Embarking on the journey to higher education is not merely a pursuit of academic excellence; it is a transformative experience that shapes individuals into peacemakers, changemakers, global citizens, boundary breakers, creatives, and innovators. As prospective students contemplate their path to NYU, the university’s commitment to fostering a diverse and dynamic community comes to the forefront. The NYU supplemental essay prompt encapsulates this ethos, challenging applicants to explore their inspirations, values, and potential contributions in a mere 250 words.
In this exploration of the NYU supplemental essay prompt, we will unravel the intricacies of the task at hand. From dissecting the provided quotes to understanding the underlying expectations, we will guide you through a strategic approach that not only aligns with NYU’s vision but also elevates your unique narrative. As we navigate the art of crafting a compelling response, we’ll delve into the significance of personal connections, reflections on NYU’s ethos, and the impact of incorporating a unique perspective.
NYU Supplemental Essays Prompt
We are looking for peacemakers, changemakers, global citizens, boundary breakers, creatives and innovators – Choose one quote from the following and let us know why it inspires you, or share a short quote and person not on our list who inspires you, and include why. (250 words)
“We’re used to people telling us there are no solutions, and then creating our own. So we did what we do best. We reached out to each other, and to our allies, and we mobilized across communities to make change, to benefit and include everyone in society.”
Judith Heuman, 2022 NYU Commencement Address
“I encourage your discomfort, that you must contribute, that you must make your voice heard. That is the essence of good citizenship.”
Sherilynn Ifill, 2015 NYU Commencement Address
“If you know how to fly but you never knew how to walk, wouldn’t that be sad?”
Lang Lang, 2015 NYU Honorary Degree Recipient
“You have the right to want things and to want things to change.” Sanna Marin, Former Prime Minister of Finland, 2023 NYU Commencement Address
“It’s hard to fight when the fight ain’t fair.”
Taylor Swift, Change, Released 2008, 2022 NYU Commencement Speaker
Share a short quote and person not on this list, and why the quote inspires you.
Understanding the Quotes
Judith Heuman:
“We’re used to people telling us there are no solutions, and then creating our own…”
- Key Themes: Resilience, Creativity, Community Mobilization, Social Change.
- Implication: This quote emphasizes the power of resilience and creativity in the face of challenges. It speaks to the proactive approach of creating solutions, fostering a sense of community, and mobilizing for social change.
Sherilynn Ifill:
“I encourage your discomfort, that you must contribute, that you must make your voice heard…”
- Key Themes: Citizenship, Discomfort, Contribution, Voice.
- Implication: Ifill’s words underscore the importance of embracing discomfort as a catalyst for positive change. It encourages active citizenship, emphasizing the necessity of contributing and making one’s voice heard for the greater good.
Lang Lang:
“If you know how to fly but you never knew how to walk, wouldn’t that be sad?”
- Key Themes: Balance, Comprehensive Growth, Fundamental Skills.
- Implication: Lang Lang’s quote invokes the significance of a balanced and comprehensive approach to personal development. It suggests that possessing advanced skills without a foundation in fundamental aspects is incomplete.
Sanna Marin:
“You have the right to want things and to want things to change.”
- Key Themes: Rights, Desire for Change, Agency.
- Implication: Marin’s quote underscores the importance of individual agency and the right to aspire for change. It empowers individuals to have desires and actively work towards positive transformations.
Taylor Swift:
“It’s hard to fight when the fight ain’t fair.”
- Key Themes: Fairness, Challenges, Struggle.
- Implication: Taylor Swift’s lyrics highlight the difficulty of fighting against injustice or challenges when the conditions are not fair. It speaks to the resilience required in the face of adversity.
Common Threads:
- Resilience: Several quotes emphasize the importance of resilience in the face of challenges. Whether creating solutions, contributing to change, or fighting unfair battles, resilience is a recurring theme.
- Community and Collaboration: The quotes by Heuman and Swift emphasize reaching out to others, mobilizing communities, and understanding the challenges of fighting alone. Collaboration is seen as a key element in driving change.
- Active Citizenship: Ifill’s quote specifically addresses the essence of good citizenship, encouraging individuals to contribute actively and make their voices heard for the collective good.
- Desire for Change: Both Marin and Swift’s quotes touch upon the desire for change, whether it’s asserting the right to want change or acknowledging the difficulty in fighting for change when conditions are unfair.
Implications for the Essay:
- When crafting your response, consider how these themes align with your personal experiences, values, and aspirations.
- Reflect on moments in your life where you exhibited resilience, contributed to positive change, collaborated with others, or advocated for fairness.
- Ensure that your essay communicates a sense of personal growth, active citizenship, and a commitment to making a positive impact.
By analyzing these quotes, you gain insights into the core values that NYU values and seeks in its prospective students. Use these insights to shape a compelling narrative that aligns with the university’s vision.
NYU 2023-24 Prompt Analysis:
The NYU supplemental essay prompt is designed to reveal the qualities of applicants that align with NYU’s vision of fostering peacemakers, changemakers, global citizens, boundary breakers, creatives, and innovators. The university seeks to understand the inspiration behind your values and actions. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:
- Quotations from Diverse Speakers: The prompt provides a curated list of quotes from various speakers, including a disability rights activist, a civil rights lawyer, a renowned pianist, a former Prime Minister, and a global pop sensation. Each quote reflects a unique perspective on change, citizenship, personal growth, rights, and the challenges of fighting unfair battles.
- Focus on Inspiration: The primary emphasis is on your inspiration and the values you hold dear. NYU wants to know what motivates you, what principles guide your actions, and how you connect with the sentiments expressed in the provided quotes.
- Option for Personalization: While the prompt suggests choosing from the provided list, it also offers the flexibility to share a short quote and a person not on the list. This allows you to bring in a personal touch and showcase a broader range of influences that shape your worldview.
