On Monday, April 20, 2026, students in the Studies Abroad program attended an insightful presentation by Mr. Justin Van Dyke, representing NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD). The session provided a deep dive into the unique academic ecosystem of NYU’s global campus in the UAE.
Mr. Van Dyke outlined the core qualities of the “NYUAD Student,” emphasizing intellectual curiosity, an adventurous spirit and community engagement. A key part of the presentation focused on the Holistic Assessment process, explaining how the university evaluates candidates across three main pillars:
- Academics: Transcripts, course rigor and honors.
- Extracurriculars: Activities, leadership roles and recognition.
- Personal Qualities: Essays, letters of recommendation and the “fit” for the university’s mission.
Students also received practical advice on the Steps to Applying, including navigating the Common Application and the role of optional test scores in the current admissions landscape.
