Admissions | Academics | Campus Life/Life in Abu Dhabi |
I. Admissions
How does NYU Abu Dhabi decide which students to admit?
Admission to NYU Abu Dhabi is highly selective. Students will be admitted based on academic excellence, extra-curricular activities, and demonstrated interest in global citizenship, service, and leadership.
Are there minimum standardized test scores (for example, SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS) required for admission?
No, NYU Abu Dhabi does not utilize numerical cut-offs when we evaluate applications for admission. Having said that, you should also know that admission to NYU Abu Dhabi is very competitive. As a general rule, applicants with the strongest academic programs, the highest grades, and the highest test scores, are those most likely to be offered admission.
Which standardized test scores do I need to submit for my application?
NYU Abu Dhabi follows the same standardized test requirements that are followed by NYU New York. See a complete list of test options and see application requirements. Please note that NYU Abu Dhabi also accepts International Baccalaureate test results as one of its multiple test options as well as A-level scores. While your test scores are an important part of your application and provide us with a better sense of your preparedness to succeed at NYU Abu Dhabi (including your English language fluency), they are not the only deciding factor of your application.
Will NYU Abu Dhabi consider my International Baccalaureate (IB) scores?
Yes, the International Baccalaureate Diploma (predicted result followed up by official verification) will satisfy NYU Abu Dhabi's standardized test requirement. NYU Abu Dhabi will consider Higher Level Exams of the IB completed with grades of 6 or 7. Consideration will not be considered for Standard Level Exams. NYU Abu Dhabi will make an admission decision using a student's predicted IB scores, although if a student's final test results vary greatly from the predicted results, NYU Abu Dhabi reserves the right to withdraw admission.
What's most important in the admissions decision?
NYUAD will look at the student's entire application: grades, test scores, extra-curricular work, recommendations, etc. There is no single most important element to the application.
Does NYU Abu Dhabi take into consideration the difficulty of a particular curriculum or different high school grading policies when making admissions decisions?
Yes. We encourage students to take the most challenging curriculum available to them, because when we evaluate your record, we consider the rigor of the program you've completed.
Will admission be open to all?
Yes. Admissions will be "need blind," and students will be chosen based on their academic potential and qualifications according to the same standards, including non-discrimination standards, that govern admission to NYU New York. A student's economic background will not influence our admission decision.
How important are letters of recommendation?
The letters of recommendation are extremely important because they give the admissions committee an idea of how the student performs both inside and outside of the classroom from a professional who knows them well These letters should not be shared with the student or his/her family prior to submission, and will be read closely by the admissions committee.
Does NYU Abu Dhabi Accept the Common Application?
Yes. We accept both the paper version and the online version of the Common Application as well as the New York University undergraduate admissions application.
In addition to the Common Application, applicants to NYU Abu Dhabi must also submit the NYU Supplement AND the NYU Abu Dhabi Admissions Portfolio questions. An application to NYU Abu Dhabi will not be considered complete until we have received all three pieces of the application.
If you complete the online version of the Common Application, you must submit the online version of the NYU supplement (available on the Common Application website).
Likewise, if you complete the paper application, you must complete the paper version of the NYU Supplement that can be downloaded from our website.
The NYU Abu Dhabi Admissions Portfolio questions may be submitted either electronically or by completing and sending in a hard copy of the NYU Abu Dhabi Admissions Portfolio PDF. The NYU Abu Dhabi Admissions Portfolio questions are posted to the admissions section of the NYU Abu Dhabi website.
Can I apply online?
Yes, you may apply online. If you are submitting the Common Application, you may either apply online or download the application. If you are using the NYU application, you must apply online. All applicants must submit the additional NYU Abu Dhabi requirements outlined in the NYU Abu Dhabi Admissions Portfolio. These questions may either be submitted online or can be downloaded.
The medium you use to submit your application has no influence on the admission decision.
Can I apply to NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU New York at the same time?
Applicants to NYU New York who are also interested in being considered for admission to NYU Abu Dhabi may check a box on their application requesting that if they are admitted to NYU New York, they also be considered for NYU Abu Dhabi.
Applicants who are solely interested in admission to NYU Abu Dhabi simply need to check the NYU Abu Dhabi box on their admission application.
How important are deadlines?
Deadlines are extremely important. We cannot guarantee that we will read applications submitted after the deadline date, even if only one piece of the application is missing. Therefore, we highly recommend submitting your application and all supporting documents as early as possible. If you foresee a delay in submitting any of your supporting documents, please contact the NYU Abu Dhabi admissions office to discuss your particular situation. Knowing the deadline dates, you should plan the dates for your standardized tests accordingly and give your recommenders plenty of time to complete their letters of recommendation.
Should I schedule an interview?
