NYU

[Anonymous]

I went to NYU a long time ago as a graduate student -- so take this with a cupful of salt. With NYU, I think that instead of choosing the school as a whole, prospective students should choose based on the specific program or school that they're interested in. It's also a great option for students who want to be in NYC -- particularly if they have interests that the city will support such as theater arts or finance. It's a huge, private school, so students ideally should be prepared to be pretty independent with things like making friends, handling academic demands, and handling the demands of a large city that's diverse in every sense.

I loved it -- but I was in a very small graduate program, I had tuition remission, and I loved living in NYC. NYU was not -- and would not have been -- my pick for undergrad.

[Anonymous]

NYU parent here. Drop off and parents weekend is actually very organized and easier for a 50 yr old than the drop off at the top 5 our older DC attends. It’s all very exciting with flash dancers in Washington Square, tons of upper class-man helping and general family fun built into the event. There were helpers everywhere and constant school spirit performances. Opportunities to meets deans and the president were also provided. If you do not find it exciting and refreshing you have a problem. The acts are literally broadway level and some of the performers can be seen/heard in movies/music videos/plays. The school spirit is palpable. Spirit weeks continues for Freshman and there are a ton of ice breaking activities.

Most of the freshman dorms are located on Washington Square. It’s an awesome neighborhood which has everything you want and is close by to other safe and exciting parts of the city. The village/soho area is one of, if not the most, expensive desirable part of the city. There always something to do ...

As far as the Professors they have been experienced and excellent. Regardless of what school DCs friends attend they seem to be happy and love the school. DC often brings home 3-4 kids for weekends since it’s easy and cheap to travel to DC from NY. We have found the kids to be interesting and smart. Our DC has some friends that receive significant aid and other groups of friends that live extravagantly. The kids from more modest backgrounds tend to have part time jobs and as a result spending money.

DC and her friends are involved in a host of clubs and activities. They also have internship that often turn into jobs. As a group, they seem to be progressing well and happy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NYU parent here. Drop off and parents weekend is actually very organized and easier for a 50 yr old than the drop off at the top 5 our older DC attends. It’s all very exciting with flash dancers in Washington Square, tons of upper class-man helping and general family fun built into the event. There were helpers everywhere and constant school spirit performances. Opportunities to meets deans and the president were also provided. If you do not find it exciting and refreshing you have a problem. The acts are literally broadway level and some of the performers can be seen/heard in movies/music videos/plays. The school spirit is palpable. Spirit weeks continues for Freshman and there are a ton of ice breaking activities.

Most of the freshman dorms are located on Washington Square. It’s an awesome neighborhood which has everything you want and is close by to other safe and exciting parts of the city. The village/soho area is one of, if not the most, expensive desirable part of the city. There always something to do ...

As far as the Professors they have been experienced and excellent. Regardless of what school DCs friends attend they seem to be happy and love the school. DC often brings home 3-4 kids for weekends since it’s easy and cheap to travel to DC from NY. We have found the kids to be interesting and smart. Our DC has some friends that receive significant aid and other groups of friends that live extravagantly. The kids from more modest backgrounds tend to have part time jobs and as a result spending money.

DC and her friends are involved in a host of clubs and activities. They also have internship that often turn into jobs. As a group, they seem to be progressing well and happy.

Roughly what are your DD's non-school expenses? I am trying to compare NY to a rural or suburban college location where the kids are not spending as much extra for things like shows, restaurants, subway, etc.

[Anonymous]

I give my kid at NYU a lump sum for the semester that comes to about $100 a week (covers books and supplies, personal expenses, off campus food, entertainment, subway pass). She also works about 10 hours a week, which allows her some extra for clothing, shoes, makeup. It does go fast, but she’s never asked for extra.

[Anonymous]

I went to NYU and graduated in 2001. I liked my experience for the most part, but many of the other negative aspects mentioned (bureaucracy, very little school spirit, lots of rich kids, experience very driven by program you are in) are absolutely true.

