peacemakers, changemakers, global citizens, boundary breakers, creatives and innovators. Choose one quote from the following and let us know why it inspires you; or share a short quote and person not on our list who inspires you, and include why. (250 words) 

Applicants may choose from the following list:

1. “We’re used to people telling us there are no solutions, and then creating our own. So we did what we do best. We reached out to each other, and to our allies, and we mobilized across communities to make change, to benefit and include everyone in society.” Judith Heuman, 2022 NYU Commencement Address

This quote can be a little overwhelming due to its length but ultimately it is just stating that teamwork can create beneficial solutions. So, if you have any experience working with others whether it be an organization or just one other person to help you solve a problem, this is the perfect quote for you! To begin responding to this essay prompt you should firstly describe what this quote means to you. How do you interpret this quote? Next, you should detail a story from your life in which you came together with others to solve a problem. Be creative and descriptive in detailing this experience! You want the admissions officer to understand your situation and get a good gauge of the type of person you are especially in difficult situations in which a problem needs to be solved. Don’t forget that this response is only 250 words so be as detailed in as few words as possible! 

Questions to consider

• When was a time in which you had to work with others to solve a problem? 
• Does collaboration help you solve a problem more effectively? 
• What problems are you passionate about solving? What steps would you take to ensure that you can solve these issues? 

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2. “I encourage your discomfort, that you must contribute, that you must make your voice heard. That is the essence of good citizenship.” Sherilynn Ifill, 2015 NYU Commencement Address

This quote is very similar to the first one in that it wants to know how you have benefited your community. To begin, try and think about a time in which you stood up for something or someone that was against the grain or norm for your community. Or, think of a time in which you made your voice heard within your community. Once you decide on a moment no matter how big or small, describe it! You should detail what led up to you sparking a change and how exactly you went about it. Additionally, you should describe what happened after the fact. Did you spark a movement in your community? Did you get ridiculed? Would you stand up again despite the discomfort you faced? This reflection is the most important part of your response as this will show the admissions officer what you have learned from your experience. You want to prove to the admissions officer that you will better the NYU community due to your prior experiences and lessons learned. Don’t forget that this response is only 250 words so be as detailed in as few words as possible! 

• Have you ever stood up for something in your community? 
• What have you learned about yourself from making your voice heard? 
• Do you think people should stand up for what they believe despite the uncomfortableness they may feel? 

3. “If you know how to fly but you never knew how to walk, wouldn’t that be sad?” Lang Lang, 2015 NYU Honorary Degree Recipient

This is a hard quote to digest! Lang Lang is a musician and said this quote in response to an interview question about how he likes to tackle the most difficult music pieces first. Knowing this background, it is easier to digest the quote! Ultimately, Lang is detailing that learning the basics and not jumping ahead to the difficult and rewarding parts first can be extremely valuable. Therefore, try to think of a time in which you may have started something ambitious without gaining a good understanding of the topic. Or perhaps a time in which your own pride got in the way of you succeeding because you wanted to skip ahead without going over the mundane intro-leveled steps. No matter what this activity or skill is, it is important that you focus on what you learned in your essay response. You should be detailing how learning the basics actually could provide you with a solid foundation to become an expert in this skill despite not realizing this at the moment. Additionally, you should describe what you learned from this experience and how you will take this skill of learning to walk before flying with you to NYU in order to succeed. Don’t forget that this response is only 250 words so be as detailed in as few words as possible! 

• Can you describe a time in which you learned to fly before walking? 
• Have you ever been ambitious and tried to complete something with no prior background experience in the topic? 
• What have you learned from trying something without practicing the basics first? Would you do it again? 

4. “You have the right to want things and to want things to change.” Sanna Marin, Former Prime Minister of Finland, 2023 NYU Commencement Address

There are a lot of things you may want to change whether that be something small in your personal life or something large in the world. So, for this response you should try to narrow down your options to selecting a problem that you have taken action to change within your community and life. Meaning, this may not be the best time to discuss a large problem that humans are nowhere near solving. Rather, choosing something you are passionate about that you have actively tried to change in your life can show admissions officers the type of person you are. Remember, this problem can be something as small as wanting to exercise more or something a little bigger such as wanting there to be less litter in your neighborhood. Once you select your problem, you should describe what you have done or are planning to do to change it. You can and should even discuss any obstacles you have faced or criticisms to show that you truly want this change to occur despite any setbacks. Ultimately, make sure that you are detailing your want to change something in your life or community and how you go about actually creating change. Don’t forget that this response is only 250 words so be as detailed in as few words as possible!  

• What is something you have been actively involved in trying to change in your life or community? 
• Is wanting to change enough? Or do you believe you need to act in order to initiate change? 
• What have you learned from creating change in your life? Will you continue to fight for change at NYU? 

5. “It’s hard to fight when the fight ain’t fair.” Taylor Swift, Change, Released 2008, 2022 NYU Commencement Speaker

If you’re a Swiftie then this may be the quote option for you! This quote is from a Taylor Swift song called “Change” that she wrote in 2008 that is still just as applicable to 2023. Change is a song all about overcoming obstacles while still being hopeful. So, try to think of a time when you had to overcome a challenge that felt too big for you to overcome. How did you manage to overcome this challenge? Was it an easy or difficult path? What did you learn from this experience? Describe in greater detail about how this unfair fight made you feel and what you did to overcome those feelings. Ultimately, you want to show the admissions officer that you are a strong individual who can overcome even unfair obstacles or at least have a positive attitude about it similar to the way Taylor Swift does in her song “Change.” Don’t forget that this response is only 250 words so be as detailed in as few words as possible!  

• Have you ever had to overcome an obstacle that seemed insurmountable?
• What have you learned about yourself from unfair situations? 
• Do you believe that someone can win a fight that isn’t even? 

6. Share a short quote and person not on this list, and why the quote inspires you

If another Taylor Swift song lyrics speaks to you or you read a specific quote every morning, this is the essay option for you! However, it is important to note that NYU went out of their way to provide you with a list of prior commencement speaker’s quotes that demonstrates their values. Therefore, unless you are super excited and passionate about a different quote, you should select one from their list. This will ensure you are providing an answer that NYU wants to hear from its candidates. If you end up selecting this option, just ensure that you are detailing new information about yourself and revealing some below-the-surface attributes you demonstrate. Additionally, make sure you are describing characteristics you will bring to NYU if you are accepted and how you plan to make NYU a better place. 

7. Not answering this optional question.

This is an optional question!! Therefore, you will not be penalized for not responding to this prompt by NYU. However, if NYU is a dream school or high on your college list, you should definitely be responding to this prompt. These 250 words could be the difference between an acceptance letter and a rejection letter. Here are some benefits to responding to this optional prompt: 

• You can highlight desirable traits and experiences that can make your application well-rounded
• You can mitigate any weaknesses in your application such as a low GPA or test score
• You can form a connection with the admissions officer based on your heartfelt response

A helpful tip on choosing your prompt 

When choosing your prompt, you should also be noting what you have already discussed in your application. If you already wrote your Common App essay about one piece of your identity or theme – do not write about this again! Rather, choose something else in order to emphasize who you are and your broad range of interests. 

