New York University

“I graduated HS in 1996May 17 2003Political Science
I graduated HS in 1996... and from what I can tell its only getting more and more difficult to get into a top school. While its not the option for everyone, I wasn't ready for college right after HS and ended up taking classes at community college. Thats not to say i didn't have the grades (1320 SAT)... I just don't believe college has to be the immediate step out of HS. For all those who complain about how expensive NYU is, in reality its not that much more than any other private school, and the difference isn't really unreasonable considering the schools location, which is really waht you're paying for. If you're budget minded, NYU probably isn't for you. But after 2 years of community college at 3k a year, NYU's tuition is very doable. 4 years... maybe not so much unless the 'rents are doing well these days.
SAT: 1320 Male

“I had over 10 extracurricular activities, high SATs, andMay 06 2003History/Histories (art history/etc.)
I had over 10 extracurricular activities, high SATs, and I spent a great deal of time on the essay. I think the essay is probably most important, as NYU tends to be more about individual behavior, not necessarily just SATs and grades (though these still must be at least decent).
SAT: 1410 Female

“Ace the SATApr 24 2003Music - Performance
Ace the SAT. I got an 800 verbal and a 680 math. Also, it helps if you have some really out-there English teacher write you a recommendation about some bizarre aspect of your personality. My teacher wrote about how I wore all brown on class color day to protest something so trite as Homecoming week in the wake of September 11.
SAT: 1480 Female

“I wanted to go to NYU my whole lifeMar 27 2003Unknown
I wanted to go to NYU my whole life and in hgh school I did very well. Since I went to a small private school in Brooklyn, I knew I needed to make my application shine somewhere else. Fortunately for me, I did very well on my SAT - 1350 and I was captain of my high school basketball team for three years ( I started all four years). I was active in many activities in and out of school - volunteer work, National Honor Society, various clubs, ... etc I took a chance with my essay and did not write about what was asked on the application. I wrote an essay from the heart because I wanted them to accept me, not some B.S. fictional impersonal rablings for the purpose o impressing them and filling up a page with words. I don't know if I'd suggest this, but I suppose it worked for me. Also, over the course of four years I made a lot of friends who respected and loved me. Therefore, when I asked them to write me a recommendation letter they were honored and thrilled. Make your application shine, beccause maybe you'll get a full scholarship somewhere else and give your parents something to brag about other than - "My baby got into NYU and I'm paying a fortune."
SAT: 1350 Female

“I did nothing out of the ordinaryFeb 05 2003Biology
I did nothing out of the ordinary. I think, though, that NYU values maturity and diversity more than most places. Show them that you are self-motivated enough and a standout in drive and personal goals and they'll be impressed.
SAT: 1390 Female