Counselor Support

Counselors are a critical part of the college admissions process, and we want you to feel supported and informed every step of the way. This page is meant to be a helpful resource for you as you guide your students through the components of the NYU Abu Dhabi application, including assistance with submitting documents and links to familiarize yourself with the various elements and organizations. If anything is unclear or you feel you are missing a key piece of information, please contact us!

Interpreting Applications

What we're looking for in an application.

Understanding the Application

There are a few key documents you’ll be asked to help with — some you’ll submit on your student’s behalf, and some where your guidance is appreciated.

Document	Description
Academic Transcript Testing	A transcript provides an overview of a student’s full secondary school record, and includes both internal marks as well as any exams taken. In many cases, the exams taken at the end of secondary school will satisfy our flexible testing policy. We use both components to assess a student’s academic achievement, though we rely on other parts of the application to provide further context.
Counselor Recommendation	As a counselor, you are asked to submit a recommendation that summarizes a student’s academic achievement, their involvement in school and extracurricular life, and their distinguishing personal characteristics. This is an opportunity to place the student’s achievements in context — for their year, the school, and even, in many cases, on a national level.
School Report	The School Report accompanies the Counselor Recommendation, and provides us with additional information about your school, students, and curriculum. This document will vary from school to school, but should at least include an overview of what opportunities are available to students (both academically and extracurricularly); a general sense of the makeup of the student body; and where students most often end up attending university.
Teacher Recommendation	This letter, relative to the Counselor Recommendation, is more focused on a particular subject and that teacher’s experience with the student. Encourage your students to select someone who knows them well and can speak to their individual accomplishments and academic profile.

Submitting Documents

Submit all documents through the Common Application whenever possible. This will ensure that the necessary documents are added to a student’s application.
To be considered official, the academic transcript requires an original signature of the registrar or other designated school official, or the institution's seal.
If a document isn't in English, then a translation should be provided (a school official or a translation agency accredited in your country can issue the translation).
All official testing should come from the relevant examination board or testing agency.
When sending documents via post or email, please remember to always include the student’s name and NYU or CommonApp ID. Documents not submitted through the Common Application can be sent to:

New York University
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
383 Lafayette Street
New York, NY 10003
USA

or via email: admissions.docs@nyu.edu

Helpful Links

The Common Application is the online application portal for NYU Abu Dhabi applicants — and also serves as a resource for both students and counselors. Students use the CommonApp to apply to NYU Abu Dhabi and counselors have the option of submitting their application materials via the CommonApp.
The SAT is a standardized test widely used as an assessment tool by university admissions. The SAT Reasoning Test consists of two required sections — Critical Reading and Mathematics — and an optional Writing section. Students may also take SAT Subject Tests on individual subjects of their choosing. The SAT satisfies NYU Abu Dhabi’s flexible testing policy.
The ACT is both a standardized test and the name of the non-profit organization that administers the test. It consists of four required sections — English, Math, Reading, Science — and an optional Writing section. The ACT satisfies NYU Abu Dhabi’s flexible testing policy.
The College Board created and currently administers both the SAT Testing Suite and AP curriculum. Additionally, it serves as a resource for both university admissions professionals and secondary school counselors. NYU Abu Dhabi hosts a Summer Institute for College Counselors each spring.
Council of International Schools (CIS) is a membership organization that brings together university admissions professionals, their secondary school counselor counterparts, and students attending international schools around the world. Through professional development, school fairs, and university tours, they familiarize all audiences with the options available from international universities and schools. NYU Abu Dhabi participates in both school fairs and university tours, and will be represented at many CIS-sponsored professional development events.
The Fulbright Program, sponsored by the US Department of State, administers a host of international education programs and has regional commission offices around the world that provide information and support for individuals and organizations interested in US university education. NYU Abu Dhabi often partners with the local Fulbright Commission to promote events and provide support for both students and counselors.
EducationUSA is the US Department of State’s organization dedicated to promoting US university education and provides guidance and support to universities and students around the world. NYU Abu Dhabi often partners with local EducationUSA offices to promote events and provide support for both students and counselors.