Is NYU or the University of Chicago more selective for undergraduate admission?

The University of Chicago is generally more selective than NYU for undergraduate admission overall. Both receive very large numbers of strong applications, but UChicago’s applicant pool is especially concentrated among students with highly rigorous academic records and a strong match for its distinctive intellectual culture. Its admissions process also places substantial weight on evidence of academic curiosity, including the famously unconventional supplemental essays.

NYU is also highly selective, particularly at Stern, Tisch, and several specialized programs where admission can be exceptionally competitive. However, NYU enrolls a much larger and more academically varied undergraduate population across schools such as Arts and Science, Tandon, Steinhardt, and Gallatin, so selectivity can differ considerably by college and intended major.

That does not mean NYU is an easier admission: a competitive NYU applicant still typically needs strong grades in demanding courses, a thoughtful application, and a clear reason for the specific NYU school or program they are applying to.