New York University

You should not take out loans to go to NYU. It isn't worth it. You will get an ok education there. But you could get the same education at a decent state school. If you need to be in NYC and are interested in working in the industries that dominate NYC (banking, finance, real estate, medecine, the arts) and have some money, NYU is a good choice. The academics on the undergraduate level are okay at best. It isn't a nurturing environment at all. Not at all. I heard the term "proactive" everyday from the staff. It's about you taking and getting what you want. If you are exploring or developing yourself etc. go to a different school. This school is for international wealth, alpha types and partiers. For the "dead poets" experience there are better schools in NYC. From what I've seen there, it would be a top choice for graduate school or professional school, JUST NOT UNDERGRADUATE.

4th Year Male -- Class 2003

Surrounding City: A, Collaboration/Competitive: F

I'm somewhat ambivalent about NYU. I'm not really sure what to make of it. On the one hand, I'm attending a top notch university and have AMAZING opportunities in NYC. I currently have an amazing job and an internship, which makes me love being in a city--I already feel like I have an edge on everyone else.

HOWEVER, I'm not sure if the abundance of opportunity in NYC makes up for the lack of a campus and absolutely horrendous social life. Don't get me wrong, people party..a LOT (a lot a lot). By "bad social life" I don't mean we're one of those schools were everyone sits inside and studies. Now I love a good party but the problem is that everyone goes off and parties in their own individual cliques. There are no "NYU" parties--everyone goes off to different clubs and stays with their clique the night. There are a few bars that are frequented by NYU-ers but they are mainly frat/sorority functions so they get lame (ie Still, La Zarza, etc..NYUers know what I'm talking about). I long to feel like I'm in an actual community.

Also the people here drive me insane. I have the BEST group of friends ever, but I can't branch out at all because everyone else is so damn clique-y and snobby. DO NOT COME HERE IF YOU AREN'T WEALTHY. This school is horrendously expensive and social life is determined by your economic wealth. ie all the rich kids go to the expensive clubs, and the less well off kids are stuck w nothing to do. My parents are middle class, and I have to support myself. I'm going broke going out all of the time and trying to keep up with my friends.

All in all, NYU has been an...... interesting experience. Not what I expected at all. However, the opportunities that are here might ultimately end up keeping me here--they are simply too good to pass up.

1st Year Female -- Class 2012

Surrounding City: A+, Individual Value: F