I came from a middle class background and had some well-to-do friends growing up, but NYU was really on another planet - not just children of doctors/lawyers/bankers etc but I'm talking about the international wealthy, the type that flew home on private jets for the weekend for a wedding, would spend thousands of $ at a club a night, or had palatial apartments nearby campus etc. (Then again I think most top schools in the USA nowadays have wealth at this level...?) It was all very eye opening for me and my crew of "normal" middle class kids.

I had memorized my social security number within a few days of arriving on campus as no one in the administration could figure out who I was without it. Financial aide was so-so: I definitely graduated with debt but fortunately was able to get an additional scholarship my last 2 years as my grades were very good. The school is surely more expensive now so I would not take the financial considerations lightly.

My school was the College of Arts & Science (CAS) and I majored in history & economics. Many required classes (some of which I placed out of from AP scores etc) were held in massive auditoriums with weekly "recitations" taught by TAs. Those courses were a bit of a mixed bag although I found the professors to be accessible.

However things got much, much better for me in my last 2 years. I got through all the required classes, could start focusing on the classes I was really interested in (which were all small), and spent 2 semesters abroad. Most of my friends from NYU that I'm still in touch with today came through this program. NYU has a VERY extensive study abroad program with options all over the world if that's your thing.

During school I had 4 different internships at various stages. The options are virtually endless if you want to dabble in different industries and see what fits. And it helps to be able to make some extra $ on the side so you can try to enjoy the city too....

To the other poster asking about the "Core" program - when I was there I believe it was known as the General Studies Program (GSP) - but more sarcastically was also called the "Genius Scholar Program" or even worse "Generally Stupid People". Many of those students couldn't get in to the divisions of their choice through the main applicant pool and since they almost all pay full freight, it is simply a revenue generating program for the school. I'm not saying this to be snarky, and this may no longer be the case, but the program was slightly looked down upon. That said the students all manage to get into the program of their choice after those 2 years as long as they have a 3.0 I believe.

Overall I'd send my kid there but I may need to save a bit more $$!! However living in NYC was a phenomenal experience (pre 9/11 was a great time to be there) and being able to study overseas really propelled my life in a different direction that has formed a key part of my career now.

I've been out almost 20 years and I think the school went through a "hot" phase over the past decade(?), so the calibre of student and teaching is surely even higher now.

If your kid is driven, knows what they want, and will enjoy urban living (it's not for everyone - if they want to be pumping a keg on the weekend at frat parties after the big game) I think NYU is a great albeit expensive option.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I went to NYU and graduated in 2001. I liked my experience for the most part, but many of the other negative aspects mentioned (bureaucracy, very little school spirit, lots of rich kids, experience very driven by program you are in) are absolutely true.

I came from a middle class background and had some well-to-do friends growing up, but NYU was really on another planet - not just children of doctors/lawyers/bankers etc but I'm talking about the international wealthy, the type that flew home on private jets for the weekend for a wedding, would spend thousands of $ at a club a night, or had palatial apartments nearby campus etc. (Then again I think most top schools in the USA nowadays have wealth at this level...?) It was all very eye opening for me and my crew of "normal" middle class kids.

I had memorized my social security number within a few days of arriving on campus as no one in the administration could figure out who I was without it. Financial aide was so-so: I definitely graduated with debt but fortunately was able to get an additional scholarship my last 2 years as my grades were very good. The school is surely more expensive now so I would not take the financial considerations lightly.

My school was the College of Arts & Science (CAS) and I majored in history & economics. Many required classes (some of which I placed out of from AP scores etc) were held in massive auditoriums with weekly "recitations" taught by TAs. Those courses were a bit of a mixed bag although I found the professors to be accessible.


However things got much, much better for me in my last 2 years. I got through all the required classes, could start focusing on the classes I was really interested in (which were all small), and spent 2 semesters abroad. Most of my friends from NYU that I'm still in touch with today came through this program. NYU has a VERY extensive study abroad program with options all over the world if that's your thing.

During school I had 4 different internships at various stages. The options are virtually endless if you want to dabble in different industries and see what fits. And it helps to be able to make some extra $ on the side so you can try to enjoy the city too....

