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Hey everyone. I'm a Junior and I took the SATs in January and got 1160 (580m, 580v) I really want to go to NYU and I know those scores are very low for NYU standards. However, I'm taking them again in May and I have already gotten my score up about 120 points. I'm hoping to reach 1320 the next time I take them. Here are my other stats.

GPA 95.03 (AP are weighted, honors are not, Every year I've taken honors math, history, english, and spanish)
Ranked 45/446
AP History
Next year I'm taking..
AP Psychology
AP English
AP Calculus AB

Cheerleading(Varsity 11 & 12) All-American (11th)

150+ Community Service Hours

I've been a competitiive baton twirler since I was 7. Placed in the top 5 in Regional & State Competitions. I compete individually and on a team that has won regional championships.

National Honor Society
Spanish Club
Anchor Club (11) Community Service Stuff
Class Council
Science Club

My teachers all like me, (I'm pretty sure anyway) and they all see me as a diligent student and hard worker so I should get some good recommendations.

Oh yeah, and I'm also taking SAT II Writing and U.S. History. I should get at least 650?

Let me know if you think I have a chance. Thanks so much!

By Spuck (Spuck) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 11:50 pm: Edit

just retake the SATs, and shoot for >650's on ur SAT II's

By Sparkle05 (Sparkle05) on Wednesday, March 10, 2004 - 09:25 am: Edit

Anyone else?? please

By Sammileah (Sammileah) on Wednesday, March 10, 2004 - 09:33 am: Edit

yea if you get an SAT score above 1250, you should be fine!! I know someone in the top 25% of my class, with a 1250 SAT that got in to NYU Early decision =)

By Sparkle05 (Sparkle05) on Wednesday, March 10, 2004 - 12:53 pm: Edit

Did the person you know have pretty many extracurriculars?? Other than my awards at baton twirling, I don't have that much else other than a few clubs and cheerleading. And I'm not the president of anything either.

By Floppysox (Floppysox) on Wednesday, March 10, 2004 - 02:37 pm: Edit

Hey. Let me give you some tips coming from a student at NYU. Currently enrolled in CAS (college of arts and sciences)

As it is right now your SAT I score is going to hurt you. However you can pull it up if since you have two more chances (May June Nov of Sr Year) That leaves plenty of time for studying. Your close to the top 10% so thats good.

NYU has a fair acceptance rate of about 30%. ED will boost this up a tad. Your extracurriculars look fine and it seems like you are taking a challenging courseload.

NYU also puts a heavy emphasis on artistic ability. In this category, your baton twirling skills will definetly help you stand out from the pile of applications.

"Cheerleading(Varsity 11 & 12) All-American (11th)" I don't know alot of cheerleaders applying to NYU haha This might be different.

My advice would be this:

Work on your SATs and get it a little higher...1160 is too low
Become more active in school whether it be clubs sports, etc.
Keep at baton twirling (have you won any major awards other than states or regionals?) Awards will always be good in this kind of thing.
Maintain your grades and find some sort of summer activity: for example -- any college courses, volunteer work, sports, camps, (just don't sit around the house watching TV) colleges hate that
Also, have you thought of taking SAT II: Spanish?? Since you have taken Spanish Hnrs every year, this may be a good idea.

You look like you have a great chance if you improve some minor details. NYU doesn't want to enroll cookie cutter students -- i.e. president of everything, 1600 SATs (albeit they have really good shots) That's not what theyre looking for. I know a ton of people who got in with low SATs or even a low GPA. The key is to stand out. My stats and SATs were similar to yours...but I still got in. What saved me were my SAT II's and some killer essays. Make sure you put a ton of emphasis in your *UNIQUE* essays on why you want to go to NYU and what you can contribute etc. And then get a million people to read it.
You have a great chance and you're only a junior so you have plenty of time. Good luck.

By Sparkle05 (Sparkle05) on Wednesday, March 10, 2004 - 03:50 pm: Edit

Thanks so much! I'm attending Lead America this summer in Washington, D.C, it's a law and justice conference. I'm currently volunteering at a local hospital and I plan to do that over the summer as well.

I did consider the Spanish SAT II , I wasn't sure what it consisted of so I'll have to look into that.

I have competed in international championships for baton twirling and won. However, it was in a level below the highest level of twirling. It's kinda confusing lol but the states and regionals that I've placed in were at the top/elite level of twirling.

Also, I wrote an essay on my life as a baton twirler for English class and my teacher told me it would be a good essay to use when applying to college. (revised & edited many times of course) Does anyone think this is a good idea? I wasn't sure..

