Mahmoud Elbeh was almost two years into pharmacy school in Egypt when he heard about NYU Abu Dhabi, a liberal arts college with a tailored curriculum to help students explore their interests and pursue their career dreams.
No one in Elbeh’s family had studied abroad. His parents considered studying abroad a farfetched prospect and it did not help that Elbeh was already two years into his current education. But that did not stop Elbeh from applying to a university he thought would propel his young career.
Unfortunately, Elbeh’s grades were not submitted correctly and he missed the opportunity to apply before NYUAD’s Early Decision I deadline. A week later, Elbeh received better news from admissions saying that he will be considered for Early Decision II instead.
Red-Letter Day
Elbeh was offered admissions to join NYUAD’s Class of 2024 one month later, on February 14. Now, the Egyptian would need to convince his parents that it was the right thing to do. Elbeh began to share what studying at NYUAD would be like through its curriculum, study away opportunities, as well as how student life would look like from the diverse student body. After some convincing, his parents gave him their approval.
“I am happy that I made the decision to apply because I really believe in NYUAD’s vision,” Elbeh said. “I was absolutely ready to try until I got what I wanted,” he added.
February 14 was the happiest day in my life so far.
With deadlines for applying to NYUAD coming up, the first-year student shares his top tips for early decision applications.
Tips for Early Decision Applications
- Read articles you come across about NYUAD, learn about the University’s vision, and what they are proud of so that you have a good response for the question "Why did you choose NYU?"
- Space is limited for the list of achievements and activities. Set your priorities if you feel like you have more to say than the space allows. Elbeh had chosen the achievements and activities that are related to his future plans.
- Remember that the essay is meant to give you a chance to tell admissions who you are. If possible, avoid listing any of the aforementioned achievements again in the essay. Instead, maybe think of why one of those achievements is so dear to you and why it means so much. Show the unexpected side of the story. Elbeh recommends that you start drafting it early and share it with someone for their opinion.
- Do not wait until the last day to submit the application. Set a deadline for yourself and try to submit it as early as possible. This gives you time to address any potential issues, or time to respond to any questions from the admissions office.
- Triple check your application before you submit to make sure you did not miss anything.
Apply to NYU Abu Dhabi
The Common Application is required for students applying to any or all of NYU's three degree-granting campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, or Shanghai. Required school documents may be submitted directly through the Common Application or separately.
Learn how you can apply for NYU Abu Dhabi.