Next steps after applying to NYU

Congratulations! Your NYU supplemental essay question is completed! Be thankful that NYU was so kind in only making applicants answer one question. Now, what should you do next? Instead of waiting what feels like a lifetime for NYU to reach a decision on your application, be proactive! Show demonstrated interest in NYU to prove that you are committed to attending their university. 

How can you show demonstrated interest ? Well, it is quite simple! Follow any NYU social media accounts, reach out to an admissions officer about any questions you may have and schedule a tour! Doing this will show NYU that you truly want to attend their university because you are making the effort. 

Best of luck and enjoy New York City – it is famous for a reason! (Grab a slice of $1 pizza–you will not regret it!)

Additional resources

As a student working on college applications, you’ve got a lot on your plate. Fortunately, we have resources to help you through every step of the way. Check out our guides on how to write an essay about yourself , how to respond to the Common App prompts , and how to write 250 and 500 word essays. We can also help you decide how many schools to apply to and how to find safety, reach, and match schools .

If you’re wondering whether to send test scores to test-optional schools , we’ve got a guide for that as well. And once you start hearing back, we can help you create a college comparison spreadsheet to make your college choice. Finally, check out our free scholarship search tool to help fund your education and keep all of your college options open. Good luck!

Other colleges to consider

• Boston University (Boston, MA)
• Barnard College (New York, NY)
• Columbia University (New York, NY)
• University of Chicago (Chicago, IL)

Frequently asked questions about the New York University supplemental essay

Should you answer nyu optional supplemental essay, is the nyu supplemental really optional, did the nyu supplemental essay change, how many supplemental essay prompts does nyu have, when are the application deadlines for nyu, are there any helpful tips for making my essay stand out from other applicants, is there a right quote option to select for the nyu essay prompt, scholarships360 recommended.

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New York University (NYU) Supplemental Essays Guide: 2021-2022

Not sure how to approach the “Why NYU” essay prompt? CollegeAdvisor.com’s “Why NYU” Essay Guide will show you exactly how to write an engaging “Why NYU” essay to maximize your chances of admission. This guide will also reference CollegeAdvisor’s “Why NYU” essay examples  article  from last year. The piece includes two “Why NYU” essay examples from students who were admitted to NYU. We also reference feedback from former admissions officers on why each “Why NYU” essay was successful.

If you need help crafting your answers to the NYU application essay, create your free  account  or  schedule a free consultation  by calling (844) 343-6272.

New York University ( NYU ) Essay Guide Quick Facts:

• For the class of 2025, NYU accepted  12.8% of applicants  to its New York Campus.  U.S. News  considers this school to be  most selective .
• We recommend answering the required NYU essay, and any additional prompts, comprehensively and thoughtfully.

What is NYU known for?

NYU prides itself on the fact that the city is its campus. In 1831, the university’s founders aimed to create an institution of learning that would be “in and of the city.” Thus, NYU’s main campus has no gates or walls separating it from the rest of Greenwich Village. This differs from other schools in the city, such as Columbia University that has a central quad and gates separating itself from the Morningside Heights area. Side note: Barnard College, Columbia University’s affiliated women’s college has its own quad and set of gates, albeit adjacent to Columbia’s campus.)

However, the breadth of NYU students’ learning extends far beyond the confines of Manhattan. NYU has more international students and students studying abroad than any other university in the United States. Students hail from 133 countries and nearly every state in the U.S.

What are three interesting facts about NYU?

• NYU’s main campus is located in Manhattan. However, the university also has campuses in  Shanghai ,  Abu Dhabi , and other  global academic centers .
• The origin of NYU’s color, violet, is  obscure . Many believe it’s a nod to the violets that grow in Washington Square and around the original university building. Others trace it back to Athens, Greece—a center of learning in the ancient world. The violet flower was strongly associated with the city.
• NYU has many world-renowned  alumni , including Lady Gaga, Adam Sandler, and Angelina Jolie.

How many essays do you have to write for NYU?

New York University has  one  required NYU essay prompt in the 2021-2022  Common App . Each applicant will produce a “Why NYU” essay in addition to their Common App personal statement. As you look at the  NYU admissions page , you’ll notice that there are additional requirements for Steinhardt (an  audition or portfolio  for all applicants to the Music Department with the exception of Educational Theatre, and a  portfolio  for those applying to Studio Art) and Tisch (an  audition or portfolio  for applicants to all programs). A pplying to one of these programs? Make sure you complete all of the requirements referenced on the pages linked above.  This NYU essay guide will only cover the required “Why NYU” essay. However, you can use the tips here to help craft the  Steinhardt portfolio ,  Tisch portfolio , and  Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholars Program  essays as well.

How long is the NYU essay?

When writing your “Why NYU” essay, you have a maximum of 400 words to convey your interest in attending NYU. While 400 words may seem like a lot, you will want to strategize to use them wisely. You’ll also see below in the “Why NYU” essay prompt breakdown that there are several layers to the NYU application essay. Accordingly, you’ll need to answer each portion of the NYU essay prompt in order for it to be considered complete.

Due to NYU’s relatively low acceptance rate and competitive admissions process, a strong NYU application essay is key to maximizing your admissions odds. In fact, this is your chance to show NYU your demonstrated interest (DI). Demonstrated interest is what universities use to gauge just how interested a student is in attending their particular school. Want to read more about using supplemental essays to convey DI to each school that you’re applying to? Check out this article on DI by  Forbes .

Why does the NYU essay have a word limit?

The “Why NYU” essay has a word limit because admissions officers have a limit. Last year, over  100,000  first-year undergraduate hopefuls applied to NYU. In short, the “Why NYU” essay has a word limit to help admissions officers process the large number of applications.

There’s more to the picture, however. The NYU supplemental essay prompt also enforces a strict word limit to test your (the applicant’s) ability to respond to their prompt clearly and succinctly. The NYU supplemental essay prompt is intentionally broad. Thus, each writer has ample opportunity to discuss their research on the school, passion about their potential major(s), and general excitement about NYU.

Finally, the NYU admissions committee is looking for well-edited, dynamic writing in each “Why NYU” essay. Having a 400-word limit helps admissions officers identify both strong and weak writing quickly. Most importantly, they’re looking for students who they believe will bring diversity to their community and will excel in a rigorous academic environment.

“Why NYU” Essay Prompt (Required)

We would like to know more about your interest in NYU. What motivated you to apply to NYU? Why have you 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 words)

This NYU essay prompt is more than just a simple “Why NYU” essay question. In fact, there are several layers to the NYU essay. The admissions team is interested in your reasons for applying not only to NYU, but your interest in a particular campus, college, program, and area of study. Consequently, it’s best to approach this NYU supplemental essay as an NYU-specific personal statement. Similar to your Common App personal statement, you’ll want to treat this NYU essay as an introduction to the admissions committee.

How do you write the “Why NYU” essay?

