<p>Hello, I'll keep this brief. I am currently debating between two schools to pursue my undergraduate degree: NYU College of Arts and Sciences or Lafayette College. One is a huge university in New York City while the other is a quaint liberal arts college in Pennsylvania. Right now, I feel as though I'd prefer to attend Lafayette; New York City just seems too overwhelming for me at the moment. I want a college education where I can have a close relationship with my professors and student body. Both universities have excellent programs in my field of interest (International Affairs/Economics), however I am more attracted to Lafayette's environment.</p>
<p>Here is where my concern arises. I am not sure how Harvard Business, or any top-level school for that matter, would view me going to a LAC. I just have this feeling that they'd view me attending NYU far more impressive and attractive. Am I right in my assumptions? Does it matter where I attend school, or will simply performing outstandingly in my studies suffice?</p>
<p>Performing outstandingly in your studies would not suffice at either school. Building relationships with professors, receiving excellent recommendations, internships, leadership demonstration, and other factors play a large role in admissions as well.</p>
<p>I live very close to Lafayette and know a bit about it. It is a very well-respected school, even if it does not have the glamor of NYU. I went to a small LAC and found the small class sizes and close relationships with professors to be very rewarding. I don’t know which school name would jump out at an admissions rep at Harvard, but there are lots of things you can do to beef up your application and personal statement that go beyond GPA and school name. </p>
<p>If you think you have a better fit with Lafayette, you like the area, the campus/size, etc., then you will likely do very well there. If you go to NYU and don’t adapt or fit in well, you may not reach your full potential. Large universities are not for everyone in the same way that a small LAC is not for everyone.</p>
<p>I appreciate the insight. Nevertheless, wouldn’t NYU inherently offer more internship opportunities due to its location?</p>
<p>Perhaps so. I wouldn’t honestly suggest a small LAC to someone going into business unless they truly hate NY or large campuses. Easton isn’t such a terrible city to find internships in, but NY will likely offer more options at larger companies. Do you think you would adapt well to city life or a large campus? That is the main question to ask yourself, to ensure you succeed at your chosen school. If you think you’d adapt either way, I’d choose NYU. If you really see yourself being more productive and happy at Lafayette, then give it a try. Whichever you choose, you may have the opportunities to transfer to a better-fitting school if you find that it was the wrong decision, or if circumstances change.</p>
<p>Well, I certainly wouldn’t mind going to school in the city or on a large campus, but I don’t like NYU mainly because of the students that go there. It’s ultra-liberal and very elitist. Also, I want to be able to interact with professors in a small classroom setting instead of never talking to them personally in a class of over 200 kids. </p>
<p>I looked up internships that some Lafayette students have done, and a few have gone into New York City and other populated areas around the world over the summer to work for companies.</p>