By Floppysox (Floppysox) on Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 12:12 pm: Edit

Lead America is a good program. The baton twirling competitions look outstanding...Looks competitive good luck

By Floppysox (Floppysox) on Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 06:28 pm: Edit

Well that's just my 2 cents, you might want to ask around the board for some more in-depth answers.

College Confidential is the best website I've found to date.

By Screwed4life (Screwed4life) on Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 09:35 pm: Edit

Yeah, learn from my mistakes don't settle for your score..believe me life is so much easier if you have a good SAT score..I could of gotten into high caliber schools in NC (Wake Forest, Duke,etc) if my scores were higher. And if you need to shell out the money for prep courses and books do it!!!..because a lot of the good scholarships require over a 1200! Good luck!!!

By Sparkle05 (Sparkle05) on Thursday, March 11, 2004 - 09:57 pm: Edit

Thanks everyone.. yeah I'm working on getting my score up. It's gone up significantly already (I've been taking practice tests) so I hope I can get a 1300 or so.

By Mysticaura (Mysticaura) on Friday, March 12, 2004 - 12:39 pm: Edit

Yeah all your stuff seems ABOVE average for NYU admissions. You have a really good chance. Hope you get in!!

By Sydney47 (Sydney47) on Friday, March 12, 2004 - 12:52 pm: Edit

above average?

1320 SATI, 740/650/620 SATII's, 3.7 gpa, top 10% of my class, leadership in a bunch of clubs and varsity sports didn't get me in

last year they received ~30,000 applications for ~3,000 spots

By Sparkle05 (Sparkle05) on Friday, March 12, 2004 - 03:07 pm: Edit

Yeah I really want to go to NYU but I have a feeling I don't stand much of a chance even if I get my SATs up. I read something about how the acceptance has dropped a lot over the last few years. Thanks for the input everyone

By Candi1657 (Candi1657) on Friday, March 12, 2004 - 03:19 pm: Edit

All of her stuff seems ABOVE average for NYU admission? That seems like a huge leap.
Sparkle, I'd say that your chances would improve markedly with that 1320. You seem pretty quirky and interesting, lots of schools like that.

By Zarol (Zarol) on Friday, March 12, 2004 - 04:10 pm: Edit

I agree with Candi1657

Your chances will significantly improve with a higher SAT score

You do seem like an interesting person and your twirling accomplishments look very impressive

By Mysticaura (Mysticaura) on Friday, March 12, 2004 - 04:51 pm: Edit

All of her stuff seems ABOVE average for NYU admission?

I still stand by my opinion. This doesn't seem like a huge leap with the fairly accurate, projected SATs, good number of AP classes, fair projected SAT II tests, and a good number of extracurricular activities. However, what discriminates this person from others is her outstanding achievement with baton twirling. Placing in states AND REGIONALS sounds like a pretty big thing to me. In addition, the service hours are a nice plus. People with even awesome grades, class rank, SAT scores, etc. may not be guarenteed acceptance. I, for one, think that she has a good shot at NYU...

By Matt20861 (Matt20861) on Friday, March 12, 2004 - 04:53 pm: Edit

that 30,000 apps for 3000 spots is a lie, nyu recieves like 34,000 apps and has about a 25% overall acceptance rates that equals 8,500 spots available. 30,000 applications for 3,000 spots would mean a 10% acceptance rate that's harvard style. Assuming there are 40,000 applications this year and they still only accept 8500 kids(which is likely according so some article i read that says they won't be increasing the size of their student body) that's still a 21% acceptance rate overall so don't listen to people who tell you NYU has a 10% acceptance rate and it's still dropping that's a load of crap.

By Floppysox (Floppysox) on Friday, March 12, 2004 - 04:57 pm: Edit

Yea and that early decision improves that acceptance rate markedly. I personally think the acceptance rate is higher than 25%, at least according to CollegeBoard and Princeton Review. And those two sources prove to be highly accurate. Keep in mind that although more people apply to NYU, the competition is greater. Yet, in my opinion you seem to differetiate yourself Sparkle.

By Matth (Matth) on Friday, March 12, 2004 - 05:09 pm: Edit

You're right that the 3000 spots statement is wrong, but I would imagine that person was just wrong, not lying. The freshman class is usually somewhere around 5000, not 8000. As stated in other threads, this year there was a record number of applicants, 34,000. Early Decision applications were down but 45% of early applicants were accepted this year, up from the usual 33%. Overall acceptance is usually somewhere around 25-26% of applicants. The only program that has an approximate 10% acceptance rate at NYU is Tisch drama.