Begin your “Why NYU” essay writing process with a brainstorm/free-write session. Start a list and write down every reason that contributed to your decision to apply to NYU. It can be as simple as “wanting to live in NYU;” as big as “majoring in education studies to make sweeping reforms in NYC’s school systems;” and as specific as “taking a music course with adjunct professor Questlove.”

Take no more than ten minutes to write this list. When you’ve finished, write two more lists, one titled “academic goals,” and the other titled “professional goals.” Spend ten minutes each completing these lists–these don’t have to be specifically related to NYU like the first list, but this is simply an opportunity to think about your area of study and goals for the future.

Make connections

Now that you have these three lists, take some time to draw connections between the three. For example, if your “why NYU” list includes the bonus of living in New York City while attending school, try to connect it with one of your reasons from the other lists. In other words, consider the fact that many students will list wanting to study in New York City as a reason for attending NYU.

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.

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:

Essay Example 1:

The Bachelor of Science in Business Program excites me, as it entails a well-rounded yet intensive study in core business disciplines. However, what draws me to Stern is the emphasis on gaining a global perspective, which is crucial in today’s rapidly changing world economy. Through the International Business Exchange Program, I will be able to gain a first-hand cultural experience that will mold me into a global citizen and business leader. Not only will I be taking courses in the most prestigious business schools across the globe, but I will also have new doors opened for me to network with alumni.

In just a few short sentences, the writer is able to state their school of interest (Stern), connect it to a program (the International Business Exchange Program), and talk about how NYU can help them accomplish their professional goals.

Identify the connections in your lists of personal, professional, and academic goals related to NYU. Then, it’s time to think about how you’d like to open your NYU essay. The second of our “Why NYU” essay examples perfectly demonstrate the power of a persuasive opening anecdote or story. The first few sentences are meant to draw the reader into your story. This is true of any essay, the “Why NYU” essay included. Consequently, you’ll want to use dynamic language that sets the tone for your NYU supplemental essay. Let’s look at our “Why NYU” essay examples for inspiration:

Essay Example 2:

Before I began interning for the International Rescue Committee’s refugee youth acclimation program—right in the heart of the Lower East Side—I underwent weeks of training in providing trauma-informed support, reminded repeatedly that these kids have gone through more than I could possibly imagine.

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.

As you can see, both of these “Why NYU” essay examples deal with the very different subject matter. One essay deals with a refugee volunteer looking to study racial policy. The other focuses on a finance student looking to network with future NYU alumni. Both candidates, however, are clear in what they want to study at NYU and why it is important for them to pursue that particular program there. They are also able to draw connections between their passions and interests to their proposed academic programs.

Do your research

Make a strong case for why you want to pursue a particular program at NYU. Use the “Why NYU” essay examples for reference; this is the most important part of your “Why NYU” essay. If you’re unsure of what you want to study, now is the time to research  NYU’s programs . The major referenced in your NYU essay may not be what you pursue if admitted, and that’s okay. If you can, however, identify potential majors of interest in your NYU essay prompt response and connect them to your overall candidate profile. This can help you write a stronger NYU essay.

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.

In other words, authenticity is key. Don’t submit a NYU essay that simply tells the admissions officers what you think they want to hear.

“Why NYU” Essay Draft Key Questions:

• Does your “Why NYU” essay talk about your motivations for attending NYU?
• In your NYU essay prompt response, do you demonstrate that you’ve done research on the schools, programs, courses, and organizations that NYU offers?
• When applicable in your NYU essay, do you mention specific NYU campus traditions, courses, regional attractions, professors, etc.?

What should I include in my “Why NYU” essay?

The NYU supplemental essay prompt asks two deeper questions: “What motivated you to apply to NYU?” and “Why have you applied or expressed interest in a particular campus, school, college, program, and or area of study?”. Both of these questions should be answered when drafting your “Why NYU” essay.

Naturally, NYU’s desired location in New York City leads many of its applicants to apply to the school. You can speak about the unique opportunities that the big city presents. However, you want to ensure that your response is specific enough to NYU. What does NYU have to offer that Columbia and Fordham don’t? Remember in the second of the “Why NYU” essay examples, the writer was able to specifically name the major (public health policy) that they wanted to pursue at NYU, as well as where they wanted to carry out research ( CASSR ). As in the “Why NYU” essay examples, it’s best to be as specific as possible.

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.

Tell a story

For this NYU supplemental essay, it’s important to reflect on the past experiences that have led you to be interested in a given area of study. Was it a specific moment in your life or a series of experiences? You have the option to choose either path in writing this NYU application essay. Take a look at both of the “Why NYU” essay examples on the CollegeAdvisor  blog . The first NYU essay example highlights multiple experiences that led the author to their interest in pursuing a finance major. The second of the “Why NYU” essay examples makes one volunteer experience the focus of their NYU essay prompt. Both are strong and a great reminder that your “Why NYU” essay should be as unique as you are!

To recap, the NYU application essay you submit should be thoroughly researched. After familiarizing yourself with NYU’s  campuses  and  programs , 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  clubs/organizations  and  events/traditions .

NYU Application Essay: Final Thoughts

Completing the NYU supplemental essay can seem daunting, but don’t let the NYU essay prompt discourage you from applying. At the end of the day, the NYU essay prompt is not intended to trip you up. Rather, view the NYU application essay as an opportunity to further introduce yourself to the admissions team.

Use this NYU supplemental essay guide to help you approach the NYU application essay with confidence. Before and during your NYU essay writing process, make sure to spend some time reading over our “Why NYU” essay examples. Use the feedback from former admissions officers included with each NYU essay as guiding criticism for your own draft. While your experiences are going to be different than what is outlined in the “Why NYU” essay examples, your reasons for wanting to attend NYU should be just as clear as you read in the sample essay.

After completing your NYU supplemental essay, make sure to revise your NYU application essay. You should ask a counselor, advisor, or other trusted adult to help you proofread for spelling, grammar, and clarity. Good luck!

This 2021-2022 essay guide on NYU was written by  Juliana Furigay , Columbia ‘23. For more resources on the college admissions process, click  here . If you need help crafting your answer to the NYU essay prompt, create your free  account  or  schedule a no-cost advising consultation  by calling (844) 343-6272.

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NYU Supplemental Essays 2023-24 Prompt and Advice

August 17, 2023

In the 2022-23 admissions cycle, NYU received over 120,000 applications. That was a record-breaking figure for the university (13% more than the previous year!), as was the all-time low acceptance rate of 8%. To put these numbers in proper context, consider for a moment that in 1991, NYU had an acceptance rate of 65%. At the start of the Obama presidency, NYU still only received 37,000 total applications. These numbers lead us into the topic of this blog, the NYU supplemental essay.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into NYU? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into NYU  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

Clearly, standing out as an applicant to NYU was a heck of a lot easier a generation or even a mere decade ago. For the Class of 2027, the median SAT score for an admitted applicant was 1540 , meaning that even a standardized test score in the 99th percentile won’t do much to separate you from the hordes of equally credentialed applicants.

