The one where I became a part of NYUAD Class of 2026
๐Bachelor
Scholarship
๐Bachelor
Incoming Freshman
Jun 22, 2022
2 mins read

NYU Abu Dhabi
๐ฆ
@sredha.nair
from
India๐ฎ๐ณ
๐ผ Incoming Freshman
โณ Aug 2022 โ Aug 2026
๐ Abu Dhabi,
UAE๐ฆ๐ช
๐ฃ English
โ Student Visa

NYU Abu Dhabi
๐ Abu Dhabi,
UAE๐ฆ๐ช
๐ฃ English
๐ฐ Need-based financial aid
๐ค 2,000 Students
๐ 80% International
Global education with numerous study away opportunities, a diverse student body who is as new to the "uni experience" as you are, liberal arts education covering multiple disciplines of study โ all of this sounded too good to be true as I "discovered" the NYUAD website last summer.
Coming from the beautiful and diverse Southern India, NYUAD's acceptance of diversity attracted me. But it got me thinking, "There must be some deal-breaker, no university can be this good!"
And there it was โ a 3% acceptance rate.
But that did not stop me from applying, I decided to "try my luck"
but little did I know that the process was easier said than done.
Common app
The application process was done through the Common app including my extracurriculars, CBSE high school transcripts, recommendation letters, and essays. If your school does not have a college counselor, don't worry as you can ask for help from your teachers or school principal to upload your transcripts. Based on the given prompts I wrote a common app essay and the university-specific "Why NYU" Essay. The extracurricular section took the most time because I had to organize the activities that I did, to fit them in the allotted box.
Even though I personally did it all by myself, I would recommend getting help from other sources as well to guide you through the whole process. Remember, you are not alone in this!
My Profile and Stats
I know that a lot of students might be nervous about test scores or extracurricular activities and how their "worth" will determine acceptance into the university. College admissions is a truly holistic process that is unique to every background and upbringing.
Here are some details about my profile:
I did my schooling in the CBSE Curriculum and submitted my high school grades to NYUAD. I did not attempt the SATs.
9th Grade: 90%
10th Grade: 95%
11th Grade: 97%
I gave predicted scores for 12th Grade.
I did not have to attempt any English Proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL because I was already studying in an English-medium school.
My extracurricular activities were pretty non-generic. This was mainly because popular ECs like Model UN were not available to me in my immediate environment. My ECs were a blend of many music-related activities that I did in school, like choir groups, Bhajan troops (devotional music group) with some sports like Kho Kho (a traditional Indian sports game), and some clubs like Legal Literacy Club.
I did various online courses from sites like edX during the pandemic, as this was the time I couldn't build my out-of-school activities. I also did some free courses from organizations like Amnesty International and UNICEF.
My Common App essay was based on the prompt about the lessons we understand from the challenges we face. For this, I wrote about my experience when I was on TV as part of a devotional music show. My essay was about how vulnerable I was, facing a camera for the first time.
Please remember that this is my personal experience and not a clear-cut prototype of what NYUAD expects every applicant to be. They are looking for a diverse class who can make changes, in which everyone with the will has a place.

Financial aid
I got 100% financial aid worth $85k per year. If you are looking for financial aid, you will have to fill out your CSS profile.
Even though this was a LONG process, my dream of being a part of the Class of 2026 motivated me to stay focused, not to forget my parents who came around in letting their "kid" know about family finances.
Tips for future applicants
As someone completely new to the whole application process for US universities, I was constantly doubting each of my steps throughout the process. Looking back, I wish I was more kind to myself.
I wish I didn't constantly try to see myself through the admissions officer's eyes. I wish I was more confident in myself. And that is my wish for all of the NYUAD aspirants out there.
If you got in after crossing all the hurdles in front of you. YAAY!๐
But if you didn't, there is still YOUR PATH waiting for you, do not give up on it!
@sredha.nair
1 year ago
Hey!
Thank you for reaching out!
To answer your question, YES, I was invited to the Candidate Weekend 1 since I applied in ED1
Feel free to ask more questions here!!
@maryam963963
1 year ago
When do you get an email informing you about the candidate weekend? how is it? if it's on campus, what about visa and other things?
@sofiamalik
1 year ago
Hello so you will get 100% scholarship for whole 4 years? Am I right?
@sredha.nair
1 year ago
Technically NO
The financial aid that i have right now is for one academic year and after that I have to resubmit the CSS to avail aid for the next year
But realistically the same aid is offered throughout the 4 years even though we have to renew it by each passing year
Hope this helps!!
@sredha.nair
1 year ago
Participate!
Do not hold yourself back
For honors, I mentioned about the various positions I held during school time
@denis
1 year ago
Hello!
I am really curious on how academic were your honors? Because I didn't really participate in some international olympiad. I only was placed 2nd on a Kazakh Language olympiad and that's pretty much it. However, I have a lot of non-academic, professional honors. Just really wanna hear your story in this ๐