By Sydney47 (Sydney47) on Friday, March 12, 2004 - 05:15 pm: Edit

I never said they had a 10% acceptance rate. Obviously they don't have a 100% yield. The information came from NYU so please don't accuse me of lying.

By Candi1657 (Candi1657) on Friday, March 12, 2004 - 05:17 pm: Edit

I think it's fair to give her two assessments. One for her actual stats, and one for her projected. The projected has to materialize first. NYU puts strong emphasis on GPA, class rank and test scores more than any other factors. Ask anybody.

The baton twirling is a definite plus, but we're talking NYU here.

And 1320 is not above average for NYU. Their mid 50th is 1300-1450.

By Matt20861 (Matt20861) on Friday, March 12, 2004 - 07:22 pm: Edit

You're right the class is usually around 5,000, that's people who actually enroll, the 8,000 figure is the number they accept. Sorry sydney didn't mean to accuse you of lying, I was just making sure you didn't scare anyone lol.

By Matt20861 (Matt20861) on Friday, March 12, 2004 - 07:25 pm: Edit

You're right the class is usually around 5,000, that's people who actually enroll, the 8,000 figure is the number they accept. Sorry sydney didn't mean to accuse you of lying, I was just making sure you didn't scare anyone lol.

By Candi1657 (Candi1657) on Friday, March 12, 2004 - 07:57 pm: Edit

Too late. *shivers*

By Elzbieta777 (Elzbieta777) on Friday, March 12, 2004 - 11:16 pm: Edit

yeah i got rejected last year with an 1190 from nyu and a 4.0 you have to seriously work on your SATs. because they are such a huge school, they do emphasize a lot on stats. also, if you apply ED it will look good too. as far as the SAT II spanish is concerned, unless you're REALLLY good, don't take that one it's really hard (or at least it was for me!) i had 4 years of honors spanish and i still got like a 520 on that one just keep in mind that unless you do like 200 points better on your SATs, that NYU should definitely be in your reach pile. definitely have some strong backups.

By Floppysox (Floppysox) on Friday, March 12, 2004 - 11:33 pm: Edit

look on the positive side...if i can get in with 1290 SATs and mediocre SAT iis...I think anyone in that range has a good shot. Its just what you do outside of school that matters a lot too...

Like I said, improve your SATs, thats the best thing you can do to drastically increase your chances. Cheers.

By Hnbui (Hnbui) on Friday, March 12, 2004 - 11:50 pm: Edit

I got accepted to NYU's GSP with a 26 ACt (1190 SAT equivalent). I took the sat once, i did horrible. I made a 1090, that was taking this pasted summer.

By I1lmatics (I1lmatics) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 12:12 am: Edit

yeah but you got into gsp.. that's not really NYU

By Emilyp114 (Emilyp114) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 09:11 am: Edit

I1lmatics,

That was a really cruel (not to mention stupid) thing to say to Hnbui. GSP is as much a part of NYU as any of the other colleges, and when he graduates, he'll have a degree from NYU , just like anyone who graduates from Tisch, Stern, CAS, or Steinhardt. Grow up.

By Stargazrlilychk (Stargazrlilychk) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 01:27 pm: Edit

emily,

what I1lmatics said might have been a little blunt, but it does contain some truth. while gsp people still graduate with the same degree, it's easier to get in with lower scores. i'm pretty sure that the student is not an international, so he will not be given the opportunity for gsp if his stats are too low for the regular school. so we really shouldn't compare a gsp person's stats to his in this case.

By Emilyp114 (Emilyp114) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 04:27 pm: Edit

Stargazrlilychk,

What he said was blunt, you're right. But it was also cruel and stupid. He said that GSP is "not really NYU", which is totally untrue. It is one of the colleges at NYU. After the first two years, he'll move to CAS or Gallatin, depending which he originally applied to, and when he graduates it will be with the same degree as any other CAS or Gallatin student. GSP students do generally have lower stats but that doesn't mean they're not a part of NYU. I don't understand what you're trying to say about the student not being an international? Your statement isn't clear. Perhaps you could clarify? I'm a freshman at NYU in Tisch and I have friends in GSP and trust me, they're just as much a part of the university as anyone else.