- Word Limit (250 words): The brevity of the response is crucial. You have a limited word count, so every word must contribute meaningfully to convey your thoughts. Be concise and focused, ensuring that your response is impactful within the given constraints.
- Understanding NYU’s Values: The prompt indirectly asks you to align your response with NYU’s values. The university is looking for students who not only excel academically but also embody qualities that contribute to a vibrant and diverse campus community.
How to write the NYU 2023-24 Supplemental Essays
Choosing a Quote Reflecting Your Values:
Begin by carefully examining the provided quotes. Each quote encapsulates a distinct perspective on important themes such as change, citizenship, personal growth, rights, and resilience. Take the time to reflect on your own values and experiences. Choose a quote that resonates with you on a personal level, as this will allow you to authentically express your connection to the prompt.
For instance, if you resonate with Judith Heuman’s quote about creating solutions, think about instances in your life where you’ve encountered challenges and, like Heuman, took the initiative to find solutions. This could be a moment where you collaborated with others to address a community issue or found innovative ways to make a positive impact.
Personal Connection:
Once you’ve selected a quote, the next step is to share a personal story or experience that illustrates why this quote inspires you. Dive into the details of a specific event or series of events that shaped your perspective. For example, if you choose Sherilynn Ifill’s quote on embracing discomfort and contributing to good citizenship, recount a time when you stepped out of your comfort zone to make a meaningful contribution. This could involve actively participating in a community project, voicing your opinion on a pressing issue, or taking a leadership role in a challenging situation.
Reflecting on NYU’s Ethos:
As you craft your response, it’s crucial to tie in your personal experiences with NYU’s ethos. NYU is seeking students who not only excel academically but also embody qualities that contribute to a vibrant and diverse campus community. Consider how the qualities highlighted in your essay align with what NYU values in its student body. This could involve referencing specific programs, initiatives, or values that NYU holds dear and explaining how your experiences align with those.
Incorporating a Unique Perspective:
If you decide to share a short quote and a person not on the list, ensure that you provide a thoughtful explanation of why this specific quote and person inspire you. This is an opportunity to showcase the diversity of your influences and the unique perspective you bring to the NYU community. Whether it’s a quote from a lesser-known figure or a personal mentor, elaborate on how this source of inspiration has shaped your values and contributed to your personal growth.
Being Concise and Specific:
Given the 250-word limit, every word in your response should contribute meaningfully to convey your thoughts. Avoid unnecessary details and get straight to the heart of your narrative. Be specific in illustrating your connection to the chosen quote and person, ensuring that your response is clear, focused, and impactful.
Proofreading and Editing:
Finally, before submitting your essay, take the time to proofread and edit. Ensure that your response is free from grammatical errors and flows smoothly. Consider seeking feedback from teachers, peers, or mentors to gain additional perspectives on the clarity and effectiveness of your essay.
Remember, this essay is a chance to showcase your authentic self and provide insights into the values that drive you. By carefully selecting a quote, sharing a personal connection, aligning with NYU’s ethos, incorporating a unique perspective, and being concise, you’ll craft a compelling response that stands out to the admissions committee.
Tips for Excelling in NYU Supplemental Essays: Unlocking Success
When venturing into the realm of NYU supplemental essays, armed with a keen understanding of the prompts and a strategic approach, success is within reach. Here are valuable tips tailored to ensure your NYU application essays stand out:
- Embrace Prompt Analysis: Begin your journey with a thorough analysis of NYU essay prompts. Understand the underlying ethos of the university and tailor your responses to align seamlessly with their vision of peacemakers, changemakers, global citizens, boundary breakers, creatives, and innovators.
- Craft an Authentic Narrative: NYU values authenticity. Use your essays as a canvas to paint a genuine picture of yourself. Share personal experiences, challenges, and growth, ensuring that each narrative resonates with sincerity.
- Choose Quotes Thoughtfully: When presented with a selection of quotes, choose one that deeply resonates with your values and experiences. Ensure that the chosen quote becomes a powerful thread weaving through your essay, connecting your story to broader themes.
- Reflect on NYU’s Values: Your response should reflect not only who you are but also how your journey aligns with NYU’s values. Showcase your understanding of specific aspects of NYU’s community, programs, or initiatives that resonate with your narrative.
- Be Concise and Purposeful: Given the limited word count, every sentence should serve a purpose. Be concise, ensuring that each word contributes to the overall impact of your essay. Avoid unnecessary details and get straight to the core of your narrative.
- Leverage Storytelling Techniques: Make your essays memorable by incorporating storytelling techniques. Capture the reader’s attention with engaging narratives that illustrate your journey, challenges faced, and lessons learned. A well-told story can leave a lasting impression.
- Utilize Diverse Influences: If provided with the option to share a quote and person not on the list, embrace diversity in your influences. Showcase a broad range of inspirations that have shaped your perspective, adding depth to your essay and highlighting the richness of your worldview.
- Proofread and Edit Diligently: Your essays are a reflection of your commitment to quality. After crafting your response, proofread and edit diligently. Ensure clarity, correct any grammatical errors, and verify that your essay effectively communicates your message.
- Address Optional Prompts: Seize the opportunity to address optional prompts. This demonstrates your eagerness to share more about yourself and provides additional insights into your character, experiences, or aspirations.
- Seek Feedback: Before finalizing your essays, seek feedback from peers, teachers, or mentors. External perspectives can provide valuable insights, helping you refine your narrative and enhance the overall quality of your response.
By integrating these tips into your writing process, you embark on a journey of self-expression and resonance. Your NYU supplemental essays become a testament to your authenticity, aligning seamlessly with the university’s ethos and setting the stage for a compelling application. Good luck with your NYU 2023-24 Supplemental Essays.
