According to U.S. News & World Report, New York state has more than 130 four-year, degree-granting institutions of higher education. This includes two of the largest public university systems in the country (SUNY and CUNY), dozens of small liberal arts colleges, mid-sized research universities, federal military academies, and more.
The state’s top schools are located throughout the state – in NYC, Buffalo, Rochester, Ithaca, and other areas. Students in New York can choose from urban, rural, and suburban study and living environments to match their preferences.But with so many NY universities to choose from, how do you know which ones are the best?
While “the best” is often a subjective determination, based on a student’s wants and needs, objective rankings do exist. Using specific metrics, they compare New York colleges and universities and rank them according to how they score. It’s another tool students can use to decide which institutions might be the right match for them.
What makes a university the “best?”
Colleges and universities across the country, including in New York state, are frequently judged for quality based on a specific set of criteria.
U.S. News & World Report, arguably the most recognized and trusted school ranking organization, states, “schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.”
Some of those indicators of excellence include graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, and first-year retention rates.
Notably absent from U.S. News & World Report’s list of indicators is the university’s acceptance rate. Some college-bound students might consider a low acceptance rate to indicate a superior institution (the Columbia acceptance rate is a low 4%, for example), demonstrating that one person’s “best” indicators can easily differ from another’s.
New York’s Top 3 Universities
Going back to U.S. News & World Report, let’s look at what their particular indicators of excellence determine to be New York state’s top 3 universities.
- Columbia University
At the top of that list of 130+ colleges and universities is Columbia University. Located in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, Columbia gives students a true urban campus experience.
Columbia University is a private institution with just under 9,000 undergraduate students enrolled, and is part of the Ivy League. As mentioned above, the Columbia acceptance rate is 4%, which is similar to acceptance rates at other top U.S. schools, like Harvard University and Stanford University.
Ranked #1 in New York State, U.S. News & World Report ranks Columbia University as #12 in the country overall.
- Cornell University
In second place is Cornell University, which is also a member of the Ivy League. Located in Ithaca, New York, students here enjoy a more bucolic learning environment, with nearby lakes and other outdoor spaces to enjoy, in addition to the town of Ithaca.
The Cornell acceptance rate is 7%, making it only slightly higher than the Columbia acceptance rate of 4%. It’s also a larger school than Columbia in terms of class size, with approximately 16,000 undergraduates enrolled.
Ranked #2 in New York State, Cornell University is tied with Columbia University for a ranking of #12 in the country overall, according to U.S. News & World Report.
- New York University
NYU is another urban-setting private university located in the heart of New York City. It’s the largest university on the top 3 list, with nearly 30,000 students enrolled in an undergraduate program.
The NYU acceptance rate is 12%, placing it higher than the Cornell acceptance rate. Although U.S. News & World Report ranked NYC as #3 in the state, it’s ranked #35 in the country overall.
Other highly-ranked New York state colleges and universities
Here are the New York state universities that round out the top 10 on U.S. News & World Report’s ranking:
- University of Rochester
- Stony Brook University – SUNY
- Rensselaer Polytechnic University
- Syracuse University
- Binghampton University – SUNY
- University at Buffalo – SUNY
- Fordham University
How to Maximize Your Chances of Getting into a Top NY University
If your goal is to attend one of the Top 10 universities in New York state, you’ll need to submit a compelling application package. The NYU acceptance rate is at 12%, and the Cornell acceptance rate is 7%. Maximizing your chances of getting one of these coveted spots takes careful preparation.
Like other top schools across the country, those in NY receive thousands of applications from highly qualified students every year. To stand out from the crowd, you should consider including the following 5 elements in your submission:
1. High Grades in Tough Courses
A lot of college-bound students have top grades. Stand out with top grades in recognizably challenging courses. This might include AP classes, advanced levels of math or science, or college-level courses.
With every college application requesting a copy of your high school grades, being able to demonstrate a tougher course load than average combined with high grades is one of the best ways to make your college application stand out.
2. Above Average Standardized Test Scores
Whether you take the SAT or ACT, one of the best ways to impress the admissions committee at the college of your choice is to get an above average score.
Research what scores are considered average by the schools you want to attend. Then, practice for the SAT or ACT with those scores in mind, aiming to score even higher.
3. A Commitment to Extracurriculars
Participating in extracurricular activities is fairly easy – nearly all prospective students will be able to list one or more extracurriculars on their college application.
To stand out, you’ll need to show commitment to extracurriculars. Admissions counselors are impressed to see students who commit to 1-3 activities outside of the classroom over a longer period of time. This shows dedication and perseverance, which are key qualities college students need to stay in school and complete their degrees.
4. Glowing Letters of Recommendation
Recommendation letters allow admissions officers to learn about your and your college readiness from an objective third party. When choosing who to ask to write you recommendation letters, think about who in your life are truly your champions.
Mentors, teachers, and supervisors who are enthusiastic about you and your future tend to write glowing letters of recommendation. Instead of a simple “I recommend this person,” they’ll gush about your qualifications and potential. And a glowing recommendation stands out from the standard letter of support, helping impress the admissions committee.
5. A Unique, Well-Written Essay
Schools use these essays to get to know the student behind the numbers, and to distinguish between competing applicants. Find something to write about that is truly unique to you. Be honest, but also let your personality shine.
Additionally, be sure to edit your essay for any grammatical or spelling errors. Better yet, have a trusted teacher or mentor read it and offer edits and suggestions.
Additional resources for New York state college applicants
Read these 4 tips for college essay inspiration.
Learn how to get the maximum value from your college counseling sessions.
Avoid the 5 most common SAT prep mistakes.