Not all applicants will have the opportunity to participate in an admissions interview. As part of the admissions process, all qualified candidates will be invited to meet with members of the admissions committee during candidates' weekends, which will take place in Abu Dhabi. All eligible candidates will be contacted by NYU Abu Dhabi to arrange for this visit.
Whenever possible, we encourage all applicants to visit the NYU Abu Dhabi campus or attend an information session in their city or region.
Are there any other requirements I should know about?
In addition to your application and NYU Abu Dhabi Portfolio requirements, all candidates are required to have a valid passport. If candidates are chosen to participate in an admissions event (for example, a Candidate Weekend or an Open House) they will need to be able to travel to Abu Dhabi. While NYU Abu Dhabi will assist with the visa process for all admitted or invited candidates, candidates must ensure that they have a valid passport for travel.
When will I hear if I have been accepted?
Applicants to NYU Abu Dhabi who apply for Non-Binding Early Decision will receive an admissions decision by mid-December; those applying Regular Decision will be notified on or about April 1st.
What is the anticipated tuition as well as financial support opportunities?
Tuition will be the same as NYU New York. Our aim is to attract the best possible students regardless of your financial circumstances. If you are admitted, our priority is to work with you and your family to make it possible for you to attend. NYU Abu Dhabi will tailor our generous financial support programs to your individual needs. Financial support will ensure that the cost of attendance does not require you or your family to take on debt to support the cost of your education. Your family's finances should not affect your decision to select NYU Abu Dhabi even if you are considering low or no cost public education alternatives or are the recipient of generous financial support from another institution. In addition, that support will apply not only to the cost of attendance, but also to many activities and opportunities available to NYU Abu Dhabi students.
Do you hold any Open House or Information Session programs?
Yes. We hold open houses and information sessions all over the world. Please check our list of regional events regularly to see if we will be hosting an open house in your city or region.
What is Non-Binding Early Decision?
Students who apply to NYU Abu Dhabi using the Non-Binding Early Decision option will be notified of acceptance by mid-December. If you are certain that NYU Abu Dhabi is your first choice college, we encourage you to apply Non-Binding Early Decision, and your application must be submitted by November 1st. If you apply to NYU Abu Dhabi for Non-Binding Early Decision consideration you may not apply early to other schools in the United States. If you are admitted to NYU Abu Dhabi, you have the option of declining our offer of admission and applying to other schools during the regular decision cycle in the United States.
It is important to note that this non-binding option is only available to NYU Abu Dhabi applicants (not to those students applying to other schools at NYU), in recognition of the fact that many will not yet have had the opportunity to visit the Abu Dhabi campus. Before you are accepted to NYU Abu Dhabi, you will have an opportunity to visit the campus and get to know more about this new and exciting college experience.
If you are accepted under the Non-Binding Early Decision program, you will need to declare your intention to attend NYU Abu Dhabi by January 15th, 2010, approximately one month after receiving your offer letter and, if applicable, details of your financial support package.
Are my chances for admission better if I apply Non-Binding Early Decision?
Possibly. The Non-Binding Early Decision applicant pool is considerably smaller than the Regular Decision applicant pool. Also, keep in mind that the number of offers of admission we can make for regular admission students is always limited by the number of spots we have available in the freshman class. We expect to have regular decision applicants who have qualifications very similar to those we have admitted early decision, who are not offered admission due to space constraints. That problem doesn't occur for Non-Binding Early Decision students, since we do not have to cap the number of Non-Binding Early Decision offers of admission we can make.
How do I apply for Non-Binding Early Decision?
To apply for Non-Binding Early Decision, you must submit all of your application materials to NYUAD any time between July 1, 2009 and November 1, 2009 for consideration for the 2010-2011 school year.
When will the first class of students be admitted to NYU Abu Dhabi? When should a prospective student begin his/her application?
The first class of students will be admitted for the fall of 2010. Therefore, the first admissions cycle will begin in fall 2009. The application form is available online.
From where will students come, and how many?
NYU Abu Dhabi's first class will be made up of approximately 100 students from around the globe, each of whom could be accepted to any of the world's best universities. They will be passionate about global and cross-cultural issues, and will be excited about being pioneers in shaping the world's first global university.
Our first classes will begin studies at the NYU Abu Dhabi downtown campus, which will be opening in fall 2009. NYU Abu Dhabi's eventual primary home will be on Saadiyat Island, where it will be joined by cultural institutions including the Guggenheim and the Louvre.
II. Academics
What is the student to faculty ratio?
The student to faculty ratio will be approximately 8:1.
Who will be teaching my classes?
Faculty will consist of both standing NYU Abu Dhabi faculty, and outstanding members of NYU New York faculty who have been named as members of the NYU Abu Dhabi Affiliated Faculty. Given the size of the classes and NYU Abu Dhabi student body, students can expect to have a great deal of access to faculty, both inside and outside of the classroom.
Are professors available outside of the classroom?
