Does getting published in the New York Times college essay section help with applications?

Getting your college essay published by the New York Times is definitely a significant accomplishment and can be an excellent addition to your application. Admissions officers love to see unique achievements, especially ones that show exceptional writing ability, creativity, and initiative––all qualities the NYT selection suggests. If you're published, it demonstrates your work stood out among thousands, which is impressive at any selective college or university.

How you showcase this in your application can matter, too. For example, you could list it as an 'honor' or 'award' in the activities section of the Common App, specifying that you were featured in the New York Times' college essay series and noting the year. If the essay you submitted to colleges is the same as the published one, you could also consider mentioning the publication in a brief note—maybe in the 'Additional Information' section or, if relevant, in your writing supplement. But keep this mention concise and focused.

That said, while it’s a strong plus, it likely won’t be a complete game-changer on its own. At highly-selective schools, most applicants have impressive resumes, so the fact that you were published is another great point in your favor, rather than something that overrides the rest of your profile. It’s a signal that your writing is excellent and might draw special attention to your essays during review, showing you have qualities admissions officers value, especially at writing-intensive institutions.

I know of a student who was featured in the NYT and went on to attend a top Ivy. They mentioned that admissions officers often brought up their essay in interviews or other conversations—it became a talking point and helped make their application more memorable. But they also had strong academics, test scores, and other extracurriculars. Treat it as a very special supplement to an already strong application, rather than the central focus.

In short: yes, being published in the NYT college essay section will help you stand out, and it's something admissions officers will notice and respect. But it's best viewed as one highlight among many in your application. Congrats on your dedication to writing, and good luck if you decide to submit!