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Everything You Need to Know About Early Decision NYU

by Bethany Goldszer | Last Updated: March 3, 2023

The Early Decision (ED) I deadline for NYU (New York University) typically falls on November 15th each year. The EDII decision falls on January 15th. This means that applicants who apply under the ED program must submit their application by this deadline.

If you apply under the NYU ED program, you commit to attending NYU if you are accepted and the financial aid offered is satisfactory. Keep in mind that the ED program is binding, so if you get accepted, you must withdraw any other college applications and attend NYU.

As you consider applying to NYU, it’s important to know that applying Early Decision can increase your chances of being admitted. However, before making a commitment, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully. It’s crucial to be certain that NYU is your top college choice and that you don’t want to compare it to other options. Knowing the NYU early decision acceptance rate can help you make an informed decision.

 

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Key Takeaways

Table of Contents

What makes NYU unique?

NYU is a special place that provides a unique college experience that can be a great fit for many students. It’s important for applicants to take the time to research the school thoroughly and learn about what makes it unique. Some things that make NYU stand out are its location in the heart of New York City, the diverse range of programs it offers, and its commitment to experiential learning. By doing their research and learning about what NYU has to offer, applicants can better understand if the school is a good fit for them. It’s also a good idea for applicants to visit the campus if possible to get a better sense of the school’s culture and community.

NYU Admissions Profile

NYU is a highly selective university, and the average GPA of admitted students is around a 3.6-3.7. However, grades are not the only determining factor for admission. NYU also looks at factors such as extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. According to NYU’s Office of Institutional Research, the middle 50% of admitted students had SAT scores between 1350-1510 and ACT scores between 31-34. Additionally, NYU is known for its diversity, with students from all 50 states and over 130 countries, making up the student body. NYU values students who are intellectually curious, creative, and engaged in their communities. Overall, NYU is looking for well-rounded students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a passion for learning.

Types of Admissions Cycles

NYU has several types of admissions cycles for undergraduate applicants. These include:

Early Decision (ED) I

This is a binding admissions program in which students submit their applications early (typically by November 1) and commit to attending NYU if accepted. The NYU ED program is ideal for students who have identified NYU as their top-choice school and are willing to make a commitment to attend.

Early Decision (ED) II

This is also a binding admissions program, but with a later deadline (usually in January). Students who apply under this program commit to attending NYU if accepted, but have more time to explore their options and compare financial aid packages.

Regular Decision

This is the most common admissions cycle, in which students submit their applications by the regular deadline (usually in January). Students who apply under this program are not bound to attend NYU and have until May 1 to make their decision.

Spring Admission

This admissions cycle is for students who wish to start their studies in the spring semester, rather than the fall. Applications are typically due in November, and admission is competitive.

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Early Decision explained

In general, Early Decision applications for the majority of colleges are due on November 1 or November 15. Early Decision is a binding agreement, meaning that you, as the applicant, commit to attending the school if your application is accepted. This obligation should not be taken lightly, as schools honor each other’s binding commitments. If you back out of your Early Decision commitment to one school, such as NYU, you may risk not being able to attend another competitive school like Columbia University.

However, if the financial aid package offered does not meet your family’s needs, you can request to be released from your NYU ED. This will allow you to attend a more affordable college. It is important to note that you can only apply to one Early Decision college at a time. If you are rejected or deferred in December following a November deadline, you can apply to other colleges under different admissions cycles, such as Early Decision II or Regular Decision, typically in January.

women in a committee meeting

In 2020-21 (the Class of 2025), NYU received 8,258 Early Decision I applications, which was an increase of 5% over the previous year.

NYU Early Decision Acceptance Rate

If you’re considering applying to NYU through Early Decision, you may want to know that the NYU Early Decision acceptance rates have been fairly competitive in the past five years. According to NYU’s Office of Institutional Research, the acceptance rate for Early Decision applicants in 2016 was 38%, indicating that many students were able to secure their spot at the university.

While there was a slight dip in NYU Early Decision acceptance rates in 2017 and 2019, the rates remained steady at 23% in 2020, indicating that there are still plenty of opportunities to get accepted through Early Decision. By applying Early Decision, you show NYU that you are committed to attending their institution and that it is your top choice, which can positively impact your chances of getting in.

