How To Get Into The Undergraduate Program At NYU Stern: A Quick Guide

Hello Stern hopefuls. I am currently a student at Stern, and in an effort to procrastinate applying for internships/jobs next summer (yes, it starts this early) I decided to write some things I wish I knew when applying to Stern. Being one of the only direct admit business school programs in the country and a top school for finance/related fields (academically and location wise), NYU Stern is a great option for people that want a world class business education in NYC. With an acceptance rate of 12% and college applications due in 4 months at most (almost 2 if you ED), it's best to get informed and started on the process as early as possible. Without further ado, here is my $.02 on getting in.

Guide to NYU Business School Admissions

http://www.stern.nyu.edu/programs-admissions/undergraduate/stern-advant…

This is a website that is consistently updated, and has a lot of useful facts and figures (where I cited the acceptance rate from). If you want to compare your test scores, see job placement, or any other relevant statistics - this is the place.

Affirmative Action at NYU Stern?

Stern does **not** have any ethnicity quotas (just like UCLA, Berkeley, and all the other UC schools). Asians rejoice. If you look at the ethnicity breakdown of the link I shared above, it seems like there is a cap of Asians at 30%. However, Stern has slyly changed this number from over 50% as it was a few years ago, and instead allocated these other Asian students to the "International" and "Unknown" categories. URM status will not likely help you get in, as Stern doesn't really care about diversity. Check out photos of our business frats, clubs, or just come to a tour if you don't believe me.

NYU SAT Scores - NYU Average GPA

This part could really screw you over, or help you. My grades in high school were decent but no where near amazing (top 25% of a large graduating class), but I worked my ass off for the SAT and ACT to make up for slacking off in high school. Even if you are a top student in high school, don't ignore standardized tests. Stern's median SAT is a 1470 / 1600; the closer you are to this the better. No information on ACT, but I would try to aim for a 34+. Another test Stern likes to see is the SAT Math II, so a 750+ on that will probably help you quite a bit.

Importance of Extracurriculars for NYU Admissions

Getting into any college is really about linking everything you've done into one coherent package. Relevant business experience (FBLA, DECA, treasurer position, etc.) is helpful, but it's not a big deal if you don't have it. You can always tie whatever you have into relevancy via the essay. That being said, you can't get away with just dicking around for the first 18 years of your life. Extracurriculars you include should have dimensions - show a length of commitment, progression of leadership, and impact.

how to get into NYU - The Essay Section

The supplement for Stern isn't as important as other schools, but does carry weight. With a generic prompt and short length of 400 words, it's nothing like U Chicago essays. Mine was kind of cringeworthy, but still good enough to get me in. Make sure to rope in your extracurriculars with your love for business, NYC, blah blah blah. Also make sure to get specific - what in particular do you really like about Stern? Some notable professors you are excited about? Also very good stuff to have.

Final Questions about NYU Stern Admissions

Feel free to post any general questions, or PM me with specific ones if you feel so inclined. Hope this 3 minute investment was useful for you future Sternies - best of luck.

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29 Comments
 

Were you hoping to get into a better school but couldn't? asking because I can't understand anyone who would want to pay 70k+ to go to NYU.

 

Got into a few "better schools" but I picked Stern because of a great scholarship. It's a top program and I have had amazing internships because of it. There is a justified stigma of weird finance kids, but that's pretty much just a loud minority.

 
Controversial

100% expected non-target Stern rejects attempting some form of "Stern" humor. Hate to rub salt in the wound boys. And remember, there's strength in numbers so stick together!

 

@fintech1234" I think it is very Interesting your entire postings over the last week have been about why NYU is such a shitty school. You mentioned you go to a "very very very non-target school" which leads me to believe you're extremely butt hurt about not getting into NYU. Give it a rest bro.... take the L and move on. I'm sure there are alumni at your school that has made it into top firms, why don't you focus on that?

btw... Stern, is, in fact, a target school because last time I check any school that has a good amount of BB,MM,top consulting firms, and even some hedge funds recruiting on campus is considered a target.(that goes for both undergrad & grad)

 

Even if you wrote this about a top target (for undergrad) I would still think you've spent at least one year of your life sniffing glue. Your whole post comes off as a humble brag and literally no one is going to use this. Sorry to burst your bubble, but Stern isn't unique enough to warrant a "special" guide hand crafted by some idiot who happened to get in. Advice like get a high GPA and do well on the SAT/ACT is just common knowledge. Thank God you included your scores though, I was really chomping at the bit to hear about your SAT.

 

Does anyone have any advice about externally transferring into Stern other than the preliminary "It's hard as hell to get into." Other than a high freshman college year GPA, what else could you recommend other than high GPA and involvement in rigorous and notable ECs like IB and investment clubs.

 
"pbateman22" Does anyone have any advice about externally transferring into Stern other than the preliminary "It's hard as hell to get into." Other than a high freshman college year GPA, what else could you recommend other than high GPA and involvement in rigorous and notable ECs like IB and investment clubs.

I got into an US News top 10 school and didn't get into Stern as a transfer applicant

 

Why do you think you were able to transfer into this top 10 business school and not NYU? What transfer GPA, test scores, or ECs did you maintain?

 

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