Although it only has one prompt, NYU’s essay still affords applicants an opportunity to illustrate what makes them uniquely qualified for admission. Below is NYU’s supplemental essay for the 2023-24 admissions cycle. We then follow with College Transitions’ advice on how to craft a winning composition.

2023-2024 NYU Supplement Essays

This is a new prompt for the 2023-24 admissions cycle. It’s optional, but we highly encourage anyone who would like to be a serious contender (which, if you’re taking the time to apply, hopefully you are) to answer it.

We are looking for peacemakers, changemakers, global citizens, boundary breakers, creatives and innovators – Choose one quote from the following and let us know why it inspires you; or share a short quote and person not on our list who inspires you, and include why. (250 words)

• “We’re used to people telling us there are no solutions, and then creating our own. So we did what we do best. We reached out to each other, and to our allies, and we mobilized across communities to make change, to benefit and include everyone in society.” Judith Heuman, 2022 NYU Commencement Address
• “I encourage your discomfort, that you must contribute, that you must make your voice heard. That is the essence of good citizenship.” Sherilynn Ifill, 2015 NYU Commencement Address
• “If you know how to fly but you never knew how to walk, wouldn’t that be sad?” Lang Lang, 2015 NYU Honorary Degree Recipient
• “You have the right to want things and to want things to change.” Sanna Marin, Former Prime Minister of Finland, 2023 NYU Commencement Address
• “It’s hard to fight when the fight ain’t fair.” Taylor Swift, Change, Released 2008, 2022 NYU Commencement Speaker
• Share a short quote and person not on this list, and why the quote inspires you.

NYU Supplemental Essay (Continued)

This prompt—and its options—are incredibly open-ended, offering you the power to decide why a particular quote inspires you (note that there are no guiding questions or proposed directions for any quote). As such, read through the quotes provided and note which one you continue returning to. When you read that quote, what do you want to do ? What type of change do you want to affect? Does it encourage to create or innovate? How so? Moreover, does it remind you of an experience you’ve had, a challenge you’ve overcome, or a belief you hold? Perhaps it calls to mind an aspect of your background or perspective. Or, it could speak to a particular social or political cause that is important to you. Alternatively, you can even choose your own quote if none of the above resonates with you.

The strongest responses will look to the future while also incorporating past personal experiences or influences. For example, perhaps the second prompt inspires you to continue seeking out experiences that challenge you. “Why is that?” NYU will want to know. Perhaps, earlier this year, you went out of your comfort zone to speak up at a school board meeting about your school district’s book ban policy, ultimately meeting & agreeing to continue working with a group of fellow students who also opposed the policy.

Finally, given that this is NYU’s only supplemental essay, you can also incorporate how you plan to seek out specific experiences or resources at NYU.

How important is the NYU supplemental essay?

NYU deems four elements as “very important” in evaluating a candidate. These are: the rigor of your secondary school record, class rank, GPA, standardized test scores, and talent/ability. The NYU supplemental essay is considered to be “important” alongside letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and character/personal qualities.

Want personalized assistance?

In conclusion, if you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your NYU essay, we encourage you to  get a quote  today.

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NYU Supplemental Essay Examples

Perusing NYU supplemental essay examples will greatly help you with your own essay writing. There is nothing quite like being able to see how somebody else has composed their essays to help you with your own.

Expert college essay tips can really help you with how to start a college essay , and you can even study specifically with supplemental college essays , but being able to read samples will be particularly useful to you.

In this article, you will see sample prompts for NYU’s supplemental essay prompts, as well as a small tips section on formatting and requirements.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 10 min read

Essay Prompt #1: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

Sometimes I feel like my country doesn’t belong to me, or even my life some times. I live in a suburb of New Jersey, and in my particular area, I’m one of the only Black kids around. All of my friends are white.

None of this is necessarily a problem – I love my friends dearly – but it doesn’t change the fact that I get a daily dose of, “Hey, you’re different!” just from walking out the front door. If that wasn’t enough of a punctuation point on the whole racial imbalance of my particular life, I get to do things like switch on the news, or read any headlines, so it seems, on any given day just to get an underline or two added to the way I am distinct from my peers.

I have sat with my friends at a comedy show and had the comic tell racially charged jokes. I can feel them look to me. “Is that funny?” say their darting, peripheral glances, and I know that I have a choice to make; I can laugh or not. If I laugh, it’s funny. If I don’t, they’ll be offended for me. Even if the joke just wasn’t funny – not offensive, just not worthy of a chuckle – they might get offended for me. I love my friends, and they clearly have my back, but man alive, is this wearying sometimes.

“Go back to where you came from!” the racists shout to me, and I think, “Jersey? Where I came from is a ten-minute bus ride.” Nonetheless, I persistently receive this abuse and wonder if it’s all worth it. Maybe I should explore my roots. My grandparents came over from Senegal. It’s not as if Senegal couldn’t use another bright, idealistic student to try and improve its quality of life. Senegal is still coughing from colonialism, the boot having only been removed from its neck since 1960.

That feels like giving up, though, so I’ll stay – just to show those racists who the real patriot is, I suppose.

As I look toward my future, I think about where I come from – as a person, not "Jersey."

I come from a place that feels like home until the world outside makes me feel like I don’t belong. But my family, my friends, my suburb feels welcoming. I want to take that and expand it. It sounds like a pipe dream. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could put all this garbage of animosity and prejudice behind us? Well, why not?

Figuring out how to write a college essay is a bit of a process in and of itself, but following the examples above and the format below should really help you.

Most NYU supplemental essays are between 500 and 700 words. You don’t want to go too long, or you’ll risk becoming tedious; remember that the admissions committee will be reading more than 200,000+ essays from their recently reported 105,000 applicants. With those numbers, making your essay run for pages and pages just seems cruel.

As for the format itself, we encourage you to stick to a standard essay writing format:

• an opening paragraph that sets everything up, which should be headed by an attention-grabbing “hook” sentence;
• the body of the essay, containing two or three main points over a few paragraphs, during which you will explore your main ideas;
• finally, a concluding paragraph which wraps everything up.

Polish up your opening paragraphs by reading some college essay introduction examples .

You’re applying to an academic institution, so keep the tone on the formal side, avoiding slang and other types of suspect vernacular. The differences between a standard essay and your application essays is that the latter are written in the first person because you are telling your story. You can be freer with opinion – and you don’t need citations, of course!

The biggest requirement, and what you should focus on the most, is showing your best qualities to the admissions committee and making sure that you stand out. Consider these essays a way to “get to know you,” almost like a written interview before the in-person interview you hope to get.

If you follow these tips and construct your essay with patience, thoughtfulness, and skill, we are confident that you will get that interview.

Wondering how to navigate your applications?

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 college essay review service 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.

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.

Spend some regular, quality time with your essays over the course of 6-8 weeks. That might sound like a lot, but going from brainstorming your way through the blank pages to putting the final polish and spell-checked version into your application should take time. Remember that you’ll almost definitely need to do multiple drafts and re-writes – ideally receiving good, reliable feedback between those drafts.

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.

It’s your work, so yes.

