@amtc - I don’t think it is controversial as much as it is potentially misleading. As I said above, I do not question the fact that you might know of an exception(s?), and I am not trying to convince you - or anyone else, that it is not a possibility. What I am saying is that Tisch does not state in their published materials the admissions criteria are lower (https://www.nyu.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/fast-facts.html shows some quick averages) And if you AREN’T close to that- NYU MIGHT be an academic long shot, and I would hate to see someone read this site and assume academics aren’t in play for NYU. This is in contrast to CMU- who frequently say that the general university criteria do not apply to their department.