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NYU has officially released their supplemental essay prompt for the 2025-2026 Application Cycle in the Common App Platform.
We are looking for students who want to be 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 for you to tell us how your experiences have helped you understand what qualities and efforts are needed to bridge divides so that people can better learn and work together.
250 word limit
Please consider one or more of the following questions in your essay:
1) Tell us about a time you encountered a perspective different from your own. What did you learn—about yourself, the other person, or the world?
2) Tell us about an experience you've had working with others who have different backgrounds or perspectives. What challenges did your group face? Did you overcome them, and if so, how? What role did you try to play in helping people to work together, and what did you learn from your efforts?
3) Tell us about someone you've observed who does a particularly good job helping people think or work together. How does this person set the stage for common exploration or work? How do they react when difficulties or dissensions arise?
Applying to NYU this year? Good news: there’s just one required supplemental essay, but it’s an important one—and your answer will carry real weight in the admissions process.
NYU receives one of the highest numbers of applications of any private university in the country, so standing out in the applicant pool means showing not just what you’ve done, but why NYU is the right fit for your goals. Seeing how there is only one supplemental essay to really make your case with NYU specifics, I suggest you make sure it really shines. Here are some tips to help you get started.
1. Don’t bite off more than you can chew
NYU invites you to respond to one or more of the prompts, but you only have 250 words—so sticking to just one is totally fine and probably your best bet. If you can naturally tie in more than one, great—but don’t force it, especially if it keeps you from fully expressing your point of view.
2. Make it personal—and reflective
NYU wants students who think deeply. Go beyond surface-level takes. Show how your experiences have shaped your values, worldview, or goals. This is your chance to connect real moments in your life to something meaningful.
3. Keep NYU in mind
You don’t need to name-drop every program (though you can), but your essay should reflect the kind of student who thrives at NYU: independent, creative, and globally minded. Think about how your story connects with NYU’s setting, culture, or opportunities—whether that’s a unique program, its global network, or its home in New York City.
4. Highlight what NYU is looking for
NYU tells you directly what they value: bridge builders,collaborators, and students who foster dialogue. That’s not filler—it’s a hint.Use your response to show these traits in action. You don’t need to say, “I’m abridge builder,” but your example should make it clear.
5. Build a cohesive story
A strong narrative turns your application from a list of accomplishments into a memorable story about what drives you. It helps admissions officers understand not just what you’ve done, but why it matters — and where it’s all heading. Not sure what a narrative looks like? Check out this blog post!
Looking for additional guidance or application review support? Feel free to reach out. We’re here to support you through every step of the process!
NYU has officially released their supplemental essay prompt for the 2025-2026 Application Cycle in the Common App Platform.
We are looking for students who want to be 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 for you to tell us how your experiences have helped you understand what qualities and efforts are needed to bridge divides so that people can better learn and work together.
250 word limit
Please consider one or more of the following questions in your essay:
1) Tell us about a time you encountered a perspective different from your own. What did you learn—about yourself, the other person, or the world?
2) Tell us about an experience you've had working with others who have different backgrounds or perspectives. What challenges did your group face? Did you overcome them, and if so, how? What role did you try to play in helping people to work together, and what did you learn from your efforts?
3) Tell us about someone you've observed who does a particularly good job helping people think or work together. How does this person set the stage for common exploration or work? How do they react when difficulties or dissensions arise?
Applying to NYU this year? Good news: there’s just one required supplemental essay, but it’s an important one—and your answer will carry real weight in the admissions process.
NYU receives one of the highest numbers of applications of any private university in the country, so standing out in the applicant pool means showing not just what you’ve done, but why NYU is the right fit for your goals. Seeing how there is only one supplemental essay to really make your case with NYU specifics, I suggest you make sure it really shines. Here are some tips to help you get started.
1. Don’t bite off more than you can chew
NYU invites you to respond to one or more of the prompts, but you only have 250 words—so sticking to just one is totally fine and probably your best bet. If you can naturally tie in more than one, great—but don’t force it, especially if it keeps you from fully expressing your point of view.
2. Make it personal—and reflective
NYU wants students who think deeply. Go beyond surface-level takes. Show how your experiences have shaped your values, worldview, or goals. This is your chance to connect real moments in your life to something meaningful.
3. Keep NYU in mind
You don’t need to name-drop every program (though you can), but your essay should reflect the kind of student who thrives at NYU: independent, creative, and globally minded. Think about how your story connects with NYU’s setting, culture, or opportunities—whether that’s a unique program, its global network, or its home in New York City.
4. Highlight what NYU is looking for
NYU tells you directly what they value: bridge builders,collaborators, and students who foster dialogue. That’s not filler—it’s a hint.Use your response to show these traits in action. You don’t need to say, “I’m abridge builder,” but your example should make it clear.
5. Build a cohesive story
A strong narrative turns your application from a list of accomplishments into a memorable story about what drives you. It helps admissions officers understand not just what you’ve done, but why it matters — and where it’s all heading. Not sure what a narrative looks like? Check out this blog post!
Looking for additional guidance or application review support? Feel free to reach out. We’re here to support you through every step of the process!
Former Admissions Officer, Harvard University
Former Assistant Dean, Stanford University
As a College Counselor I help students navigate the college admissions process. My goal is to help students stand out and get accepted to their top-choice schools.
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