Make sure that you answer the prompts, though. Whoever wrote them was meticulous about the wording; therefore, you need to answer the exact wording of the prompt. If your recycled essay answers a similar question but one that is nevertheless slightly different, you need to edit your essay to fit the new prompt. That might be a minor tweak or a complete overhaul. Make sure you scrub or exchange any NYU-specific lingo from essays you use for another school.

Not formally, but you are being judged and evaluated based on your essays. That’s not to say that you’re being scored necessarily, just that what you write really matters.

Don’t worry about grades or points; worry about effort and results.

NYU has them, so if you want in to New York University, then yes, you’re looking at some supplemental essay writing.

They can, but they are often very similar from one year to the next. Institutions aren’t radically shifting the kind of students they want from year to year. So, there might be a bit of a change-up, but you will usually find very similar prompts.

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.

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How to Succeed with the NYU Supplemental Essay 2023-2024

September 5, 2023

With an acceptance rate of only 12.2%, it's clear that NYU is a highly selective school. Given its multitude of specialized programs, the demand for admission is exceptionally high. Therefore, it is crucial to craft a compelling response to the NYU supplemental essay 2023-2024, one that showcases your valuable contributions to your community. In this blog, we’ll discuss our recommended approaches to tackle the prompts, along with some additional tips to ensure your success.

NYU Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

We are looking for peacemakers, changemakers, global citizens, boundary breakers, creatives and innovators – Choose one quote from the following and let us know why it inspires you; or share a short quote and person not on our list who inspires you, and include why.

Essay Option 1

“we’re used to people telling us there are no solutions, and then creating our own. so we did what we do best. we reached out to each other, and to our allies, and we mobilized across communities to make change, to benefit and include everyone in society.” judith heuman, 2022 nyu commencement address.

For this prompt, InGenius Prep counselor David Kerman, who worked as the Assistant Director of Admission at NYU, points out, "NYU, like New York City, is a diverse place. Students come from all across the country and around the world. It will be common for students to be in classes with peers who do not look or think like them. While it’s not necessary for admission, it certainly won’t hurt to display an understanding of the campus community and why the university places a special emphasis on promoting that dynamic." 

Therefore, it’s no surprise that NYU places a special emphasis on promoting cross-cultural understanding, not just within the campus community, but also within the individual programs offered. For example, in a program like Global Liberal Studies , students are exposed to a diverse range of courses that explore various cultures, societies, and global issues. By studying alongside international peers and engaging in cross-cultural discussions, students can develop a more nuanced understanding of global affairs and become better equipped to tackle the complex challenges of our interconnected world. Research these programs and mention them in your response. 

By demonstrating an understanding of the campus community and the university's commitment to promoting diversity and cross-cultural understanding, you can show admissions officers that you are not only academically prepared but also culturally aware and ready to contribute to the vibrant tapestry of NYU.

Essay Option 2

“i encourage your discomfort, that you must contribute, that you must make your voice heard. that is the essence of good citizenship.” sherilynn ifill, 2015 nyu commencement address.

This prompt is related to the first prompt, but it goes one step further.  David adds, "This is an opportunity to showcase that students understand the university’s emphasis on the city being their campus; that they need to step outside of their comfort zone in order to truly grow, change, and evolve into the person that they are meant to become; that they want to go to NYU so that they can be pushed and challenged to look at the world in a different way. "

Furthermore, NYU's commitment to experiential learning encourages students to actively engage with the city and take advantage of the countless resources and opportunities it has to offer. Whether it's through internships, community service, or involvement in local organizations, students have the chance to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings, making a tangible impact on their surroundings. This hands-on approach not only enhances academic experience but also cultivates a sense of responsibility and agency, empowering students to become active contributors to their communities.

Think about how NYU's unique location in the heart of New York City can provide you with unparalleled opportunities for growth and exploration. Discuss ideas like how you plan on immersing yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of the city, expanding your horizons, challenging your preconceived notions – thus, gaining a deeper understanding of the world around you.

Ultimately, the goal of this essay is to articulate your desire to embrace the transformative power of the university and the city. By choosing NYU, you are expressing your readiness to step outside of your comfort zone, challenge yourself, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. It is an opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to becoming a global citizen, ready to navigate the complexities of an interconnected world and make a positive impact on society.

Essay Option 3

“if you know how to fly but you never knew how to walk, wouldn’t that be sad” lang lang, 2015 nyu honorary degree recipient.

This is an opportunity to express your academic philosophy and demonstrate your commitment to intellectual growth and development. David adds, "NYU is looking for students who are not seeking shortcuts. Rather, they want students who understand the value of careful progression and strike a balance between “seeing the forest through the trees” and understanding more nuanced details.”

In this context, NYU wants to see that you have a deep appreciation for the learning process and a genuine curiosity to explore and understand complex concepts. They are looking for students who are willing to put in the time and effort to truly comprehend a subject, rather than simply skimming the surface. This mindset reflects a dedication to academic excellence and a passion for intellectual growth. NYU values students who can think critically and analytically, and who can step back and see the bigger picture while also examining the intricate details. This ability to balance broad perspectives with focused analysis is essential for success in higher education and beyond. It shows that you are capable of synthesizing information, formulating well-reasoned arguments, and approaching challenges from multiple angles. By expanding on your academic philosophy, you have the chance to showcase your commitment to pursuing knowledge in a thoughtful and deliberate manner. You can highlight your eagerness to explore diverse perspectives, to delve into complex subjects, and to engage in rigorous academic inquiry. This demonstrates to NYU that you are not just seeking a degree, but that you are truly passionate about learning, growing, and making a meaningful impact in your chosen field.

Essay Option 4

“you have the right to want things and to want things to change.” sanna marin, former prime minister of finland, 2023 nyu commencement address.

"Change" is the key word in this prompt, and it resonates deeply with NYU's mission to foster a community of changemakers, innovators, and boundary breakers. When answering this prompt, go beyond describing abstract ideas and instead highlight a specific instance where you had a vision for positive change and took action to make it happen.

One powerful example could be a time when you noticed a lack of inclusivity or representation within your school or community and decided to address it head-on. Perhaps you spearheaded a campaign to create a more inclusive curriculum, organized events to celebrate diversity, or started a club to amplify marginalized voices. By sharing this concrete experience, you not only demonstrate your commitment to positive change but also showcase your leadership skills and ability to mobilize others towards a common goal. Alternatively, you could discuss a project or initiative that you undertook outside of your immediate community. For instance, maybe you were deeply moved by the environmental crisis and decided to take action by organizing a local cleanup event, advocating for sustainable practices in your school, or even starting a community garden. By highlighting your tangible efforts to create change, you showcase your ability to think critically, problem-solve, and take initiative. In either case, it is crucial to reflect on the impact of your actions and the lessons you learned throughout the process. Discussing the challenges you faced, the obstacles you overcame, and the results you achieved will demonstrate your resilience, determination, and ability to make a meaningful impact. Additionally, don't forget to connect your experience to NYU's values and explain how this experience aligns with your future goals and aspirations.

