So I recently got accepted into both these universities and have no idea which I should attend. I’m an international student so visiting to get a feel of the universities isn’t really an option. What I liked about CMC is that it has some unique facilities (athenaeum, etc.) and that its in California (I visited and loved the state) but what I loved about NYU is the major I was accepted in (sustainable urban developments). Also, at NYU I will be able to get a bachelor of science whereas I would probably get a bachelor of arts at CMC.
What I’m mostly looking for in a university is a good reputation, quality of education, but still time to have fun, people to have fun with, and lots of events to go to and fun things to do. I really want to enjoy the next 4 years while still maintaining a balance.
Also, I got accepted into Pitzer college, Northeastern’s honors program, Boston University, University of Toronto, and University of Waterloo.
What is your major at CMC? Being a liberal arts college, it will have very good professor-student relationships so you may be better supported academically there than at NYU. In addition, CMC is part of the Claremont consortium so it will still have the resources of a “large research institution”. I’m not sure about the level of intellectual engagement at NYU, because I’ve heard that the students there do not take school very seriously, but NYU does have a lot of connections in the professional world.
If you do go to NYU, you will have to work hard to motivate yourself. Whereas at CMC I feel that the general student and faculty population serves also as part of the motivating factor. In addition, social life at the Claremont colleges is known to be very good; everybody can find their niche and a group of friends there. However, NYU does not have much of a campus so I’ve heard making friends and deep connections there is harder. The Claremont colleges also offer a lot of fun events to do around the LA area, but of course NYU being NYU will hook you up with great experiences in the city.