New York University

I am a physics major at NYU. I am in my third year. My opinion of the school and my experience have changed significantly since being a freshman. At first, I didn't feel very comfortable or grounded, but that changed as I got to know my fellow physics majors. They are all very intelligent and a few are some of the smartest people I have ever met. Everyone in the program is extremely friendly and helpful. We all work together on homework sets and study together for exams. It is not competitive. The work can definitely be intimidating at times, but you might be surprised to see what happens when you stick with it. It is a challenging, interesting, and rewarding path to take at NYU. Some teachers are better than others, but overall I feel they are quite good and quite helpful. One of my few criticisms of the program is that there are not the many electives offered at any one time. There seems to be a shortage of classes from which to choose sometimes. I haven't compared NYU's number of offered physics electives to that of other schools, though.

As for the rest of NYU, I am pretty neutral. The core requirements were mostly not that great, but a couple of them were very interesting. It can be somewhat irritating to deal with these courses when you just want to focus on your major, but I imagine this is the cases at many schools.

I grew up in Brooklyn and I love New York. It's a great place to be.
NYU is probably a better place for outgoing kids. If you make the effort to talk to people and are not skiddish when it comes to hanging out with people you don't know that well, it could probably be really great, socially, right from the beginning. As I said, it took me kind of a while to find a group of people, and occasionally it has been pretty depressing.

There are so many experiences at NYU. I have a feeling mine is pretty unique. My description may be drastically different from that of most people. I can say that I have had a pretty positive experience with the physics department, though.

3rd Year Male -- Class 2009

Surrounding City: A+, Faculty Accessibility: B+

I'm just finishing up my freshman year at NYU and I have to say I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. The only thing that might stop me from attending next year is the astronomical price of tuition, which only continues to rise year after year, regardless of inflation.

The bad - NYU does not care about the student, per se- they want your money. Once you learn to accept that fact, which you are likely to encounter at most institutions, you will find that the school is a really wonderful place. My program - GSP - is absolutely great and has really shaped my experience here. For other people in the College of Arts and Science, I have heard mixed reviews. But for other students in GSP, they unanimously agree that it is truly a special program. We read great classic books, have absolutely amazing professors, and have small seminar classes with no more than 30 people per class (and that's pretty big- my classes were 15-20 average).

Before committing yourself to NYU, you must visit. End of story. For anyone confused as to where the sports teams and green grassy knolls are, you won't find that kind of thing here. Sure we have sports and grass, but not in abundance like the typical college campus. Same goes for Frats and Sororities. Living at NYU is actually living in New York City, not a gated-off community like Columbia's. If you get in here and can afford $40,000 per year, plus spending money and loan interest, and you aren't deterred by an atypical school experience, then by all means apply and come visit.NYU is the only school I can see myself attending, for the city has helped cultivate my independence in ways that other schools wouldn't have. I have 2 internships (getting ready for my third this summer) and have already gained invaluable connections. Don't miss out if you're the independent go-getter type: you will be inspired by New York and will succeed here.

1st Year Female -- Class 2011

Social Life: A+, Individual Value: C-