New York University (NYU) 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

New York University (NYU) 2024-25 Application Essay Explanations

The Requirements: 1 essay of 250 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Community, Diversity

How to Write a Compelling NYU Supplemental Essay

NYU’s supplement only asks for one (1) essay, but they give you four (4) options, all focused on building bridges. Since you can speak about as many of these prompts as you want in your response, spend some time freewriting and see what you come up with. NYU Admissions instructs: “There are no formulas to making admissions decisions; NYU seeks a mix of students who have a variety of interests, talents, and goals.” So don’t be afraid to dive into whatever strikes. Read on for more detailed advice for writing your NYU supplemental essay!

NYU Essay Prompt Breakdown

In a world where disconnection seems to often prevail, we are looking for students who embody the qualities of bridge builders—students who can connect people, groups, and ideas to span divides, foster understanding, and promote collaboration within a dynamic, interconnected, and vibrant global academic community. We are eager to understand how your experiences have prepared you to build the bridges of the future. Please consider one or more of the following questions in your essay: 

• What personal experiences or challenges have shaped you as a bridge builder? 

• How have you been a bridge builder in your school, community, or personal life? 

• What specific actions have you taken to build bridges between diverse groups, ideas, or cultures? 

• How do you envision being a bridge builder during your time at our university and beyond?

NYU aims to admit students who will be active participants in and contributors to a dynamic and inclusive campus culture, so all of these prompts focus on the idea of community in a different way. The first one asks you to describe your background and what has made you into a person who can bring others together. The second asks you to describe concrete ways you have built bridges in your life so far. The third asks you to describe actions you’ve taken in a more expansive way; rather than in your personal life, focus on broader cultural or ideological bridges. The last prompt asks you to think about how you will foster collaboration once you’re admitted to NYU. Note that you can talk about any number of these questions in your final essay. Maybe you’ve volunteered at your church’s food pantry every other weekend since you were in middle school or canvassed for political candidates that you believe will generate positive change for generations to come. Whatever your example(s) may be, don’t be afraid to touch on what those experiences meant to you as well as the work you hope to do in the future (hopefully around NYU’s campus!).