New York University Senior Assistant Director of Admissions Juan Roldán visited Bellaire during fourth period in Charlie’s Cottage to discuss the admissions process and opportunities for NYU applicants on Monday.NYU offers more than 60 global university and exchange programs, with nearly all credits earned abroad through NYU counting toward students’ degrees. The university ranks No. 1 in the number of international students hosted, according to a 2024 Open Doors Report.

NYU has three degree-granting campuses— New York City, Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) and Shanghai (China). NYU Shanghai’s student body represents more than 70 countries, while NYU Abu Dhabi’s student body is represented by 120 countries.

Roldán said an “overwhelmingly majority” of people who attend the university in their first-year of college are not from New York. He said the orientations help connect students together.

“The first year of college you have orientation full of events to help you connect with other students,” Roldán said. “There’s also different clubs that have different events, you can watch sports games at NYU or a professional commons club. NYU gives out discounts for different activities, and you also have students get free access in New York.”NYU has an optional essay, introduced three years ago. The university is currently test-optional, meaning applicants may choose whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores.

“Ultimately, we’re looking for students who have A’s and B’s, and who have a strong curriculum,” Roldán said. “For us, in NYU, the [admissions process] is a combination of the strength of the curriculum and how [the application] fits.”Roldán said that the university has “very generous” financial aid, and that the university meets full needs. There are a “few” merit-based scholarships, but it is handpicked, according to Roldán.

For more information about the admissions process, contact Roldán at [email protected].