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Are you looking to apply to NYU and are unsure how to approach writing the supplemental essays? Do not worry, as this post is here to provide you with their essay prompts and some tips on how to answer each question effectively. See the tips below to ensure you target all aspects of the question adequately in your essays!
NYU Essay 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
Select a quote that resonates with you from the provided list.
Explain why the quote inspires you and how it reflects your values or aspirations.
If none of the provided quotes resonate with you, choose a short quote from a person not on the list who inspires you.
Explain why this quote and person inspire you, and how their words or actions have influenced your worldview or goals.
NYU wants you to engage deeply with the quotes provided, or with a quote or person that has resonated with you, to explore what sets you apart from others.
Provide specific examples or anecdotes that illustrate why the quote or person inspires you.
Connect the quote or person's message to your own experiences or aspirations, showing a deep understanding of its significance to you.
Emphasize how the quote or person exemplifies traits such as peacemaking, change-making, global citizenship, boundary-breaking, creativity, or innovation.
Show how these traits align with your own values and goals, demonstrating your potential as a future leader or influencer in your chosen field.
Use the quotes as a springboard to reflect on personal experiences, values, and goals that differentiate you from the crowd.
Focus on sharing genuine insights into your character, rather than listing achievements or academic interests.
Use the quotes as a lens to discuss your values, passions, and worldview, offering admissions a glimpse into what drives you.
NYU also accepts the Common App supplemental essays, and the prompts for the Common App essays can be found here.
We hope that this guide has helped you start planning and writing your essay prompts. Good luck with your applications!
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