NYU Sees Record Applications, Again

New York University (NYU) broke its school record for number of applications for the 15th year in a row.

Applications for NYU’s class of 2026 exceeded 105,000—a 5% increase from last year. The increase in applications spreads across NYU’s undergraduate schools as well as its degree-granting campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai, according to a press release.

EARLY DECISION APPLICATIONS JUMP 12%

NYU also received over 19,000 early decision applications—a 12% increase from fall 2021. According to the press release, applications grew across first-generation, underrepresented, and international applicants.

“We understand that this is another particularly challenging admissions season for many families, and we are both humbled and delighted that NYU continues to be the first choice for such a diverse and talented cohort of college-going students, ” MJ Knoll-Finn, NYU’s Senior Vice President of Enrollment Management & Student Success, says/

APPLICATIONS TO COLLEGES REBOUNDED 22%

As of November 16, 2021, the number of college applicants increased 13% with total applications submitted jumping 22%, compared to the previous year, according to Common App estimates.

“Applications have certainly rebounded.” Jenny Rickard, president and CEO of The Common Application tells CNBC. “And one thing that is really encouraging is that applications from underrepresented, first-generation, and low-income students are up. Last year, at this time, I remember being incredibly worried about those populations.”

Rickard credits standardized test-optional policies as one possible reason why more students have decided to apply to college. The University of California (UC) officially ended standardized testing in admissions for its 10 campuses back in November.

“The UCs prepare California’s future leaders in academia, in industry, and in public service,” says Mo Hyman, executive director of College Access Plan, in a press release. “It is our hope that this agreement helps UC officials to align with the system’s vision to recruit and educate California’s best and brightest from all backgrounds. We also hope it causes public institutions everywhere to rethink their relationship with The College Board and reliance on its products, which perpetuate privilege and exacerbate racism in institutions of higher learning.”

Sources: New York University , CNBC, P&Q