Yes, all professors will offer office hours to meet with students individually. Professors and their families will also be an integral part of the residential community at NYUAD.
In what language will the academic work be conducted?
English will be the language of instruction at NYU Abu Dhabi. Select courses in Language and Literature will be conducted in other languages. Formal instruction
will be offered in Arabic and Chinese.
What majors will be offered at NYU Abu Dhabi?
Majors Offered Biology |
Multidisciplinary Concentrations The Ancient World Pre-Professional Tracks Business and Organizational Studies
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Is there anyone to help me select my major or my classes?
Yes, all students will have an academic advisor.
Is it a problem to be undecided about my major?
No, it is common for students to enter their first year undecided about their majors. The student must declare a major by their fourth semester of enrollment.
What happens if I change my mind about my major?
Students are not required to declare a major until their fourth semester. If, after this point a student decides to change his/her major, the requirements of the new major will have to be filled prior to graduation. The student's advisor will be available for information on major requirements, etc.
Can I double major?
Yes. However, given the rigorous course load, students should discuss their interest in a double major with their academic advisors prior to registering for classes.
Is there a core curriculum?
Yes, please see a detailed outline of the core requirements at NYU Abu Dhabi.
What about internships?
Yes. We fully expect that NYU Abu Dhabi students will have internship opportunities at companies and organizations in Abu Dhabi.
Can I study abroad?
Yes, NYU Abu Dhabi students are encouraged to spend at least one and up to three semesters at any of NYU's ten global sites, including New York, Paris, London, Florence, Madrid, Shanghai, Accra, Prague, Berlin, Tel Aviv, and Buenos Aires.
In addition to study abroad opportunities, NYU Abu Dhabi students will have many opportunities to travel regionally to such places as Oman, Jordan, Egypt and Turkey both as part of their curriculum and as extracurricular activities with their cohort and faculty.
How does this differ from NYU's other international sites -- study abroad sites, and collaborations with other universities?
Unlike NYU's other global sites, NYU Abu Dhabi is a four-year college that offers a complete undergraduate curriculum and will eventually house graduate studies as well.
When do classes start?
Classes will begin in Abu Dhabi in late August 2010.
III. Campus Life/Life in Abu Dhabi
Where in Abu Dhabi is the NYU campus?
The downtown campus, which will be home to NYU Abu Dhabi for the first few years, is located in the heart of the city, just off the waterfront Corniche and across from the historic Al Hosn Palace (also known as the White Fort). The campus will include classrooms, a library, computer labs, faculty and administrative offices, a large meeting hall, a garden, information center, bookstore and café.
After a few years, NYU Abu Dhabi will move to a new campus on Saadiyat Island, a natural island off the coast of the city that is being developed as Abu Dhabi's cultural center. The campus will offer a comprehensive range of university facilities including classrooms, faculty offices, labs, a library, a conference center, an arts center, athletic facilities, student recreation space, open plazas, and student and faculty housing, among other facilities.
Saadiyat Island will also be home to the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Museum, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a world-class performing arts center, and a museum of natural history.
Where will I live?
NYU Abu Dhabi students will be provided student housing near the downtown campus. NYU Abu Dhabi students will live in a residence hall that will be single-gender by floor, and that will include common rooms and dining facilities. Security and transportation services will be managed by NYU Abu Dhabi Public Safety. Students, faculty and residential advisors will live together in the residential facility.
Will NYU Abu Dhabi be co-educational?
NYU Abu Dhabi's classrooms, laboratories, libraries, student center, and most other facilities will be fully co-educational. All residence halls will have separate floors for men and women.
Will students at NYU Abu Dhabi be able to study abroad at NYU sites around the world? Will NYU students be able to do study abroad in Abu Dhabi?
Students at NYU Abu Dhabi will have the opportunity to spend at least one semester studying abroad at the anchor campus in New York or at NYU academic centers around the world. NYU students enrolled in New York will be welcome to spend a semester at NYU Abu Dhabi.
What type of co-curricular programs will there be?
Co-curricular activities and learning outside the classroom are important for building campus community and enhancing a liberal arts and sciences education. There will be a wide range of student clubs and activities.
Will there be athletics?
Yes, NYU Abu Dhabi will have athletics for both men and women, with facilities for individual and team sports as well as personal fitness and athletic development.
Will graduating students from NYU Abu Dhabi be able to avail themselves of career services at NYU in New York?
NYU Abu Dhabi will have its own career development center, which will be linked electronically to the resources of NYU's Wasserman Center for Career Services at Washington Square.
What religious services are available in Abu Dhabi?
While Islam is the official religion of the UAE, non-Muslims are guaranteed the religious freedom to worship in the region. There are many thriving non-Muslim communities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. In addition to a wide range of Islamic services, Abu Dhabi has several churches that offer regular weekly English-language services.
