New York University

NYU is not for everyone, but it was the best decision I ever made. The school makes working and going to school plausible, and students tend to really utilize the city. I would not necessarily define students as "friendly," but I would define everyone as interesting and engaging. I could not have been more happy with my choice. However, if you are not a very independent person and/or want a stereotypical college campus, then this campus is not for you. Go to state school.

3rd Year Female -- Class 2009

Education Quality: A+, Collaboration/Competitive: B+

I am a senior in a NYC high school. I have known about NYU even before I came to this country 6 years ago. This means...NYU is popular and is a Brand name school!!! Lets face it, we know that most colleges that cost 50K a year will probably provide the same excellent education (not because they want to, but because they have to spend that money somehow ex. Clubs, superstar professors,etc to attract future applicants). NYU is different in that it carries a name of a city that happens to be the CENTER OF THE WORLD,whether it is fiscal, artistic, medical, etc.

Another intersting aspect about NYU is that it is a University that is "in and of the City". It was designed to take advantage of the City and it certainly does. There is no clear campus--most of undergrad buildings are in "the Village" right next to many landmark sites. If you want the typical college lawn and frat parties NYU is not the place for you. You feel like you are living in the City and just in between, you are going to class.

This Year (2008) NYU has lowered its admission rate from 34% to 24%. with the biggest applicant pool in the country (37,000 applicants and will prob get bigger every year!), NYU selected a smaller class. The admission rate for NYU is projected to lower every year and its rank will go up every year (appearantly there is a correlation between rejections and rank).

NYU is very competative with Columbia U, the "other" NYC University. At any rate, NYU is the place to be if you want to be in the center of everything and actually PARTICIPATE (meaning:no notetaking)in the various activities that run this city.

About the Schools in NYU:

College of Arts and Science the most popular college and its the biggest ( I go here). It is optimal for Undecided people and you can transfer "internally" to other schools.

Stern Business school is supreme in terms of connections on Wall st. and what not. I personally dont understand how one can stare at bar graphs and pie charts for 4 years in Business school...but I guess Stern does it best if that what you want.

Ticht School of the Art: Very popular program. Has the best film school in the country ( this art school holds the most alumni with oscars-- people like Angelina Jolie, Martin Scorsase (the guy who directed "the Departed", Cohen brothers ( directed No country of old men) and others).

Nursing school at NYU: I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY WOULD YOU SPEND 50 K a year to be a nurse. But if that what you want..it is also top tier.

Hope this is helpful and hope my personal opinions didnt sway you too much.
Feel free to Email me about any Questions and I will respond promptly.

1st Year Male -- Class 2012

Education Quality: A+, Campus Aesthetics: C+

The level of difficulty definitely depends on your major. Pre-med, neural science will kick your ass whereas English or Philosophy are more relaxed (fantastic professors I hear....).

2nd Year Female -- Class 2011

Innovation: A, Collaboration/Competitive: D+