<p>I have a 4.0 gpa, top 5% of class, good EC's, but then there are my test scores.</p>
<p>After taking my SAT, ACT, and AP, I was VERY confident that I did really well. After receiving my scores, I realized that my chances for NYU aren't so hot anymore.</p>
<p>I got a 1620 SAT, 26 ACT, and then a 2 on my AP ENG (which I felt like I did AWESOME right after taking it).</p>
<p>I'm planning on starting my preparation for the fall ACT.</p>
<p>Is there anything you would recommend that I do to better my chances at NYU? ANYTHING?</p>
<p>Better financial aid comes with higher standardized test scores/grades. You have the GPA, just work on bringing the ACT score to the 30’s and SAT to at least 1450 with CR + Math. Edit: NYU is competitive and even if you get accepted, a lot of people leave because of FA. So not only that, you want them to accept you AND give you good money. Either in merit or scholarships, there is a good chunk of money out there that you could get should your standardized test scores improve. Oh, and the 2 on your Exam shouldn’t matter if you decide not to send it (not too sure about the new admissions criteria- I applied for the 2009 cycle, the last year to have to be required to send SAT scores :P)</p>
<p>And after all that, when you apply, they’ll send you some generous financial aid offers. And trust me, it’s worth it.</p>