<p>Coming from somebody who’s also been previously caught up in trying to augment my chances by ‘playing the game’ as it were. Just don’t worry about it. Send them what they ask for. Do your best. Be honest. Your scores are your scores. Your ECs are your ECs. (Heck I have a 620 in the Math section of the SAT reasoning!). The reality is- I’m not that great at Math, but I have other skills. I hope those will shine through on my application. </p>
<p>At the end of the day, you can only be you. And if that’s not good enough then sod 'em. Or take a gap year. That’s my plan anyway.And even if you don’t get into CAS- they often put people in LSP (liberal studies program), which is actually a great option. It allows you to get all your core requirements done in the first two years of college, and then you’re a free agent. You can go to CAS or Steindhart or Gallatin or even Stern and still graduate in four years! (and in some cases- Tisch!- though it may take you an extra year and a few summer sessions to graduate). LSP is a great option if you’re not totally sure what you want to do. My sister’s boyfriend is in LSP and he says they some of the best professors etc. Just being in New York and going to school is a great experience. </p>
<p>You have nothing to fear, Zunnan. You are, in my opinion, highly competitive for NYU. Write a good essay and go for it. And if it doesn’t work out, you can also take a year out, volunteer, re-take scores, whatever, and re-apply if NYU is it for you. In my case, I’m only applying to a handful of schools- so if I get rejected, gap year for me. I actually think it’s a great option.</p>
<p>moomoo, wow first off, thank you for your kind words you are easing my tensions away. secondly, i did not know about LSP, it makes me hopeful, i just really want to be in the city, because there is so much opportunity coupled with nyu and the fact its in Manhattan. Best of luck to you, i honestly hope you get in. :)</p>
<p>No worries. I get so stressed about all this college stuff. On my list is UChicago, NYU (obviously), Brown, Columbia, BU, and UCLA (film). I’m perfectly prepared for the fact that I may get nothing. Nothing is certain in the college app game. </p>
<p>NYU is an amazing school. According to my sister (econ major at CAS), your SAT1s are great for NYU. Your ACT doesn’t seem to marry up to your SAT. But NYU says it automatically looks at your best results. And I believe them. </p>
<p>I personally hate standardised testing. As an international - colouring in bubbles is not part of our education system. Totally alien to me! </p>
<p>I recently did a summer program at Tisch (though I’m applying to CAS at the end up), and we had talks with the admissions people and they seemed really reasonable. </p>
<p>I have to admit that financial aid is often a problem at NYU. BUT, there are some people walking around campus with great financial packages. So it happens.</p>
<p>My sister is having THE time of her life at NYU. Also, she is in CAS but wishes she started in LSP. LSP is great. There’s a bit of stigma attached to it within NYU, but it’s actually a really great program. All your requirements gone after two years! Wow! A lot of LSP kids actually go on to have higher graduating g.p.a.s than their CAS counterparts because they really know what they want to do when they end up in CAS. </p>
<p>I wish you the best of luck. And just be happy - even if you don’t get in - nothing is the end of the world.</p>