Ultimately, you want to present yourself as a candidate who is not only passionate about creating change but also capable of translating that passion into tangible action. NYU seeks students who are not afraid to challenge the status quo and make a difference in the world, and by showcasing your own transformative experiences, you demonstrate that you are indeed one of these exceptional individuals.

Essay Option 5

“It’s hard to fight when the fight ain’t fair.” Taylor Swift, Change, Released 2008, 2022 NYU Commencement Speaker

This is an opportunity for you to delve into your thoughts and perspectives on current events and the challenges we face as a society. David adds, "NYU is looking for movers, shakers, and innovators that will tackle some of the world’s pressing problems."  With this prompt, you have the chance to articulate how and why certain fights are not fair, and what you believe needs to happen in order to bring about positive change. Think about a specific issue that deeply resonates with you, one that you believe is unjust or in need of urgent attention. Whether it's climate change, income inequality, racial injustice, or any other pressing concern, this is your chance to shed light on the reasons why the fight isn't fair and what can be done to address it. Then consider the root causes of the issue and the different factors that contribute to its unfairness. Is it systemic barriers, lack of access to resources, or societal prejudices? By analyzing and understanding the underlying dynamics, you can propose thoughtful and impactful solutions. When discussing what needs to happen, be sure to consider both short-term and long-term strategies. Are policy changes necessary? Should there be grassroots movements? Is education and awareness crucial? By outlining a comprehensive plan of action, you demonstrate your ability to think critically and strategically about complex problems.

Throughout your response, always connect your personal experiences or initiatives to the issue at hand. Have you been directly affected by the unfairness? Have you already taken steps to address it? If so, explain what you've done and the impact it has had. If you haven't yet had the opportunity, discuss what you would like to do at NYU to contribute to this area and make a meaningful difference. Remember, NYU is searching for individuals who are not content with the status quo and are determined to be agents of change. By showcasing your deep understanding of the fight that isn't fair and your commitment to taking action, you position yourself as a mover and shaker who is ready to tackle the world's challenges with passion and conviction.

Essay Option 6

Share a short quote and person not on this list, and why the quote inspires you.

The specific quote you choose is not as crucial as your analysis and explanation of the quote itself. For this open-ended question, David says, “Generally, I don’t think admissions reps will look for different things based on the quote that a student chooses. Rather, I think they’ll let the student choose the quote that speaks to them as a way of providing them with flexible options based on their experiences and perspectives.”

Additional Tips for Writing the NYU Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Here are some additional things that David recommends you keep in mind as you write your NYU supplemental essay:

• Writing at a college level: This is a given, but it remains critical. NYU admissions officers want to see that students are using a mature voice (an advanced narrative flow) with proper syntax/spelling/grammar/punctuation - but this doesn’t mean that the essay can’t be creative! 
• Self-aware & culturally-aware introspection: NYU admissions officers want to see that students are self-aware, display a mature, thorough understanding of their views and perspectives, and can rationally back up their arguments as needed. 
• Done the research: Whenever and wherever possible, students should tie their response to programs and/or opportunities at the university that interest them, especially if they’re related to the program(s) they’re applying for. If applying to a NYC program, they should tie the response to the school and/or major that they’re applying for. If applying to NYU Abu Dhabi or NYU Shanghai, they can tie it to either the campus or their major(s) of interest.

Now that you’ve seen the new prompts for the NYU supplemental essay 2023-2024 , it’s time to roll up your sleeves and dive into the creative process. Embrace the opportunity to showcase your unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations. Be genuine, introspective, and culturally aware, demonstrating your commitment to making a positive impact on society. Connect your personal journey to NYU's values and mission, and showcase your understanding of the programs and opportunities that the university offers. With these strategies in mind, you can create an essay that truly stands out and positions you as a future Bobcat. Good luck!

If you are looking for a college admissions counselor to help maximize your chances of getting into your dream school, we can help! InGenius Prep has helped more than 6,000 students around the world gain admission into the most competitive schools including Harvard, Yale, MIT, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, NYU, and more.   Sign up for a free strategy call today  and join the 6,000+ students we've helped get accepted into their dream schools. 

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NYU Supplemental Essays 2023-24 Prompt and Advice

Embarking on the journey to higher education is not merely a pursuit of academic excellence; it is a transformative experience that shapes individuals into peacemakers, changemakers, global citizens, boundary breakers, creatives, and innovators. As prospective students contemplate their path to NYU, the university’s commitment to fostering a diverse and dynamic community comes to the forefront. The NYU supplemental essay prompt encapsulates this ethos, challenging applicants to explore their inspirations, values, and potential contributions in a mere 250 words.

In this exploration of the NYU supplemental essay prompt, we will unravel the intricacies of the task at hand. From dissecting the provided quotes to understanding the underlying expectations, we will guide you through a strategic approach that not only aligns with NYU’s vision but also elevates your unique narrative. As we navigate the art of crafting a compelling response, we’ll delve into the significance of personal connections, reflections on NYU’s ethos, and the impact of incorporating a unique perspective.

NYU Supplemental Essays Prompt

We are looking for peacemakers, changemakers, global citizens, boundary breakers, creatives and innovators – Choose one quote from the following and let us know why it inspires you, or share a short quote and person not on our list who inspires you, and include why. (250 words)

“We’re used to people telling us there are no solutions, and then creating our own. So we did what we do best. We reached out to each other, and to our allies, and we mobilized across communities to make change, to benefit and include everyone in society.”

Judith Heuman , 2022 NYU Commencement Address

“I encourage your discomfort, that you must contribute, that you must make your voice heard. That is the essence of good citizenship.”

Sherilynn Ifill , 2015 NYU Commencement Address

“If you know how to fly but you never knew how to walk, wouldn’t that be sad?”

Lang Lang , 2015 NYU Honorary Degree Recipient

“You have the right to want things and to want things to change.” Sanna Marin, Former Prime Minister of Finland, 2023 NYU Commencement Address

“It’s hard to fight when the fight ain’t fair.”

Taylor Swift , Change, Released 2008, 2022 NYU Commencement Speaker

Share a short quote and person not on this list, and why the quote inspires you.

Understanding the Quotes

Judith Heuman:

“We’re used to people telling us there are no solutions, and then creating our own…”

• Key Themes : Resilience, Creativity, Community Mobilization, Social Change.
• Implication : This quote emphasizes the power of resilience and creativity in the face of challenges. It speaks to the proactive approach of creating solutions, fostering a sense of community, and mobilizing for social change.

Sherilynn Ifill:

“I encourage your discomfort, that you must contribute, that you must make your voice heard…”

• Key Themes: Citizenship, Discomfort, Contribution, Voice.
• Implication: Ifill’s words underscore the importance of embracing discomfort as a catalyst for positive change. It encourages active citizenship, emphasizing the necessity of contributing and making one’s voice heard for the greater good.
• Key Themes: Balance, Comprehensive Growth, Fundamental Skills.
• Implication: Lang Lang’s quote invokes the significance of a balanced and comprehensive approach to personal development. It suggests that possessing advanced skills without a foundation in fundamental aspects is incomplete.

