<p>I was offered admission at both schools...CUNY Honors College at Hunter, and NYU Stern. As I hope to pursue economics/actuarial science, I feel the name recognition and educational quality of Stern would be superior. However, this option would be more expensive and would require that I commute each day, rather than receiving a free dorm from CUNY. </p>
<p>Any insight? Anyone choose one over the other, and have an opinion on this topic? I know that someone once had a similar thread, but it was from a few years ago and was focused on Baruch Honors College...</p>
<p>I didn't have to make this decision, but just some insight.</p>
<p>How long is the commute? If it's very long, then you might hate going back and forth and might think it's not worth going to or staying on campus a lot. If it's short, the commute might hamper you depending on the type of person you are. I've met people that pretty much only go to campus for class and maybe stay once in a while to meet up with people or go to a club meeting. I know other people that are on campus until midnight most days and don't really mind their commute. there are also events just for commuters and of course the commuter lounge. (im not a commuter so I don't know what the actual events are)</p>
<p>Money is a different matter. I am under the impression that actuarial science has nice job security/paychecks and that it doesn't matter where you go because all you need to do is to pass the exams. You're probably bright enough to pass some exams no matter the college. It depends I guess on how far up you want to go and if Stern is needed to take you up to that level.</p>
<p>Know that you'll be taking econ in CAS. You're still part of stern, but the department is in CAS. The econ department is top notch, so don't be discouraged if some sternies wonder why you're taking econ even though "you are talented/smart enough to already get into stern." it's not a waste to not be taking finance.</p>
<p>remember that name brand of undergrad doesn't mean much after the first job and/or grad school. if you're really going to do actuarial science, then you don't even need stern to get top jobs. so it really depends on if you think the education/other opportunities are worth the money.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for the information...it was both informative and comforting! I understand what you mean about actuarial science...and I am interested in the career for that precise reason--it will be up to me to study for the exams and work my way up in the field. I will be able to study on my own, and wouldn't need to worry about grad school right away to secure a job. As I am studying for the tests, I could take prep classes and still have a steady paycheck as an entry-level actuary...</p>
<p>My commute would be about 1 hr 20 minutes to NYU, and then back again...I worry that I am not outgoing enough to put the effort into meeting people and staying on campus all that much. I was very involved in clubs at my high school, but it is a small, private community. I would hate to fall into the trap of going to class and coming home, just because its so easy to do...it would make for a terrible college experience, especially since I am so looking forward to being part of a broader, more diverse community than I am in now. </p>
<p>But, at the same time, I would feel so proud to be a Stern student--as superficial as that may sound--and I now I would be exposed to a driven student body and faculty that teach graduate students...so theres that to consider too...</p>
<p>ehh I never thought this point in the college process would be the most confusing!</p>
<p>my commute when i was in HS was also 1 1/2 hrs, and i managed fine. i could still get involved in many clubs. but yes,its better not wasting your life on traffic. sometimes,its just not make sense.</p>
<p>im applying (transfer-soph) to CUNY Baruch and Queens for actuarial science.
I thought Hunter doesnt hv act-sci?</p>
<p>from all CUNY campuses, i think Baruch is the best one for business-related majors, though both of them can only provide you classes to pass the first 2 act-sci exams.
I personally will choose uni that can provide me as many classes for as many act-sci exams. cos i know i will be too lazy to study it all by myself.
im applying to drake and purdue too.</p>
<p>Yes, Hunter does not have actuarial science. I was not yet sure of my major-plans when I applied, and would probably now consider Baruch--but, Hunter does have the dormitories, which is def. a plus. Most likely, if I attended Hunter I would major in Math/Eco, and then study specifically for the exams through prep courses or manuals...if I did follow that path after all. I think that I'm a pretty good self-study-er...I didn't take any courses for the SATs or anything, and was able to prep on my own, so that might help...</p>
<p>thanks for the advice =)</p>