New York University

As everyone says: NYU IS NOT FOR EVERYONE. You have to be able to function on your own as an adult to survive here. Students that thrive in this atmosphere take the initiative to discover opportunities on their own, rather than relying on someone else to do it for them. There are plenty of wealthy students--which is to be expected at a private university--but there are numerous, truly middle class students (such as myself--I am attending thanks to a partial scholarship). I don't feel out of place because I am here on partial scholarship. I've made what I consider to be my first group of true, loyal frinds here...never had people whom I would consider such back in high school. The notion that all the people here are anti-social is completely false. Granted, it depends on the dorm in which you live freshman year...I lived in Weinstein and during the first few weeks, people left doors open and you could introduce yourself to people readily. I came to NYU from North Carolina, and I made friends within my first night of being on campus. When I found friends to hang with, we had the best city in the country at our disposal. Bars, jazz clubs, poetry slams, dance clubs, Broadway, Central Park, live television tapings, ethnic restaurants, and numerous other activities are your various methods for unwinding with friends. Enough about the social scene, with regards to academics, I find the liberal arts program better than average. I don't enjoy it all, but I have learned quite a bit. Also, I think my communication studies program is top notch; I have learned so much, and not just about the media, but also about critical thinking. NYU is not UNC-Chapel Hill (where most of my friends from high school ended up) or any other large, public university type institution. If you are like me: independent, free thinking, open minded, goal oriented, and extroverted, then NYU is a good match...otherwise, pick another institution.

2nd Year Male -- Class 2005

Social Life: A+, Individual Value: B-

Last year when I read this site after getting accepted into NYU, I was freaked out by the comments some people made. Its very true that NYU is not a school for everyone because it will not give you the traditional experience that that hundreds of other colleges will give you. But thats what I love about this school-you never know whats going to happen next because you live in middle of NYC. Sometimes its hard to find a sense community because of that, but its not like you are completely isolated or something! When you walk on campus, you find a mix of so many people that simply live in the city, but it is pretty obvious that it is a campus.

Also, it doesnt hurt that New York itself is such a fun city and makes things so accessible to students. The University itself is reknowned (im not going to pretend the name doesnt mean anything), and I have liked my classes here so far. I dont except my entire academic experience to be completely perfect, but I do feel that I have pretty high standards and I am pretty satisfied with NYU thus far.All in all, NYU has positive as well as negative attributes just like any other school. I would not change my decision if given the chance and am defintely looking forward to my next few years here.

1st Year Female -- Class 2007

Social Life: A+, Collaboration/Competitive: B

NYU offers an experience no other school could match. The education is top notch, and the surrounding area is unbelievable.

However, NYU has a high drop out rate because not many 18 year olds are prepared for the dog-eat-dog world of Manhattan. No one is going to baby you at NYU. To make friends, you must put yourself out there. This is not a school for everyone. That said, if you are ready for the NYC experience and your grades and scores are top notch, this school will get you somewhere. It's reputation precedes itself, and looking back, I am happy Columbia DIDN'T accept me!

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000