New York University

Date: Mar 25 2009
Major: History/Histories (art history/etc.) (This Major's Salary over time)
Okay first of all—I am utterly stunned at the negative comments on this website and I encourage anyone and everyone to IGNORE THEM. Even take what I'm saying with a grain of salt. Come here for yourself, don't make judgements based on what we say. NYU is a school that you absolutely must must MUST visit in order to determine if it is "for you" or not—I simply cannot stress that enough. But I'll put in my two cents, just for the hell of it and hopefully I'll urge all of you to give NYU the chance that it deserves!!

ACADEMICS

alright, sure the MAP courses are freaking annoying and fill up your schedule for most of freshmen year, but what university isn't like that?? Very few institutions have an open curriculum, and NYU students suck it up and take the required classes. Besides, the MAPs only lead to the really, really good stuff. I'm a history major and we have one of the best history departments in the country—I'm not kidding. We trump Brown and Cornell in with our history curriculum, its fantastic. Same goes for Tisch and Stern (which in fact IS the #2 business school in the country after UPenn, I'm afraid the poster below me is sadly mistaken). Steinhart also has an amazing art program.

SOCIAL LIFE

Okay, this seems to be the main issue that most people have with NYU. Most people who have problems with the atmosphere at NYU are people who didn't want to come here in the first place or cant handle the city. They long to be coddled by the administration, have large frat parties to go to, and sprawling quads to study on. We can't offer any of those things and we don't pretend to. Yes, the social life revolves around bars, dorm parties, and clubs—and I absolutely love it!!! What could be better then living in downtown NYC as a young person? NO other college undergraduate will have an experience like an NYU student. I have personally made the best friends ever and I continue to expand my social circle. Its not as hard as people make it out to be, you just have to put in the effort. Washington Square feels a lot, a lot like a campus only more lively and full of real people and locals.

All in all, NYU is what it sounds like—a large, research university in the middle of the urban oasis that is new york city, a place so full of opportunity its ridiculous. You want a job? An internship? There are virtually thousands upon thousands around the corner from your dorm.

I'll admit that NYU makes you grow up quickly. It is definitely a reality check—but I personally am grateful to be getting a reality check now vs. 4 years from now when I graduate. If you want to spend 4 years getting shitfaced on some idyllic campus and be sheltered in a little bubble don't even bother setting foot in nyc, I promise you will be absolutely miserable. But everyone else—come visit!!