By Matt20861 (Matt20861) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 05:00 pm: Edit

You don't have to be an international to get into GSP, two kids in my AP euro class alone got into GSP. They both have lower stats than me and i also applied to nyu so i'm pretty sure that if they got into GSP I must have been accepted to CAS because they notify GSP students sooner and they wouldn't reject me flat out if those kids got into GSP. Right, any thoughts?

By Stargazrlilychk (Stargazrlilychk) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 07:06 pm: Edit

According to NYU's website:
{http://www.nyu.edu/ugadmissions/florence/fryr.htm}

"for American students or international students living abroad who would like to begin a U.S. education with one of America’s top research universities before actually coming to the United States."

To me, this sounds like you have to be living abroad to qualify for it. they may have changed it though, u never know. If it is for american students, then it may be relevant.

And I do agree that saying that GSP is "not really NYU" is somewhat rude. They will end up with the same degree. However, what I was trying to get across was that IF gsp is only for internationals and americans living abroad, then it doesn't apply to this candidate and shouldn't be considered in regard to her admission. hope that clarifies.

By Emilyp114 (Emilyp114) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 09:43 pm: Edit

It's not just for internationals and Americans living abroad. Most GSP-ers are at NYU in NYC. A very small number are in the program in Florence for freshman year.

By Hnbui (Hnbui) on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 12:34 am: Edit

I'm sorry to inform many out there, but NYU admissions is really random. Why they even considered me for GSP, i do not know. I do know however that NYu does straight out rejects applicants with a high GPA (3.6+) and high SAT(1400) sometimes, while accepting others with mediocre scores like myself.

I1lmatics, you are complete wrong, and i have taken quite offensive to your statement. NYU's GSP program is part of NYU. The students deferred to GSP are in the top 3% of the applicant pool which NYu could not accept to CAS because of space. I believe that only 1,500 people were deferred to GSP. I received that information from the professor that interviewed me. That number is still quite selective compared to the 35,000 applicants who applied to NYU this year. (Again, i do not know why they choose me. Maybe they saw something in me. I am not a underrepresented minority.)

Infact, after having my interview with one of the professors of GSP, i found out that half of my classes my freshman year will be taken at CAS.

I will admitt though, that from what i have gathered, some kids at NYU say that GSP classes are "slightly" easier. Which, i think would be a great boost to my GPA. Plus the classes are smaller. The professor that i spoke to, told me that her classes averages around 16 students. She teaches a freshman class.

By Hnbui (Hnbui) on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 12:36 am: Edit

Stargazrlilychk,


are you inferring that i am an internation student, thus i was able to be deferred to GSP. because if you are then you are completely wrong. I live in New Orleans, and am vietnamese.

I believe that you are confused here. Don't worry, . GSP has a study aboard program. It is called something in Florence. each year 35 GSP sophmore are choosen to go study aboard in italy. There are also study aboard programs during the summer in london, japan, china, etc. I believe that this is what confused you.

Another thing about GSp is that and individual also gets an associate degree in art.

By Mysticaura (Mysticaura) on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 10:01 am: Edit

I think the focus of this topic has been lost...

By Hnbui (Hnbui) on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 10:06 am: Edit

Mysticaura ,

i agree with you. I kind of strayed away after that crude and unreasonable comment.

Again, i believe that the admission process at NYu is completely random.

By Candi1657 (Candi1657) on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 10:16 am: Edit

I think we gave Sparkle a good amount of info.

I must say that I don't agree that the admission process at NYU is completely random. I think they have a sort highly competitive applicant in mind for CAS and while high scores qualify you, you must have good grades to match, otherwise you won't fare so well. For GSP, I think they are looking for people that don't have astronomical test scores, but show potential in a variety of other ways. They just have different criteria for their varied programs.

By Computerwiz580 (Computerwiz580) on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 09:04 pm: Edit

I am a sophomore attending the bronx high school of science in New York. I want to know what i can do to increase my chances of getting into nyu. What are the preferred Sat scores. Also what should be the minimum gpa in percent. If any of u guys or people you know go to nyu or got in please write your averages

By Dubsky08 (Dubsky08) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 10:30 pm: Edit

the first time i took the sat's (apr jr yr) i got a 1160, then i took them again in may and then in dec. I ended up being accpeted at NYU with a 1230, 700M and 530V. I even got a likely letter so id say to retake the sat's but dont think they are the only thing. Make sure your essay's are perfect. dont procrastinate on your application, and do the best you can. Im sure it is very possible that you could be admitted but it is possible to be rejected.. eitherway as long as you do your best have no regrets. Good luck!