Hi!
Hope you all had a good decision day! As a current freshman at the College of Arts and Sciences, I was feeling what you were not too long ago and I remember wishing I had someone to direct my questions at. So fire away! I’ll probably come back to this sometime tonight and answer everything that is here.
I just declared my double major in Comparative Literature and Journalism here at NYU. I totally thought I was going to be a pre-med Neural Science major when I came into the school, so I know a LOT about pre-med and NS (I took all the pre-med classes I could my first semester, so if you have any questions about that I can probably help). NYU’s core program really helped me understand what I’m passionate about and made me make the switch.
Most people here at NYU hate one of our Core required classes called Writing the Essay (WTE), but I had a fantastic teacher and he really helped me realize where my true passions are, hence the drastic change.
Also, I am a CAS Presidential Scholar, which is a group that consists of some of the top 5% of admitted students at CAS. It is a FANTASTIC program that you cannot apply for (during your first year, at least), but you are automatically considered by the committee for it. Last year they sent out the first round of admission letters on April 3rd, so keep your eyes peeled. In this program you get one on one mentoring opportunities, lectures with well-known scholars, AND a free trip to Florence your first year (which was killeeeerrrr).
As all CAS Scholars are within the top 5%, most of us have received hefty merit scholarships in an attempt to sway us from attending another school. (I secretly believe that’s also the purpose of the CAS Scholars Program’s awesomeness, to bring us over to the dark side that is NYU). I received a 27K scholarship, and am also comfortable answering any of your questions about financial aid or merit scholarships here.
I currently live at the wonderful and newly renovated Hayden Hall, and while I may be biased, I’ve been to most of the other dorms and would love to answer any questions you guys have about those.
Ask away! 
MODERATOR’S NOTE: Anyone is free to ask or answer questions in this thread.
Hi! That’s awesome that you’re studying literature, cause that’s exactly what I want to do (: I was accepted into the Liberal Studies Core Program, so after my first 2 years in the core program I’ll most likely transfer into CAS and major in English Literature. Do you know anything about the core program in liberal studies? The websites states that the cirriculum focuses on writing, literature, art history, philosophy, etc. I’m super excited since those are all the things I’m passionate about, but do you have any friends that did the core program or are in it? How do they like it?
Also, I’m in the whole housing application process right now, so I’m kind of stressing with deciding what dorm I want to live in! I’ve watched a ton of videos/tours and read a bunch of these college confidential threads on the freshman dorms at NYU and I’ve narrowed it down to Hayden and Rubin. Most people’s advice is to choose something that has what’s important to you, and what’s important to me is mainly location (no more than a 5-10 min walk to class), and social life. I know every hall has their own unique social life, but I like what I’ve heard about Hayden being really social and loud, lol. Do you like living there? Rubin also appeals to me because of its location (I’d die to live on 5th avenue haha) but the no air conditioning kind of freaks me out. Do you know anyone that lives there? I know the no AC is only a problem for a couple of weeks but I just want to know how bad it actually is. And I adore the look and feel of Rubin, the lobby is totally my style! I know Hayden is more modern now after the renovations, so that’s why I’m really stuck between the two. I’ll most likely put Hayden as my first choice, and Rubin as my second. Which one do you think is better though? Location wise and social life wise?
Do ED applicants still get first pick? I know it was that way for a long time, but I read somewhere that it changed
Wow this is so incredibly long, I apologize! Thank you for your help
just copied and pasted from my last thread, –
I want to go to NYU CAS for philosophy, but I know it’s a highly acclaimed program, thus I feel like it would hurt my chances of acceptance. So how hard and how early can I change my major from, say, economics to philosophy. And is this even a legit concern or should I just apply for Philosophy to begin with?
If it helps, I’m currently a Junior with an unweighted 3.8, weighted 4.3, sat of 2010, plus extracurriculars of 3 years debate, 2 year interact board member, and 2 year ASB (student council), 1 year of yearbook, and 1 of Journalism.
^^ never mind i realized you don’t declare until the end of sophomore year, so new questions – how many core classes is typical for freshmen year?
I also have question on housing ;; I asked another current student on a separate forum before lmao but I’m gonna ask again
I’m looking for a place with a nice location (I wouldn’t mind a short walk, but would rather have a place close to reasonable restaurants, subway stations, etc) and one that isn’t too loud. I heard that Hayden is known for its social scene, which would be nice with making friends, but I really want to do well academically and don’t know if that would be detrimental to my studies. I’m also a bit concerned with the pricing at some of these dorms and want to find a place that isn’t too small and neglected but at the same time isn’t outrageously priced. Where do you think I should go?
ALSO is it hard to maintain a good GPA in freshman year? I want to aim for a 3.9 GPA but don’t know how hard the courses will be
Hello,
I was also recently admitted to NYU with a CAS scholarship, but I’ve been extremely worried lately because one of my high school 2nd semester grades (in Calculus AB AP) might turn out to be a C (or even worse, a D…). All of my other grades are A’s and B’s right now, and I got into NYU with a 3.5 GPA and 2300 SAT. Do you think I need to worry about getting my admission rescinded, or my scholarship taken away?
Sorry, and thank you!
@samphernelia Hi! Awesome that you’re into literature. With LS, I’m not an expert as it is its own school, but from what I’ve heard it is kind of like a ‘great books’ type curriculum where you learn classic things and build some core knowledge and then choose your major from there, very interesting (I’ve heard). I think if you are into what you said you will love it, as NYU has wonderful staff members in the Humanities depts.
