<p>As a SoCal child, I always wanted to go to the East Coast for college (finally experience weather and seasons, live somewhere new, get away from my parents, etc.) I have lots of family in NY and i've been going there during winter and summer breaks forever, and I always though I would end up at NYU. Now I have a problem. I'm picking between NYU and Berkeley, and after visiting NYU, i'm just not sure that I want to go there.
I feel like NYU doesn't pay any attention to students- once you're in, they don't care. Also, the whole "no campus" thing, while something I was always aware of, really bothered me when I visited this week. I come from a really small HS, and while I am looking forward to getting away from that incestuous environment where everyone knows everything about everyone, I feel like NYU students are very detatched from each other, and there is not a sense of community, and it's hard to make friends. I also keep fending off remarks from people (my HS is pretty competitive and snobby) that NYU is not as good as Berk, and I would be crazy to go to NYU. Money isn't a factor, it would end up costing about the same for each.
So... opinions?</p>
<p>what are you studying?</p>
<p>All the rather silly arguments about prestige mean nothing. You have visited and are sufficiently uncomfortable with NYU to be bothered by it. I think you would be foolish to attend.</p>
<p>U Cal Berkeley is indeed an excellent school and many would consider it better then NYU. Not that NYU is a bad school. You didn't say what your major or potential major would be? That could make a difference. The only negative I have heard recently about the U Cal system is that all the schools have experienced a significant amount of budget cuts because of California's recent financial troubles. But I don't know if that's really true. </p>
<p>The biggest difference does amount to the type of environment each school represents. NYU is the typical Big City university and the students reflect that. </p>
<p>Berkeley is the Big California university and the student's reflect that. Different from UCLA in that, at one time, it had a reputation of being a bit "crazier" but I don't if that's still true.</p>
<p>Scarlet (seems like more of a southern name than a Cali name):</p>
<p>You say that money isn't a factor and both would end up costing the same, but how is this possible when you are an in-state "SoCal child" at Berkeley? </p>
<p>Exactly what type of "snobby" high school do you go to where a state school like Berkeley carries so much weight? Snobby and state school is like an oxymoron. If you look at last year's matriculation for Webb (CA's most prestigious prep. school), NYU had 3 and Berkeley had 0.</p>
<p>People at the best So. CA private high schools attempt to avoid the UC's, they like USC and Pepperdine, and if they do end up going UC, its usually UCLA or UCSD, not Berkeley (firmly regarded as a school in decline). </p>
<p>If you think NYU doesn't pay attention to students (which isn't true), you're in for a RUDE awakening at Berkeley. For more info on NYU vs. Berkeley, consult this recent thread:</p>
<p>I'm pretty undecided, def. something in the humanities. Probably history or English.</p>
<p>And Berkeley isn't considered the "top" at my school... many ppl are only into Ivies and wouldn't want a state school.. I'm just saying that Cal is considered better by many than NYU</p>
<p>Also, NYU gave me probably the most generous finaid package they give, whereas Berkeley gave me no grant and all loans (even though my EFC was defintely under the cost of in-state tuition + room and board)</p>
<p>Did you visit Berkeley? It's easy to get lost in any large university and there's no guarantee it's going to be a warmer and friendlier environment. I would still probably give Berkeley the academic "edge" although both schools have great reputations and very good history/english/humanities departments. You do want to be at a school where you'll be comfortable enough to succeed. If NYU and the students seemed too cold then perhaps you'll feel more comfortable at Berkeley.</p>
<p>Good luck with your decision.</p>
<p>My D was trying to decide on the same schools. Due to the fact there was no aid at Berkeley for an out-of-stater and a generous package at NYU, the choice was highly motivated around money. Berkeley is ranked higher in her area of interest, Computer Science, but NYU is highly respected as well. She would have liked the more relaxed life style and campus of Berkeley, not to mention the weather, but feels the career/internship opportunities are well worth the lack of a traditional campus. Plus there will never be a lack of something to do or something to see. Once you do the pro's and con's on the areas of interest to you, it is great to have the decision made. The in between period is agonizing. Good luck. Either school is a good choice.</p>
<p>I have also heard that the budget cuts for the California public schools has seriously affected many areas, but it is hard to tell if it will affect an area that is of importance to you.</p>
<p>Clearly you are not a deadhead, jwblue. Or you would understand the OP's screen name ;)</p>
<p>I think I understand your sceen name as well kid.</p>
<p>Didn't william hung go there? Thats reason enough to go....</p>
<p>i LOVE scarlet begonias</p>
<p>I just got into NYU for musical theater...I'm choosing between that and another place called Boston Conservatory. Any opinions?</p>
<p>Friends Daughter (top MT student in HS) was rejected early decision from NYU MT.
She applied to Boston Conserv. , went on the tour, (this is an excellent school). During the tour it was stressed how close they were to NY (3 1/2 hours) and theater. It sent her a message.
She is now taking a gap year in NYC, getting an agent, private lessons the whole gamut and going on auditions (she is semi-pro and already performs in MT on long island)
My opinion, NYC is the only place to be for this major and NYU is tough to get into. If you want to work on Broadway someday, you have to live in NY - either during school or after.</p>