To the other poster asking about the "Core" program - when I was there I believe it was known as the General Studies Program (GSP) - but more sarcastically was also called the "Genius Scholar Program" or even worse "Generally Stupid People". Many of those students couldn't get in to the divisions of their choice through the main applicant pool and since they almost all pay full freight, it is simply a revenue generating program for the school. I'm not saying this to be snarky, and this may no longer be the case, but the program was slightly looked down upon. That said the students all manage to get into the program of their choice after those 2 years as long as they have a 3.0 I believe.

Overall I'd send my kid there but I may need to save a bit more $$!! However living in NYC was a phenomenal experience (pre 9/11 was a great time to be there) and being able to study overseas really propelled my life in a different direction that has formed a key part of my career now.

I've been out almost 20 years and I think the school went through a "hot" phase over the past decade(?), so the calibre of student and teaching is surely even higher now.

If your kid is driven, knows what they want, and will enjoy urban living (it's not for everyone - if they want to be pumping a keg on the weekend at frat parties after the big game) I think NYU is a great albeit expensive option.

You do realize this is from 19 years ago!!! NY was totally different and so was NYU. (Just like DC without the NAts, the waterfront, national Harbor, Penn Quarter, ... should I go on). The students were different (way more selective) and its more diverse. Do not pick your kids college based on an experience that happened before they were born!!! Any parent with a kid at their alma mater will tell you it’s changed in 19 years just like your kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I went to NYU and graduated in 2001. I liked my experience for the most part, but many of the other negative aspects mentioned (bureaucracy, very little school spirit, lots of rich kids, experience very driven by program you are in) are absolutely true.

I came from a middle class background and had some well-to-do friends growing up, but NYU was really on another planet - not just children of doctors/lawyers/bankers etc but I'm talking about the international wealthy, the type that flew home on private jets for the weekend for a wedding, would spend thousands of $ at a club a night, or had palatial apartments nearby campus etc. (Then again I think most top schools in the USA nowadays have wealth at this level...?) It was all very eye opening for me and my crew of "normal" middle class kids.

I had memorized my social security number within a few days of arriving on campus as no one in the administration could figure out who I was without it. Financial aide was so-so: I definitely graduated with debt but fortunately was able to get an additional scholarship my last 2 years as my grades were very good. The school is surely more expensive now so I would not take the financial considerations lightly.

My school was the College of Arts & Science (CAS) and I majored in history & economics. Many required classes (some of which I placed out of from AP scores etc) were held in massive auditoriums with weekly "recitations" taught by TAs. Those courses were a bit of a mixed bag although I found the professors to be accessible.


However things got much, much better for me in my last 2 years. I got through all the required classes, could start focusing on the classes I was really interested in (which were all small), and spent 2 semesters abroad. Most of my friends from NYU that I'm still in touch with today came through this program. NYU has a VERY extensive study abroad program with options all over the world if that's your thing.

During school I had 4 different internships at various stages. The options are virtually endless if you want to dabble in different industries and see what fits. And it helps to be able to make some extra $ on the side so you can try to enjoy the city too....

To the other poster asking about the "Core" program - when I was there I believe it was known as the General Studies Program (GSP) - but more sarcastically was also called the "Genius Scholar Program" or even worse "Generally Stupid People". Many of those students couldn't get in to the divisions of their choice through the main applicant pool and since they almost all pay full freight, it is simply a revenue generating program for the school. I'm not saying this to be snarky, and this may no longer be the case, but the program was slightly looked down upon. That said the students all manage to get into the program of their choice after those 2 years as long as they have a 3.0 I believe.

Overall I'd send my kid there but I may need to save a bit more $$!! However living in NYC was a phenomenal experience (pre 9/11 was a great time to be there) and being able to study overseas really propelled my life in a different direction that has formed a key part of my career now.

I've been out almost 20 years and I think the school went through a "hot" phase over the past decade(?), so the calibre of student and teaching is surely even higher now.

If your kid is driven, knows what they want, and will enjoy urban living (it's not for everyone - if they want to be pumping a keg on the weekend at frat parties after the big game) I think NYU is a great albeit expensive option.