For @sungjong @samphernelia and anyone else who is wondering about housing. I live in Hayden, which is the best dorm (in my slightly biased opinion. Hayden is SUPER close to campus. It is literally in the center of everything and I am never more than five minutes away from a class (which is helpful when you’re forgetful like me). It doesn’t have THAT intense of a booming party scene since it is really new and shiny and the RAs care a tiny bit more, but honestly no one cool parties in their dorms anyways. Rubin is nice and close also, but it is more low cost housing and has no AC in the summer which I’ve heard is killer. Weinstein and Goddard are okay. Goddard is cool because it has a strong community vibe through the Res College program. Weinstein is a cinder block prison that is excusable only because of it’s great food court. The other halls are great too, but farther away, so I would not recommend.
I would also recommend looking up the exploration floors. I’m currently on the French floor at Hayden and LOVE it. It is so fun and has a very nice vibe (being on an exploration floor also makes it much easier to get into popular halls like Hayden).
If you’re stuck between Hayden and another hall I’d put Hayden first as many people don’t get into it due to its popularity.
@preenvirolawyer Our philosophy program is GREAT! One of my friends is currently in it and she loves it. And in regards to core classes, um, I think it depends on the person honestly. I would recommend that you take Writing the Essay (WTE) your first semester as a lot of courses require that you’ve taken it, and you just need to get it out of the way. Also, try and do a Nat Sci 1 or 2 and a Text and Ideas/Cultures and Contexts your first year just so you have a few out of the way. With the sciences you can sometimes use an AP credit.
Honestly there is no ‘set’ path for the Cores. You do have to take a Freshman seminar (you’ll sign up sometime soon or over the summer) and that’s fun, but also a requirement.
@sungjong I don’t think that Hayden’s ‘scene’ is in any way something that would be detrimental to your studies. It is situated right in the middle of everything, so there is lots of food and activity if you want it, but nothing is forced on you.
I think that either Hayden, Goddard, Weinstein or Rubin would be your best bet. They are all close to campus and relatively nice (Weinstein looks like a prison inside, but it has lots of food). Rubin will probably be the cheapest, since it is low-cost housing friendly. Hayden has a LOT more triples since the renovation, so it is a bit cheaper than it was before. I think my triple was somewhere around 5K a semester.
Don’t go for any of the halls that aren’t around the park, the luxury they provide isn’t worth the walk.
And I think it is relatively easy to maintain a good GPA, it depends on your intended major. I took science courses last semester which I ended up disliking so I did worse than I normally do and got a few A-s, but if you’re in a subject you’re passionate about and put in the work it is possible.
@kara2016 Hi! I was in a very similar position. Last year when admitted I ended up with a C in AP Calc ( I normally have all As with the VERY occasional B) and no one gave a single crap. I kept my scholarship and heard nothing from the school.
NYU generally doesn’t care unless it is a significant, across the board-type change. Don’t stress and enjoy your senior year! (probably don’t get a D though, that might not be okay)
Thank you!! Also, I didn’t apply for financial aid since my parents said that I wouldn’t get any even if I did, but I got the Presidential Scholar offer and I was wondering if I could still get a scholarship even if I didn’t apply for aid?
If you don’t mind, I was wondering who your WTE teacher is? I’m not sure if we get to choose which class to sign up for, but I kind of want an idea of what my professors are like before going into the first day of classes.
First of all, thank you so much for your reply! I actually called the office today, and they said the same, thankfully.
I also asked them about the minimum GPA required per year to maintain the scholarship, and they said a 3.5?!
Do you happen to know how difficult it would be to maintain this GPA throughout college? Because I’ve heard that getting a high GPA in college is much harder than it is in high school ;;
Thank you again!
Hi whatever squared - I’m a parent of a student who got accepted and enrolled in CAS. She wants to go in pre med track and eventually take MKAT and go to Med school. How’s NYU CAS reputation when it comes to pre med track? Does CAS prepare student so they succeed in MKAT? Do they offer good research and clinical opportunities? She is also accepted in straight DO program but her heart is set at NYU. Does NYU tuition worth it for Biology major?
How’s Neuro Science major? Is it really tough to maintain good GPA? Really appreciate if you respond to me soon as we are getting ready to pay enrollment deposit.
Sorry for many questions. We will be on the square for orientation tomorrow.
Thanks.
Also how difficult to get into CAS in general? What is their acceptance rate?
Hi can you please respond?
Hi I was wondering how hard it is to get into CAS as an undeclared major?
@sungjong Generally no, not until next year when you reapply for FAFSA. Definitely do the Presidential Scholars thing. It was my favorite part of the year.
I had David Markus, but you generally can’t see WTE prof names until after registration for some reason.
@kara2016 It’s kind of difficult. Depends on your course load and how you do you. Honors requires a 3.65, and that is slightly hard (coming from an honors student) if that helps at all. If you’re pre-med it might be an issue, other classes I feel like it could be doable.
@sandeep101 Hi Sandeep101, I think NYU has a pretty great reputation. We have an excellent science staff, and we have an incredible hospital (NYU Langone) where there are lots of research/volunteering opportunities. NYU has lots of resources for MCAT prep, various clubs, organizations, and advisors. From my short time as a Neural Science student I can say that the major is really difficult because it has a lot of requirements, but the staff for the major is incredible. Everyone I know in that program has a research position during their freshman year.
Honestly, I don’t think 250K debt is worth it for even a school like Harvard. If you guys can afford it, then NYU is wonderful and your daughter will enjoy her time here. Don’t put yourselves (or her) in massive debt for this school though.
And CAS is around a 30% acceptance rate, if I remember correctly.
@caliigirl15 I don’t think it is that much different than any other major. Though, the admit boards generally like it if you seem like you know what you’re doing with your life, so I would put a major down anyways. The major you put down during admissions literally means nothing once you’re a freshman. You don’t declare till you’re a sophomore.