I got in with 3.4, around your SAT scores, no community service and a lot less extracurricular activities. Keep in mind that they do take your weighted GPA into account too. If you took a lot of AP or Honors classes, even if you didn’t do so well in them, they will love you for trying. Also, FYI, NYU doesn’t accept AP scores that aren’t math or science (i.e. AP music theory, or AP English), but like I said, they will still acknowledge that you took the hardest classes available…. as for the money… rich helps. They charge you for EVERYTHING!!! You pay for the first year upfront, there’s an orientation fee, an outrageous application fee, and a “we’re going to extort you for every penny your worth because we can” fee. As for the essays… I answered honestly, but not too honestly. If you have bad study habits, don’t admit it. Sound altruistic about everything, and milk every extracurricular activity possible. Its not like they can call you on it…. just make sure they’re realistic…. hope that helps…

paying in full helps a lot. rich parents =good. a 3.4 at public school, is iffy.