You do realize this is from 19 years ago!!! NY was totally different and so was NYU. (Just like DC without the NAts, the waterfront, national Harbor, Penn Quarter, ... should I go on). The students were different (way more selective) and its more diverse. Do not pick your kids college based on an experience that happened before they were born!!! Any parent with a kid at their alma mater will tell you it’s changed in 19 years just like your kid.

I graduated in 2019 and this closely mirrors my experience.

[Anonymous]

No. Too expensive. No campus experience. Then there is the push to have internships (unpaid $$$) during the summer or other classes which means more $$. The parents I know who have done it have seriously regretted the decision.

[Anonymous]

I'd never send my daughters to undergrad in NYC even if it were free. Especially one without sports and traditional on-campus entertainment. NYU kids all go clubbing and bounce around the city mingling with random people. At least boys in frats or whatever have been vetted by admissions - who's vetting the random creeps your gullible teen daughter meets around NYC? Nobody! In December there was just a random homicide of that Columbia gal uptown in Harlem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Honestly nothing about NYU appeals to me. OK maybe if you got into Tisch I can see the appeal — it would be hard to turn that down — but otherwise? Eh. Insanely expensive with crappy financial aid, lack of coherent college community and culture, too many trust fund/elite kids, I have heard bad things about the administration/overwhelming bureaucracy, easy to get lost/isolated, no campus...

Just my opinion, obviously, and clearly many others feel differently. But digress. For a NYC college I would much rather go to Barnard or Columbia.

Agree. Way too expensive for what you get unless you get into Tisch, it's not worth it.

[Anonymous]

So many parents on this site claim to dislike NYU but it has more applicants than any other private school and way more than the much loved UVA, UMD, PITT etc. and it’s clear all the parents claiming no campus have not been to the school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So many parents on this site claim to dislike NYU but it has more applicants than any other private school and way more than the much loved UVA, UMD, PITT etc. and it’s clear all the parents claiming no campus have not been to the school.

NYU is GW in NYC

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So many parents on this site claim to dislike NYU but it has more applicants than any other private school and way more than the much loved UVA, UMD, PITT etc. and it’s clear all the parents claiming no campus have not been to the school.

NYU is GW in NYC

Uhm, no

NYU has a pretty amazing faulty and dc cannot even begin to compare to ny. Philadelphia, Boston, or another populated area many different, but NYC, no. Gw is not a real school. Just a bunch of drunk teens living in condo daddy bought them

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly nothing about NYU appeals to me. OK maybe if you got into Tisch I can see the appeal — it would be hard to turn that down — but otherwise? Eh. Insanely expensive with crappy financial aid, lack of coherent college community and culture, too many trust fund/elite kids, I have heard bad things about the administration/overwhelming bureaucracy, easy to get lost/isolated, no campus...

Just my opinion, obviously, and clearly many others feel differently. But digress. For a NYC college I would much rather go to Barnard or Columbia.

Agree. Way too expensive for what you get unless you get into Tisch, it's not worth it.

Only one of the people I know who studied acting at Tisch is acting today. What an enormous waste of money. That school produced waitresses and yoga instructors.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Interesting thread My DC (currently a sophomore) has their heart set on NYU. Won't have the stats to get into Columbia, and quite possibly not NYU either. We have a good amount of $$ saved, but not enough for four years of full-pay there.

My kid loves NYC more than anything in the world. I have been researching (and gently suggesting DC consider) other NYC options, including Fordham, The New School, and CUNY-Hunter.

I wouldn’t recommend Fordham without a visit first. Don’t let the NYC address fool you. It’s in one of the roughest areas of the Bronx and it can take well over an hour on trains to get into midtown manhattan from there.

Hi dummy. Fordham has a huge campus on the Upper West Side, and most students don't go to the Bronx campus. Which is not all that rough. Fordham Prep is there, and hundreds of wealthy kids from Westchester and Connecticut (with lots of other options_ take Metro North down to what you call "one of the roughest ares of the Bronx."