Is getting into NYU really as hard as people make it seem?

<p>I mean, their average GPA according to their website is 3.60. I know people who've got in with lower stats. So it really that competitive?</p>

<p>............</p>

<p>In my opinion and from my experience with friends, the competition to get into Stern is extremely difficult, in part because of the school's reputation, but also due to the ease of wall-street recruiting. I know very little about the other NYU schools but I generally hear how they tend to be mediocre despite the hype surrounding NYU.</p>

<p>NYU has some gems that are a logical function of its location in New York City: Top law school, great business school, great performing arts/production.</p>

<p>As for how it fares as a college of arts & sciences, well, that's simply less certain. I know some departments with in it (such as philosophy) are supposed to be outstanding.</p>

<p>The GPA they give you is probably based on their recalculation or an average of GPAs straight off transcripts. If anything, GPA is not as important as the actual rigor and grades (e.g. mostly APs and hard courses with A- and B+ is much stronger than regular levels with all As). Hence, GPA isn't the best measure. However, SAT ranges might be a tad more instructive in this case.</p>