Overview
The New School is a moderately selective private four-year institution in New York, New York. The school accepts 57.2% of applicants and enrolls 6,819 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 57.2%
- Total Enrollment
- 6,819
Admission Guide
The New School wants to see creative work that pushes boundaries, not polished portfolios that play it safe. Your application should show experimental thinking and willingness to take artistic risks, whether you're applying to Parsons School of Design, Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts, or the College of Performing Arts.
Use your essays to discuss specific interdisciplinary projects or unconventional approaches to problems. The school's structure around five colleges under one university means you can easily combine fashion design with social justice work or jazz studies with urban policy. Write about how you plan to bridge different fields rather than staying within traditional academic silos.
Portfolio requirements vary dramatically by program. Parsons requires a Parsons Challenge that asks you to respond to a specific prompt through visual work and a written reflection. Don't submit generic art pieces. Create something specifically for this prompt that shows your process and thinking, not just technical skill.
The Greenwich Village campus attracts students who want to be part of New York's creative scene immediately, not after graduation. You'll fit well here if you're comfortable with ambiguity, interested in social activism, and want professors who are working artists, designers, or writers rather than traditional academics. Classes are small and discussion-based, so passive learners struggle.
Apply early decision if The New School is your top choice, as it shows commitment to their specific approach to education. The school offers merit scholarships that can significantly reduce costs, and demonstrating financial need won't hurt your admission chances.
Your recommendation letters should come from people who can speak to your creative process and ability to think outside conventional frameworks. A teacher who has seen you challenge assignments or propose alternative solutions will serve you better than someone who can only describe your grades.
Don't apply here if you want a traditional college experience with big sports programs and Greek life. The New School's campus is woven throughout Greenwich Village blocks, and social life happens in the city rather than on a contained campus. Students here are intensely focused on their creative work and social causes.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $55,359/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $56,386
- Students Receiving Aid
- 15%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 71.2%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $52,901/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 80.7%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The New School require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
The New School has adopted a test-optional policy for undergraduate admissions. Students can choose whether or not to submit standardized test scores as part of their application.
What is the application deadline for The New School?
The New School has rolling admissions for most undergraduate programs, meaning applications are reviewed as they are received. However, priority consideration deadlines vary by program, so check with your specific school within The New School for exact dates.
Does The New School offer Early Decision or Early Action?
The New School offers Early Decision for undergraduate applicants. Early Decision is a binding commitment, meaning accepted students must attend and withdraw applications from other schools.
Can transfer students apply to The New School?
Yes, The New School accepts transfer students for both fall and spring semesters. Transfer applicants must submit college transcripts and typically need a minimum GPA, though requirements vary by program within the university.