NYU essay prompts
2025-26verified New York University admissions
These are the most recent published prompts. Final 2026-27 supplements typically land by early August. These are the most recent prompts Kolly has verified for this school. Schools typically publish final 2026-27 supplements by early August; check the official source below before submitting.
Open Dialogue
Tell us about a time you embraced (or observed someone embrace) free inquiry, the right to disagree, and the responsibility to listen.
250 words max · Required
Diverse Community
NYU was founded on the belief that a student's identity should not dictate access to higher education. We would like to better understand how your experiences would help us shape and grow our diverse community.
250 words max · Required
Bridge Builders — Observing a Bridge Builder
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?
250 words max · Required
Bridge Builders — Preamble
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. Please consider one or more of the following questions in your essay:
250 words max · Required
Bridge Builders — Encountering a Different Perspective
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?
250 words max · Required
Bridge Builders — Your Own Bridge-Building
Consider the big and small ways you've challenged yourself to unite a community around something important to you. Or, think about how you're eager and willing to learn this essential skill at NYU.
250 words max · Required
About the application
Applies via the Common App.
Make your next draft count.
Common questions
- What are the NYU essay prompts for 2025-26?
- NYU lists Open Dialogue (1 prompt); Diverse Community (1 prompt); Bridge Builders — Observing a Bridge Builder (1 prompt); Bridge Builders — Preamble (1 prompt); Bridge Builders — Encountering a Different Perspective (1 prompt); Bridge Builders — Your Own Bridge-Building (1 prompt) for 2025-26.
- How many essays does NYU require?
- NYU requires 6 essays based on the published group instructions for 2025-26. The page lists 6 required and 0 optional prompts.
- What are the word limits for the NYU supplemental essays?
- The published word and character limits are 250 words max.