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[quote=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.  [/quote]

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