New York University

There's no better place to go for your undergrad career if you want to live in a vibrant and cultured city and, to be blunt, grow up. Students who want to be coddled and have everything handed to them don't like NYU (and probably not NYC). But, if you want to grow as an individual and have the best college experience of your life, come to NYU.

I was originally in CAS and then transferred to Gallatin. I will say that Gallatin has a more tight knit community, with more professors who seem to care about their students, and more interesting classes. With that said, it's department by department in CAS. I found that many of my friends liked the sociology, journalism, environmental studies, social and cultural analysis and chemistry departments. I took a majority of my classes in journalism, french and environmental studies - most of my professors were great, attentive and so well-connected! Go to office hours, talk in class, email them and you will enjoy your classes 100x more! I did have bad experiences with the biology department, so premeds and bio majors beware.

As for gallatin, about 90% of the professors are there because they really care about interdisciplinary studies and helping students shape their concentration. But I have certainly run into a few bad apples. I won't name names, but beware of the guy who is a leader in environmental architecture - he didn't bother to learn our names, gave out unfair and unjustifiable grades, and spent most of his class surfing google and talking at us. My adviser, who was a well-meaning guy, was terrible at responding to emails and, well, proofing my rationale, which resulted in me almost missing very important senior year deadlines. Aside from these two duds, everyone else was great! To avoid these problems, ask around and MAKE RATE YOUR PROFESSOR YOUR BEST FRIEND.

The gallatin program is truly unparalleled, and it personally gave me a leg up in the job search process. In 2013, I secured a job a little less than one month after graduation. I received my first job offer about 2 days after graduation (but turned it down because it wasn't a good fit). I had 4 offers total, and was able to pick which one I wanted. In this economy, it was truly a blessing. Make the best of your time in gallatin or at nyu by doing A LOT of internships, networking, getting a work-study job (also because the city is expensive), being active in clubs and applying to scholars groups. You'll not only set yourself up to get hired, but you'll have the best academic and social experience of your live.Although I did spend a lot of time at the library, I also had a pretty great social life. My rule of thumb was that I wouldn't study on Friday or Saturday nights unless it was finals or midterms. I made friends doing activities I was passionate about and on my floor freshmen year, and I've kept these friends through my four years at NYU. The nightlife in the village is great - from poetry slams, to great bars, to clubs and comedy clubs. There's something for everyone, as long as you're willing to step out of your shell.

4th Year Female -- Class 2013

Education Quality: A+, Individual Value: B

Gallatin at NYU is a great program. You become close with your adviser, your professors as to see how you're doing after you take their course. Professors are very helpful. Gallatin classes are great, some are alot more challenging than others. The program itself helped me find my interests and hone them (Economics). Although I am transferring out of gallatin, I would recommend it to anyone. NYU itself is amazing, right in the village, lots of parties/bars/clubs/lounges around. Amazing nightlife. Dorms are awesome. There actually IS a campus. Its just not surrounded by a fence. Econ department is amazing overall.

1st Year Male -- Class 2010

Faculty Accessibility: A+, University Resource Use/ spending: B+

Having transferred to NYU from a reputable state school, I think I have a unique perspective on NYU's caliber. In terms of the faculty's teaching quality, it isn't as impressive as say, a Columbia or a Princeton. Many professors here are more for research though I have found some whom were quite student friendly. Being in Stern, the student body is certainly different than other schools. My peers in Stern are practical, competitive, and goal oriented, exactly the type of atmosphere I was looking for. Also, its easy to make friends in Stern and the city is really fun. Although this school will make you work your ass off, its worth it in the end. Everybody I know from Stern or who did CAS econ have all landed very impressive jobs on Wall Street. I honestly dont know anyone who aggressively pursued an investment banking position who didn't end up landing one. The access to finance internships here are plentiful and I'd really suggest one to take advantage of them because the recruitment for finance positions gets really competitive especially at NYU because all the students have legitimate work experience. I have learned so much from my internships and my peers and I feel as though I was far ahead of all of my colleagues, even the Ivy League kids, when I started my full time position. Therefore, I'd say the only other school I'd possibly consider attending is Wharton, but even still, it wouldn't have offered me any more access to job opportunities.

3rd Year Male -- Class 2006

Campus Aesthetics: A+, Collaboration/Competitive: F