New York University

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-

The opportunities that NYU affords its students are very impressive. This is due to the surrounding city (New York can't be matched) and amazing facilities of the school (e.g the Kimmel student center is like a palace and some the dorms are among the nicest in America). The faculty is pretty acessible for such a large school, especially if a student makes the slightest of an effort to reach the prof. NYU is moving up in prestige, its really considered one of the elite schools in the world now, and I'd say its the school of the future.

3rd Year Male -- Class 2006

Social Life: A+, Useful Schoolwork: B-

Great undergrad experience. NYU gives one an amazing academic environment, the atmosphere at this school builds character on a level far above any college in my opinion. The school is in the best NYC neighborhood (bars, clubs, cafe's, restuarants, theaters-you name it, NYU students have it at their doorstep), and the schoool's vast resources gives students a chance to make the most of living in Manhattan. NYU would be an excellent school even if it were in the middle of rustic country, but the location just makes it that much better, and the experience so unique. That being said, to really make the most of the NYU experience, I would recommend living in dorms and NOT commuting (I was a resident but knew people who commuted, almost all hated it since it was like they were really not part of the school). Don't get me wrong, NYU is great academically, and the name of the degree can carry one a long way, but the full benefit of the NYU experience cannot be gained only in the classroom; living on campus and making Greenwich Village home will infinitely enchance one's time at NYU. I am confident that those who take advantage of the tremendous opportunities NYU offers will not be disppointed in going to the greatest university in the greatest city.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000