NYU Steindhardt - MCC Major

Colleges and Universities A-Z New York University
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Hi! I just received my SAT scores back and got a 1260 (630 for both math and reading). My GPA is at a 3.5 which I pretty much blame on myself for slacking off in a major honors class Freshman year. Since then, My grades have been consistently rising year to year, finishing off Junior year with straight As. From what I’ve been reading, these are way below NYU’s median ranges but since I’m looking to apply for Steinhardt’s MCC major, I have also read that admissions are much more holistic with applications. NYU is my dream school and I’m getting pretty discouraged to even apply considering not only my scores, but the fact that I’m caucasian (LOL). Am I reaching?

But, one thing I really wanted to highlight on my application was a social media account that I’ve ran for the past 4 years which has now amassed over 300,000 followers. I’ve done many marketing gigs with various independent companies, and have even profited from things like that, as well as selling my own merchandise (I have made well over a grand from only a few campaigns). More recently, I was nominated for a major social media award show… I was a finalist but ultimately lost. This is one thing I have been told by many friends of mine that will stick out especially going into a Communications major. Please reply with your thoughts on this as well.

Next, to point out a bit more of ECs, both local and away, I have mentioned:

Social Media Advertiser for Upcoming Graphic Novel Series (Owned by a very famous TV actor whom I’ve befriended)
Picture Filtering and Editing job at my Uncle’s wedding photography business
Receptionist at my father’s contracting business
Hundreds of volunteer hours (Too many specific activities to name)
3 month online Internship for Social Media clothing/activism company
I also did crew during freshman year, moved onto track & field years 10 & 11 (varsity)
Youth Group
Key Club
Student Council
Italian National Honors Society

Lastly, I guess it would be beneficial to list that I’m gay. I’d like to highlight the struggles of being bullied for my sexuality in middle school and how I eventually got past a point in my life where I honestly have thought about ending it. I matured very fast during those times and my current mental and physical state is at the best its ever been.

That is all please let me know what you think!

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you have really interesting and unique ECs, plus the social media account will definitely be a plus. don’t be discouraged. you don’t always need perfect scores to get into NYU. and I feel like a noticeable rise in grades from freshmen year to senior year is preferable over consistent average grades. I personally think you have a good shot at getting accepted! sending all my good vibes your way. you got this :slight_smile:

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I’m assuming you’re currently a senior.

For essays, I would focus on your social media account and marketing experience. Tell some unique stories about your successes and challenges. What is on your site–why has it attracted attention? That is what will separate you from other students and make you stand out. I’m not saying your struggles as a gay kid aren’t real or important. But they do not make you stand out at NYU. If you could weave your homosexuality into your social media story or how you help others–that would work. But I would not make your essay about bullying and overcoming it unless it goes back to your social media presence.

Good luck!