Sanna Marin:

“You have the right to want things and to want things to change.”

• Key Themes: Rights, Desire for Change, Agency.
• Implication: Marin’s quote underscores the importance of individual agency and the right to aspire for change. It empowers individuals to have desires and actively work towards positive transformations.

Taylor Swift:

“It’s hard to fight when the fight ain’t fair.”

• Key Themes: Fairness, Challenges, Struggle.
• Implication: Taylor Swift’s lyrics highlight the difficulty of fighting against injustice or challenges when the conditions are not fair. It speaks to the resilience required in the face of adversity.

Common Threads:

• Resilience: Several quotes emphasize the importance of resilience in the face of challenges. Whether creating solutions, contributing to change, or fighting unfair battles, resilience is a recurring theme.
• Community and Collaboration: The quotes by Heuman and Swift emphasize reaching out to others, mobilizing communities, and understanding the challenges of fighting alone. Collaboration is seen as a key element in driving change.
• Active Citizenship: Ifill’s quote specifically addresses the essence of good citizenship, encouraging individuals to contribute actively and make their voices heard for the collective good.
• Desire for Change: Both Marin and Swift’s quotes touch upon the desire for change, whether it’s asserting the right to want change or acknowledging the difficulty in fighting for change when conditions are unfair.

Implications for the Essay:

• When crafting your response, consider how these themes align with your personal experiences, values, and aspirations.
• Reflect on moments in your life where you exhibited resilience, contributed to positive change, collaborated with others, or advocated for fairness.
• Ensure that your essay communicates a sense of personal growth, active citizenship, and a commitment to making a positive impact.

By analyzing these quotes, you gain insights into the core values that NYU values and seeks in its prospective students. Use these insights to shape a compelling narrative that aligns with the university’s vision.

NYU 2023-24 Prompt Analysis:

The NYU supplemental essay prompt is designed to reveal the qualities of applicants that align with NYU’s vision of fostering peacemakers, changemakers, global citizens, boundary breakers, creatives, and innovators. The university seeks to understand the inspiration behind your values and actions. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

• Quotations from Diverse Speakers: The prompt provides a curated list of quotes from various speakers, including a disability rights activist, a civil rights lawyer, a renowned pianist, a former Prime Minister, and a global pop sensation. Each quote reflects a unique perspective on change, citizenship, personal growth, rights, and the challenges of fighting unfair battles.
• Focus on Inspiration: The primary emphasis is on your inspiration and the values you hold dear. NYU wants to know what motivates you, what principles guide your actions, and how you connect with the sentiments expressed in the provided quotes.
• Option for Personalization: While the prompt suggests choosing from the provided list, it also offers the flexibility to share a short quote and a person not on the list. This allows you to bring in a personal touch and showcase a broader range of influences that shape your worldview.
• Word Limit (250 words): The brevity of the response is crucial. You have a limited word count, so every word must contribute meaningfully to convey your thoughts. Be concise and focused, ensuring that your response is impactful within the given constraints.
• Understanding NYU’s Values: The prompt indirectly asks you to align your response with NYU’s values. The university is looking for students who not only excel academically but also embody qualities that contribute to a vibrant and diverse campus community.

How to write the NYU 2023-24 Supplemental Essays

Choosing a Quote Reflecting Your Values:

Begin by carefully examining the provided quotes. Each quote encapsulates a distinct perspective on important themes such as change, citizenship, personal growth, rights, and resilience. Take the time to reflect on your own values and experiences. Choose a quote that resonates with you on a personal level, as this will allow you to authentically express your connection to the prompt.

For instance, if you resonate with Judith Heuman’s quote about creating solutions, think about instances in your life where you’ve encountered challenges and, like Heuman, took the initiative to find solutions. This could be a moment where you collaborated with others to address a community issue or found innovative ways to make a positive impact.

Personal Connection:

Once you’ve selected a quote, the next step is to share a personal story or experience that illustrates why this quote inspires you. Dive into the details of a specific event or series of events that shaped your perspective. For example, if you choose Sherilynn Ifill’s quote on embracing discomfort and contributing to good citizenship, recount a time when you stepped out of your comfort zone to make a meaningful contribution. This could involve actively participating in a community project, voicing your opinion on a pressing issue, or taking a leadership role in a challenging situation.

Reflecting on NYU’s Ethos:

As you craft your response, it’s crucial to tie in your personal experiences with NYU’s ethos. NYU is seeking students who not only excel academically but also embody qualities that contribute to a vibrant and diverse campus community. Consider how the qualities highlighted in your essay align with what NYU values in its student body. This could involve referencing specific programs, initiatives, or values that NYU holds dear and explaining how your experiences align with those.

Incorporating a Unique Perspective:

If you decide to share a short quote and a person not on the list, ensure that you provide a thoughtful explanation of why this specific quote and person inspire you. This is an opportunity to showcase the diversity of your influences and the unique perspective you bring to the NYU community. Whether it’s a quote from a lesser-known figure or a personal mentor, elaborate on how this source of inspiration has shaped your values and contributed to your personal growth.

Being Concise and Specific:

Given the 250-word limit, every word in your response should contribute meaningfully to convey your thoughts. Avoid unnecessary details and get straight to the heart of your narrative. Be specific in illustrating your connection to the chosen quote and person, ensuring that your response is clear, focused, and impactful.

Proofreading and Editing:

Finally, before submitting your essay, take the time to proofread and edit. Ensure that your response is free from grammatical errors and flows smoothly. Consider seeking feedback from teachers, peers, or mentors to gain additional perspectives on the clarity and effectiveness of your essay.

Remember, this essay is a chance to showcase your authentic self and provide insights into the values that drive you. By carefully selecting a quote, sharing a personal connection, aligning with NYU’s ethos, incorporating a unique perspective, and being concise, you’ll craft a compelling response that stands out to the admissions committee.

Tips for Excelling in NYU Supplemental Essays: Unlocking Success

When venturing into the realm of NYU supplemental essays, armed with a keen understanding of the prompts and a strategic approach, success is within reach. Here are valuable tips tailored to ensure your NYU application essays stand out:

• Embrace Prompt Analysis: Begin your journey with a thorough analysis of NYU essay prompts. Understand the underlying ethos of the university and tailor your responses to align seamlessly with their vision of peacemakers, changemakers, global citizens, boundary breakers, creatives, and innovators.
• Craft an Authentic Narrative: NYU values authenticity. Use your essays as a canvas to paint a genuine picture of yourself. Share personal experiences, challenges, and growth, ensuring that each narrative resonates with sincerity.
• Choose Quotes Thoughtfully: When presented with a selection of quotes, choose one that deeply resonates with your values and experiences. Ensure that the chosen quote becomes a powerful thread weaving through your essay, connecting your story to broader themes.
• Reflect on NYU’s Values: Your response should reflect not only who you are but also how your journey aligns with NYU’s values. Showcase your understanding of specific aspects of NYU’s community, programs, or initiatives that resonate with your narrative.
• Be Concise and Purposeful: Given the limited word count, every sentence should serve a purpose. Be concise, ensuring that each word contributes to the overall impact of your essay. Avoid unnecessary details and get straight to the core of your narrative.
• Leverage Storytelling Techniques: Make your essays memorable by incorporating storytelling techniques. Capture the reader’s attention with engaging narratives that illustrate your journey, challenges faced, and lessons learned. A well-told story can leave a lasting impression.
• Utilize Diverse Influences: If provided with the option to share a quote and person not on the list, embrace diversity in your influences. Showcase a broad range of inspirations that have shaped your perspective, adding depth to your essay and highlighting the richness of your worldview.
• Proofread and Edit Diligently: Your essays are a reflection of your commitment to quality. After crafting your response, proofread and edit diligently. Ensure clarity, correct any grammatical errors, and verify that your essay effectively communicates your message.
• Address Optional Prompts: Seize the opportunity to address optional prompts. This demonstrates your eagerness to share more about yourself and provides additional insights into your character, experiences, or aspirations.
• Seek Feedback: Before finalizing your essays, seek feedback from peers, teachers, or mentors. External perspectives can provide valuable insights, helping you refine your narrative and enhance the overall quality of your response.

By integrating these tips into your writing process, you embark on a journey of self-expression and resonance. Your NYU supplemental essays become a testament to your authenticity, aligning seamlessly with the university’s ethos and setting the stage for a compelling application. Good luck with your NYU 2023-24 Supplemental Essays.

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How to Write the “Why NYU” Essay

This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Moriah Adeghe in a CollegeVine livestream. You can watch the full livestream for more info. 

What’s Covered:

• How Essays Set You Apart

Writing About NYU’s Campus

• Writing About NYU’s Different Colleges
• Writing About NYU’s Areas of Study

New York University (NYU) asks its applicants to reply to its “Why NYU” supplemental essay . The prompt states:

“We would like to know more about your interest in NYU. What motivated you to apply to NYU? Why have you 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 words)”

In this article, we discuss how best to respond to this prompt and provide examples of successful essays. For more writing tips and tricks for this prompt, check out our post on how to write a stellar “why this college” essay .

How Essays Set You Apart  

The admissions officers at NYU have to filter through many applicants with similar grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities. Reading essay responses is how the admissions officers learn about your personality and see whether you would be a good fit at NYU. Developing a unique supplemental essay that showcases your personality and values will give admissions officers a chance to get to know you beyond your grades and test scores. As with many essays, the “why NYU” essay differentiates you from other applicants with the same level of qualifications . 

NYU admissions want to see that you actually care about attending their school and that you are not just applying for superficial reasons. You want to convince NYU that you are passionate about the school. The best way to do this is by submitting a highly personal and specific essay response that shows that you’ve done your research and can envision yourself as an NYU student. 

This prompt has a 400-word limit, so instead of writing 400 words about the location and prestige of NYU, you want to dive into the specifics. The length of this essay and the questions in the prompt enable you to go into extensive detail. Admissions officers don’t want to read a general description of the campus; they’re looking for your specific interest in particular areas of the campus and the program that you’re applying to. Make sure to respond in a manner that is specific to you and to NYU. A great tip to keep in mind while you’re writing is this: if you can replace NYU with Columbia or another school in your essay, you haven’t made your essay specific enough. 

There are three buckets that you can write about in your “why NYU” essay: the campus, college, and area of study. Each of these buckets can get broken down into smaller areas. For example, you can write about the New York City, Abu Dhabi, or Shanghai campus for the campus bucket. A weak response to this bucket would be saying that you wanted to attend the NYU Abu Dhabi campus because you visited the area once and want to live in the city. This is a general answer with no specific information about what you will get out of and be a part of by going to NYU. The admissions officers at NYU know exactly what makes their school unique, but they want to read this from your perspective, so be as specific as possible. 

A stronger response would be talking about how you want to study at the Shanghai campus to major in global China studies because it aligns with your interests in working in international marketing. There’s no better place to pursue this major than on a campus located in the heart of a major Chinese city. You can talk about how the Shanghai location would grant you the opportunity to see the topics discussed in the classroom firsthand.

This type of response immediately demonstrates that the student has done their research and is genuinely interested in the program that they’re writing about. This example clearly outlines their trajectory at NYU in a way that is clear to the admissions officers and shows that NYU is their first choice.

Writing About NYU’s Different Colleges 

Like many other schools, NYU is divided into several schools and colleges. The biggest one is the College of Arts and Sciences, which is a general liberal arts college, so you don’t want to spend too much of your essay talking about it. Instead, focus on your area of study or specific extracurricular interests at one of the campuses. 

However, if you are planning to apply to one of NYU’s smaller colleges, you should spend the bulk of your essay writing about the college that you chose. You want to do this because it will automatically set you apart from the other applicants. You will have more specific programs and classes to write about than applicants applying to the larger colleges.

Writing About NYU’s Areas of Study  

Within each school or college of NYU, there are multiple different programs and majors to write about. For this topic, pick the major or program that appeals to you, and write about why you want to be part of it. The unique thing about this essay is that since there is a 400-word limit, which is long for most supplemental essays, you can dive into your motivations a bit more while writing about the area of study that you want to pursue at NYU. 

By going into your background, you can connect your past experiences to your future goals at NYU. This will allow you to differentiate yourself from other applicants by showing your personality and bringing out more of your authentic self.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Prompt's How-to Guide for "Why NYU" and the Other Supplemental NYU Essays

The nyu supplemental essay prompts, and how to nail them (2020-2021)..

Not everyone gets to call Downtown Manhattan “campus.” But you will — when you get into NYU, that is.

To get there, “all” you need to do is explain why that prospect is so exciting to you. Which can be a little tricky. But we’ve got some great insights for you — our NYU supplemental essay guide drawn form our long experience at Prompt helping applicants get accepted.

If you’d also like personalized guidance from people who’ve done this thousands of times, get started with us here .

NYU supplemental essay prompts 2020-2021

We would like to know more about your interest in NYU. What motivated you to apply to NYU? Why have you 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)

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, great nyu supplemental essay examples.

Hey guys, I'm working on my NYU supplemental essays and I've been having some trouble brainstorming ideas. Can anyone share some examples or tips for writing a strong NYU supplemental essay? Thanks in advance!

Hey there! I'm happy to help you brainstorm and provide some pointers for writing a strong NYU supplemental essay. Here are some example essays submitted by real students in the past:

- "Why NYU?": https://blog.collegevine.com/nyu-essay-example

- Diversity: https://blog.collegevine.com/nyu-diversity-essay-examples

For advice on tackling the current NYU prompts, check out this CollegeVine breakdown: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-nyu-essays

Just remember, the key to a strong supplemental essay is specificity and demonstrating your understanding of and fit with NYU. Tailor your essay to reflect your genuine interest in the school, and why you think it's the perfect place for you to grow academically, personally, and professionally.

Good luck with your application!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

Supplemental Essay Guide 2023-24

What do the 2023-24 supplemental essay prompts really mean, and how should you approach them? CEA's experts are here to break them all down.

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