NYU is in a highly populated metropolitan area and as such, it is very diverse. This is true not only in the physical nature of the students, but also in how they think. Therefore, a lot of emphasis is placed on putting problems in many perspectives and thinking about things in new ways, as opposed to traditional memorization. It's also definitely different from the high school experience where there is a set curriculum that a teacher follows. The professors have a lot more leeway than in high school, so their interest shows. With such a diverse student body, there is a huge amount of classes for a student to take, so it definitely encourages me to step outside of what I'm used to and study a new subject. As far as personal attention goes, the faculty always makes time if you need help (they have office hours, but they'll also make appointments with you if you e-mail them) and NYU provides tutoring for most subjects. The departments themselves often offer tutoring hours and if you're confused, most likely other kids are too, so working together is often useful. Also, the large lectures (which for me have been at most around 100 kids) are supplemented with recitations, which usually consist of 20 or so kids to go over the lecture.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
NYU is a unique experience. Since it's not really a college campus and is instead a jumble of assorted buildings around the city, it doesn't attract the same type of people who are attracted to a small-scale rural school. Also, since NYU is a high-standard-academics university, almost all of the kids understand that their education comes first, so if you enjoy intellectual discussions and humour, NYU is the place to go! In terms of things to do you would never be bored. There's always something to do. You can join clubs (there's a club for pretty much anything, or you can make a new one), play sports, take a sports class, see a play, go to the park, visit the shops, ride the subway, go to concerts, dance at clubs, visit museums, etc. Anything you want to do, you can find in the city. NYU offers cheap tickets for plays and sports and movies and the like, which is quite nice. Also, NYU often sponsors free events such as special seminars, concerts, and movies. If you like to read, the NYU library is huge with over 3 million books. Plus, NYU offers these free language courses to help you learn to speak another language (and you can take a bunch per semester).
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Some people label NYU as a playground for rich kids, which is kind of true. However, it's only that expensive because you are paying for some of the best--fantastic education that is well respected in the global community, numerous dining halls with really good quality (Asian, sandwiches, health food, Italian, desserts, homey, etc.), all of the clubs and organizations that make it possible to stand out on your future endeavors, volunteer projects to help the community, sports equipment, etc. You are paying for some of the best professors around, with some of the best research facilities and equipment. The residence halls are, for the most part, air conditioned, private, and spacious (private bathrooms are nice too). It is expensive to live in the city, and even more so to go to NYU, but I think that it should be seen as an investment for your future. NYU is one of the few prestigious colleges in NYC, and a lot of opportunities and money are in NYC. The connections you can make here and NYU's name can get you far in NYC. As I stated previously, you are paying for the diversity to see things in new ways and to experience things you've never experienced. For almost the same price as NYU in NYC, sometimes even less, you can study abroad for a semester in one of NYU's sites abroad. Lastly, NYU has an excellent career center that can hook you up with internships, long-term jobs, short-term jobs, and experience. It's definitely worth it. Plus, the gym membership is pretty awesome. Great gyms.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
The first few days are tough because you don't know anyone, but neither does anyone else. Once you get into your schedule, you'll start picking up friends according to what you like, such as in class, clubs and sports. And if you're introverted, it won't really work here, because with so many students you need to speak up and make yourself stand out. Also, make sure you take full advantage of your resources. NYU has so many resources, and the job market is competitive, so you should try and make yourself more interesting by taking up activities and getting relevant experience under your belt. College grades DO matter, especially when you're an undergraduate and you will probably change your major. When you go into college, maybe you think you're going to major in something simple where grades don't matter, but maybe after a year you'll realize you want to be a doctor and have to apply to medical school. Always remember why you're paying $56,000. If you're going to goof off, go to a cheap school.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Generally, people who are bright, motivated, outgoing, mature, creative, open-minded, independent, and confident will succeed here. If you are bright and motivated you will do well, and if you are outgoing and confident you will form relations with your peers and professors. The mature and independent attitude is necessary because there are a lot of distractions in the city. Creativity and open-mindedness is necessary because of the diversity at NYU. This is definitely not the college for someone who wants the classic college campus experience with frat parties and no other people besides students. It's also good for people who work well with stress.
