How can I compare the selectivity of NYU and UVA without relying on yearly acceptance rates?

There is no single, stable answer that makes NYU or UVA “more selective” for every applicant. NYU is a private university with very high national and international demand, while UVA’s admissions difficulty changes sharply based on Virginia residency. For an out-of-state student, UVA is typically an especially difficult public-university admission; for a Virginia resident, it remains highly selective but is a more realistic comparison with NYU.

Think of NYU as a fit for students applying to a large, urban, private university where the specific school matters a great deal. Admission can look different for applicants to Stern, Tisch, and other high-demand programs than for applicants to other NYU schools. Strong preparation in the intended area, a coherent academic direction, and evidence that the student can use New York City well can matter alongside grades and course rigor.

UVA suits students whose record shows sustained academic strength in a rigorous high-school curriculum and who are drawn to a traditional residential campus, broad liberal-arts foundation, and strong public-university culture.

To compare them, examine each school’s current class profile, required or recommended coursework, and how students with similar records from your high school have fared. Ask your counselor for historical admissions results by residency and intended program. Place both schools in the reach range unless your school’s past outcomes and your academic record provide unusually strong evidence otherwise.