New York University

NYU, like New York City, isn't for everyone, so don't choose a school based solely on a ranking, only to complain about what you don't like about it (I heard this mostly from undergrads). I went to an excellent, small undergrad and enjoyed it; I needed that when I was younger. I went to two large research grad schools and loved them for their resources and their reputations. The policy program at NYU Wagner helped me the most professionally, because through it I gained the confidence to do an array of professional tasks, and apply for jobs or work I would not have before grad school. I got sound, practical research-focused classes combined with analysis of, and recommendations for, real issues.If you go to grad school with a plan for what you want to get out of it, you will be much happier.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

Yes, NYU is a big school, but don't believe those naysayers who say they can't find a community. All NYU freshman live in NYU dorms, so it's easy to make friends, and even when students spread out to other dorms and apartments, they can still easily stay in touch. Lots of people live in walking distance and there is great public transportation in NYC. Students tend to hang out in the same off-campus places, so it's easy to meet up and to meet new people.

Students may have to navigate the bureaucracy at NYU, but if you land a good advisor freshman year, you're set!

And the students here are definitely NOT snooty. They are interesting people, academic and varied, from all walks of life and all incomes. There is a great variety of students, from theater people to economists to journalists to businesspeople to scientists. The variety is wonderful.You may not have a campus but you do have a great community, a great city, the vibrancy of Washington Square Park - and lifelong friends.

4th Year Female -- Class 1974

Education Quality: A+, Useful Schoolwork: F

I started at a Big-Ten state school replete with all the bells and whistles of "college". I HATED it! It felt like an extension of high school except I also had to live there.

Then I came to NYU and could not be happier! I get to be independent, no one checks up on me (except the once-a-semester meeting with my advisor), opportunities abound and I get to make all of my own decisions. I have never felt more free. The work load pushes me to my limits in the good way and I fall asleep every night with my brain buzzing with new ideas. On weekends I have access to the most prestigious museums in the world, Broadway, off-Broadway, bookstore like you can't believe etc etc etc. I'm happy with a handful of close friends, which I have found, so don't need big social groups anyway. Like other posters here have said: if you want a quad and a football team or "school spirit" (gag me with 200 toothpicks) and keggers go elsewhere. If you want intellectual rigor and stimulation overload and know you can handle yourself on your own, know you have what it takes to get what you want in life and don't need anyone to hold your hand but rather give you room to find your own destiny, then NYU is your only real option.

2nd Year Male -- Class 2012

Surrounding City: A+, University Resource Use/ spending: F