The college application process is not just about one thing, but a lot of things. Your grades, test scores, essays, and activities all play a role in determining whether or not you get into a college like NYU. If you want to apply through Early Decision, it’s important to remember that it’s a binding commitment, meaning you have to attend NYU if you get accepted. But if you’re really sure that NYU is the right fit for you, then applying early can increase your chances of getting accepted. Just remember to put your best foot forward in all areas of your application, and don’t forget to meet the Early Decision deadline!

NYU Early Decision admissions stats

When choosing an admissions cycle to apply to NYU, you should consider several factors, including your selectivity as a candidate, emotional attachment to attending NYU, and financial aid needs.

Consider your academic record, extracurricular activities, and other notable accomplishments to determine your competitiveness as a candidate. If you have a strong application, you may want to consider applying under an early admissions cycle such as Early Decision or Early Decision II.

Think about how much attending NYU means to you. If NYU is a top-choice school, you may want to consider applying under an early admissions cycle to increase your chances of being admitted. However, remember that Early Decision and Early Decision II programs are binding, so you should weigh this emotional attachment against other factors, such as financial aid.

Financial aid is an important consideration for many students. Early Decision and Early Decision II applicants may receive more favorable financial aid packages, but it is important to carefully consider the financial aid package offered and compare it to other schools before committing to attending NYU.

Ultimately, the decision of which admissions cycle to choose depends on your individual circumstances, including your academic achievements, financial need, and personal preferences. Research and understand the requirements and implications of each cycle before making a decision.

Advantages and disadvantages of applying early decision

Applying to NYU through early decision has both advantages and disadvantages. One advantage is that it can increase your chances of being accepted, as early decision applicants are typically reviewed in a smaller pool of applicants. Additionally, if you are accepted through early decision, you can avoid the stress and uncertainty of waiting for regular decision notifications. However, one major disadvantage is that you are committing to attend NYU if accepted, which may not be feasible for all students. Additionally, applying early decision may limit your ability to compare financial aid packages from other schools. It’s important to carefully consider your options and consult with your guidance counselor or college advisor before making a decision.

Tips for a successful Early Decision application to NYU

When you apply for Early Decision to NYU, it’s important to show that you are really interested in the school. You can do this by visiting the campus, attending information sessions, and reaching out to admissions representatives. You also want to showcase your unique qualities and achievements in your application. Talk about your extracurricular activities, work experiences, and any special talents you have. Lastly, your essays and recommendations are really important. You should take the time to carefully craft your essays and ask for recommendations from teachers who know you well and can speak to your strengths. 

What Happens After You Submit Your Early Decision Application?

After you submit your early decision application to NYU, the admissions committee will review your materials and make a decision. If you are accepted, you are required to attend NYU and withdraw all other applications. If you are deferred, your application will be reviewed again during the regular decision round. If you are denied, you cannot reapply for early decision but can still apply during the regular decision round. It’s important to remember that early decision is a binding commitment, so make sure you are fully committed to attending NYU before applying through this process.

Conclusion: Why Early Decision?

Data shows that if you are a strong student, you have a higher chance of being admitted to NYU if you apply Early Decision rather than as a Regular Decision candidate. In addition to the greater assurance of being admitted, there are several reasons why you might consider applying Early Decision to NYU.

Firstly, Early Decision is binding. If NYU accepts you, you are expected to attend and must withdraw all applications from other schools. This means you need to be 100% sure that NYU is the college for you before applying as an Early Decision applicant.

To help you make this decision, here are some questions to consider:

  • Is NYU your top choice school?
  • Have you researched the academic programs and extracurricular opportunities offered at NYU and feel they align with your interests and goals?
  • Are you comfortable with the cost of attendance and financial aid package offered?
  • Have you visited the campus and felt a strong connection with the community and atmosphere?
  • Are you prepared to commit to attending NYU for the next four years, regardless of any changes in your personal circumstances or preferences?

Answering these questions honestly and thoughtfully can help you determine if applying Early Decision to NYU is the right choice for you.

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Bethany Goldszer is top college admissions and financial aid expert. She's been featured in HuffPost, USA Today, Newsday, Queens Gazette, and Official Black Wall Street & voted Best of Long Island. Faced with the overwhelming stress of applying, getting admitted to and financing her University of Chicago education, she started Stand Out College Prep LLC in 2012 so that no student or parent would have to go through this process alone. Over the last 15 years, Bethany has worked with over 1,500 students, helping them and their parents get into their top choice colleges and secure more than $20M in financial aid and scholarships. And each year, she continues to help more students stand out in the college admissions process and their parents navigate financial aid and scholarships.