NYU Essays 2025-2026
New York University recently released its supplemental essay for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle. In this article, we will explain exactly what they are looking for in the response from applicants, so you can write an supplemental essay that will get you admitted there.
1. We are looking for students who want to be bridge builders—students who can connect people, groups, and ideas to span divides, foster understanding, and promote collaboration within a dynamic, interconnected, and vibrant global academic community. We are eager for you to tell us how your experiences have helped you understand what qualities and efforts are needed to bridge divides so that people can better learn and work together.
You are asked to write a single 250-word response that answers one or more of these questions in a manner that demonstrates you are a bridge builder. We personally recommend focusing on just one of these questions in your 250-word response. Since 250 words is not extensive, it is best to avoid covering too much ground in too little space, which could result in a watered-down essay.
1a. Tell us about a time you encountered a perspective different from your own. What did you learn—about yourself, the other person, or the world? (250 words)
I would open this essay with a powerful and vivid experience that resulted in you developing a certain perspective you strongly believed in and that was deeply personal. After explaining this experience, I would show how it led you to develop this particular viewpoint. From there, I would again describe vividly what it was like to hear a perspective that directly countered your own. Next, I would demonstrate how you critically engaged with that opposing perspective, such as examining the commonalities and underlying assumptions that both your perspective and theirs share. As part of the theme of being a bridge builder, you want to show how you have the mental ability to recognize that opposing perspectives are often two sides of the same coin. If you can portray yourself having a productive conversation with this person to further establish yourself as a bridge builder, that would be ideal. From there, show how both parties benefited from this exchange, or at least demonstrate how you remained open-minded and willing to refine your perspective in light of what this person shared. To conclude the essay, don't simply tell the reader what you learned, show them how you put these insights into practice.
1b. Tell us about an experience you’ve had working with others who have different backgrounds or perspectives. What challenges did your group face? Did you overcome them, and if so, how? What role did you try to play in helping people to work together, and what did you learn from your efforts? (250 words)
I would choose this question if you resolved a disagreement between two or more people, rather than having a personal conflict yourself. This essay perfectly demonstrates that you are a bridge builder. I would begin with a vivid, compelling account of a formative experience that shaped you into someone who naturally resolves disputes between others. From there, I would explore how this experience cultivated your disposition as a bridge builder. Next, I would vividly illustrate the specific disagreement that occurred within your group and detail exactly what actions you took to resolve it. To conclude, don't simply tell the reader what you learned, show them how you've applied these lessons in practice.
1c. Tell us about someone you’ve observed who does a particularly good job helping people think or work together. How does this person set the stage for common exploration or work? How do they react when difficulties or dissensions arise? (250 words)
Don't choose this prompt. You, the applicant, the one who is asking to be a guest on NYU's campus for four years instead of some other qualified candidate, should always be the main character in your essays. Writing an essay about someone else gives the reader much less reason to admit you than writing it about yourself. At best, strive to be the person your essay that the admissions committee is looking for in response to this prompt.
If you want your college admissions essays to be the decisive factor that gets you into your dream school, schedule a free consultation with an admissions expert today to have all of your questions answered.
