<p>In general, I mean. I know the acceptance rate is about 2.9%, but what are the chances of a relatively average student at getting accepted? </p>
<p>Any comment is appreciated :) Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>Average student? 0%… In all honesty, AD is for either international students in the area or for someone that’s extremely exceptional and internationally well rounded (lots of foreign languages, interests in the area, etc.)</p>
<p>Well, I’m an International student I guess. I live in Abu Dhabi, but I’m originally Turkish/Egyptian. English is my first language, but I’m fluent in Arabic as well. I’m in the top 1% of my class, have a lot of leadership positions at school, and do a lot of hospital volunteer work (going for pre-med). I founded most of the groups and clubs in my school. I’m also a muslim female and veiled. I have been nominated by my school counselor for NYUAD. I have an excellent recommendation from the head of the education/nephrology department at the hospital I volunteer at, and from the head of the biology department at my school. I have decent SAT scores (2100) and a 4.0 GPA with the most rigorous classes my school offers. I also don’t need a lot of financial aid, if that counts for anything.
Where would I stand?</p>
<p>I doubt anyone here can actually give you real advice about NYUAD since it’s kind of a mystery to most people, and I’m almost 100% sure no one here goes there. All we know is that it’s extremely selective. From what you’ve told us about yourself, except for maybe your SAT scores, you could have a decent shot at virtually any school, NYUAD included, with your flawless GPA and strong extracurricular activity and leadership in your fields of interest.</p>
<p>You can apply, but my understanding is that NYUAD is more selective than Harvard.</p>
<p>Yeah, it is VERY selective. 
Oh well, I’ll just apply and hope for the best. :)</p>
<p>Thanks guys! I really appreciate the answers :)</p>
<p>For all we know, AD has only 200 spots and gets around 5000 people applying, Harvard has 6000 spots and around 40000 applying. Furthermore, people to Harvard are probably smarter.</p>
<p>Haha yeah, true. Still, it is pretty selective 
Thanks for the answer :)</p>
<p>I’m entering NYUAD this fall and was also accepted to other prestigious American universities (2 IVies, 2 top LACs).</p>
<p>Their selection process is certainly very rigorous but it’s also slightly different from most American universities. They’re really looking to build a “cosmopolitan” campus, which means emphasizing international aspects is important.</p>
<p>HangingOnStars, I’d say you have a decent chance. They’ll love your international background and excellent record. The school is also trying to make a bigger effort to integrate Muslim women. But you’re not a shoo-in, as nobody is. If you’re truly interested, I would highly recommend applying ED1/2, as they really prioritize students who are interested in the vision of the school.</p>
<p>Also, FYI, I’d say NYUAD is about * equivalent* to Harvard in terms of selectivity. Though the raw acceptance rate might be lower, the caliber of applicants also is slightly lower. Thus, for anyone one qualified student, your chances of getting into both are similar. For reference, many students from my interview were accepted into top Ivies (Princeton, Harvard, etc.) but <em>not</em> NYUAD, while others were vice versa, and still others were accepted both. For reference, among those who were accepted to both, most of us chose NYUAD.</p>
<p>Thanks! Congrats on getting in and I wish you all the best there. I’m looking to apply ED 2, so hopefully that’ll inch my chances up a tad bit 
Thanks for helping out 
(and boosting my confidence a bit as well!)</p>
<p>Well, I’m sorry for posting this so late. I would like to ask you a question, kameronsmith. Why did you and other people you are talking about select NYUAD over other American universities? Did the financial play a huge role in the decision? I mean to say, if NYUAD wasn’t offering aid, would you have chosen the other schools which had selected you? Thanks.</p>