New York University

The best thing about NYU is academic quality. Every professor I had was at least impressive in their knowledge, most were also quite engaging. However, the advising system was horrible. No one ever asked me what my career goals were! I assumed everyone else was rocketing along in their chosen path, and my advisors generally seemed content to assume the same of me. Success at this school is entirely contingent on your toughness and drive. If you go, definitely research the department before deciding on a major, and use your advisor, and professors. Come to their office hours and make them help you!

4th Year Female -- Class 2001

Social Life: A+, Collaboration/Competitive: D

Like New York, NYU has one major thing going for it, an edge. It builds character. Education? If you persevere and are independent, you can get a good education. However, I also knew of a political science major on her way to law school who graduated with a 3.2 and didn't know who Rosie the Riveter was and who answered, “July 4th?” with a questionable lilt in her voice when asked to state the national day of independence of the United States of America. If you want a truly intellectual environment, you may be better off conversing with some of the locals in Washington Square Park.

If you keep your humour about you, NYU can prove to be an interesting university experience. Just don’t let the pretentiousness of the big city and “the village” scene make you forget that true learning is about much more than sipping lattes in a café while contemplating the designer wear as it swishes by outside.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

Alot of people complain about NYU. I can't say that I am pro-NYU, at least not as far as the institution goes. There is a lot of red tape. If you don't want to be treated like a number, you have to distinguish yourself. Basically, if you're a student at NYU, you're going to need to be a little agressive to get what you want.

The class requirements can be a bit excessive, but if you don't select your classes randomly you can probably find something that interests you. Classes can be huge, but I haven't yet had a professor that wasn't acessible.

Socially - a lot of people think that NYU is incredibly anti-social. I completely disagree. I have made the best friends of my life at NYU. Obviously, if you're sitting in your room you're not going to meet anyone...and what's the chance that you're going to have something (or anything!) in common with the person you randomly sat next to in your 120 person lecture class? If you're unhappy with your social life - go out and meet people. NYU has a club for everything. No matter what you're interested in, you're likely to find it. And, NYU has fraternities and sororities...maybe not everyone's cup-of-tea, but they are there (some with pretty great housing, too.) NYU is not a conventional college, but once you get involved in something you enjoy, you definately get the feeling of community. So, I wouldn't recommend NYU to people who would rather complain about what the University lacks instead of motivating & taking advantage of what the school & city can offer them.

2nd Year Female -- Class 2003

Surrounding City: A+, Individual Value: F