This question might seem weird, but I am curious and some other people might be too.
For example, what happens if somebody has a very low GPA, something of 3.0 and SAT something like 1550-1600, and then applies to NYU. It is not an application to a very competitive CAS or Stern, but to Steinhardt or Gallatin or LS program. This person has an awesome ECs, very good essays and basically - the rest of the application is wooooah, besides of the stats.
Does NYU in this case immediately rejects this person because they do not want such a person to “damage” their overall stats, or they consider one’s essays, extracurriculars, recommendation letters and so on?
I am just very curious of what you guys think about it. I personally also know such a person who is in this situation and applied to NYU this year as ED, but no, it’s not me. 
I’m pretty sure some colleges have filter where applications with very low stats don’t even get to the hands of admissions counsellors but obviously if you have something that almost nobody else has then you can still have a shot
I don’t think a student with both low tests scores and a low gpa will be considered. I think if both grades and test scores are way below the 25th percentile, they have no chance-- unless there are super extenuating circumstances that benefit NYU like they are a celebrity or their parents will donate vast amounts.
Although academics may be slightly lower at Steinhardt vs. Stern or CAS, the benchmark is not that much lower, and the common data set reflects all students from all schools. So using the 25th percentile is reflective of LSP, Gallatin, Tisch, Steinhardt etc.
Even with talent students where portfolios or auditions account for half of a students admission, academic benchmarks still need to be met. A 3.0 and a 1550 most likely would not cut it even for the most talented students.
LSP is a sure shot with those stats, don’t worry!