NYU is in a highly populated metropolitan area and as such, it is very diverse. This is true not only in the physical nature of the students, but also in how they think. Therefore, a lot of emphasis is placed on putting problems in many perspectives and thinking about things in new ways, as opposed to traditional memorization. It's also definitely different from the high school experience where there is a set curriculum that a teacher follows. The professors have a lot more leeway than in high school, so their interest shows. With such a diverse student body, there is a huge amount of classes for a student to take, so it definitely encourages me to step outside of what I'm used to and study a new subject. As far as personal attention goes, the faculty always makes time if you need help (they have office hours, but they'll also make appointments with you if you e-mail them) and NYU provides tutoring for most subjects. The departments themselves often offer tutoring hours and if you're confused, most likely other kids are too, so working together is often useful. Also, the large lectures (which for me have been at most around 100 kids) are supplemented with recitations, which usually consist of 20 or so kids to go over the lecture.
NYU is a unique experience. Since it's not really a college campus and is instead a jumble of assorted buildings around the city, it doesn't attract the same type of people who are attracted to a small-scale rural school. Also, since NYU is a high-standard-academics university, almost all of the kids understand that their education comes first, so if you enjoy intellectual discussions and humour, NYU is the place to go! In terms of things to do you would never be bored. There's always something to do. You can join clubs (there's a club for pretty much anything, or you can make a new one), play sports, take a sports class, see a play, go to the park, visit the shops, ride the subway, go to concerts, dance at clubs, visit museums, etc. Anything you want to do, you can find in the city. NYU offers cheap tickets for plays and sports and movies and the like, which is quite nice. Also, NYU often sponsors free events such as special seminars, concerts, and movies. If you like to read, the NYU library is huge with over 3 million books. Plus, NYU offers these free language courses to help you learn to speak another language (and you can take a bunch per semester).
Some people label NYU as a playground for rich kids, which is kind of true. However, it's only that expensive because you are paying for some of the best--fantastic education that is well respected in the global community, numerous dining halls with really good quality (Asian, sandwiches, health food, Italian, desserts, homey, etc.), all of the clubs and organizations that make it possible to stand out on your future endeavors, volunteer projects to help the community, sports equipment, etc. You are paying for some of the best professors around, with some of the best research facilities and equipment. The residence halls are, for the most part, air conditioned, private, and spacious (private bathrooms are nice too). It is expensive to live in the city, and even more so to go to NYU, but I think that it should be seen as an investment for your future. NYU is one of the few prestigious colleges in NYC, and a lot of opportunities and money are in NYC. The connections you can make here and NYU's name can get you far in NYC. As I stated previously, you are paying for the diversity to see things in new ways and to experience things you've never experienced. For almost the same price as NYU in NYC, sometimes even less, you can study abroad for a semester in one of NYU's sites abroad. Lastly, NYU has an excellent career center that can hook you up with internships, long-term jobs, short-term jobs, and experience. It's definitely worth it. Plus, the gym membership is pretty awesome. Great gyms.
The first few days are tough because you don't know anyone, but neither does anyone else. Once you get into your schedule, you'll start picking up friends according to what you like, such as in class, clubs and sports. And if you're introverted, it won't really work here, because with so many students you need to speak up and make yourself stand out. Also, make sure you take full advantage of your resources. NYU has so many resources, and the job market is competitive, so you should try and make yourself more interesting by taking up activities and getting relevant experience under your belt. College grades DO matter, especially when you're an undergraduate and you will probably change your major. When you go into college, maybe you think you're going to major in something simple where grades don't matter, but maybe after a year you'll realize you want to be a doctor and have to apply to medical school. Always remember why you're paying $56,000. If you're going to goof off, go to a cheap school.
Generally, people who are bright, motivated, outgoing, mature, creative, open-minded, independent, and confident will succeed here. If you are bright and motivated you will do well, and if you are outgoing and confident you will form relations with your peers and professors. The mature and independent attitude is necessary because there are a lot of distractions in the city. Creativity and open-mindedness is necessary because of the diversity at NYU. This is definitely not the college for someone who wants the classic college campus experience with frat parties and no other people besides students. It's also good for people who work well with stress.