Junior Sternie answering questions

Colleges and Universities A-Z New York University
1

<p>I'm a rising junior that has some time to kill currently. Feel free to ask me whatever questions you want (even chance me stuff) and I'll try to give you my best (and honest) answer. </p>

<p>I used to frequent this website a lot when I was in high school. Although I knew that 90% of my time on CC was a waste, this site was really entertaining and helped alleviate some stress. Plus I enjoy helping out people. </p>

<p>My credentials for doing this type of thing are.....nothing stellar. I'm in no way connected to NYU's admissions board or student center. I'm just a guy that has had a pretty exciting and unique time at NYU so far. I've managed to make great friends, join various clubs and maintain a high GPA. It's not an easy balance but somehow I manage :P. </p>

<p>I've done this in the past for two other websites and I just want to put out a few disclaimers:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Although I will chance you, I can't really know what you chances are. All I will be doing is comparing you to mine and my friends statistics. My judgment essentially means nothing but if your stats look better than mine or my friends, you will probably get into that school.</p></li>
<li><p>Don't ask me about housing/scholarship stuff. I don't know what the deadlines are for new students but I am sure you can look it up online. </p></li>
<li><p>Take everything I say with a grain of salt. I may hate "X" place/class/teacher but that doesn't necessarily mean you will. NYU is a very diverse place, it can't cater to everyone's tastes.</p></li>
</ol>

2

<ol>
<li><p>Could you tell us your own statistics?</p></li>
<li><p>Why did you pick NYU stern?</p></li>
<li><p>As a current applicant to NYU stern, i’d like to know more about the classes, fellowships/internships, and overall feel of Stern</p></li>
<li><p>As joke-ish as this may sound, its not. How is the alcohol/drug/party culture at nyu. of course you might not want to answer this, so i won’t be offended if you dont.</p></li>
<li><p>What’s the worst thing about NYU?</p></li>
<li><p>Tips about being at nyu?</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Thanks a lot, i fell in LOVE with the campus and the buildings when i visited last week, so i really appreciate you answering</p>

3

<ol>
<li><p>3.95ish GPA and low 2300 SAT (2360 superscored) </p></li>
<li><p>I originally wanted to do law so I applied to NYU CAS as (as a safety school) but I ended up getting tons of financial aid so I ultimately just chose NYU. Then I transferred into Stern because I wanted to pursue business. </p></li>
<li><p>NYU has a center called Wasserman Center which is amazing for helping with resumes, holding career fairs and giving you general tips. In addition to this, they also have an online website where employers put up internship offers. Also Stern has on-campus recruitment junior year. During this time, a bunch of popular financial institutions come to Stern and hold presentations/networking meet&greets just for Sternies. These institutions essentially tell students to apply to them and boast about how good they are. Ultimately, internships come down to the student and how active you are in seeking them out. I can’t say much about fellowships. </p></li>
<li><p>I’m in a fraternity so I’ve really been exposed to it. Honestly, it’s easy to avoid and easy to find (especially since you are in the city). It all depends on what types of social events you want to take part in. NYU also holds a bunch of fun events that are in no way related to drugs/alcohol and other events (like the Welcome Week ball) where they expect students to be drunk when they come.</p></li>
<li><p>It’s hard to make friends after freshman year (maybe even 1st semester) because everyone finds their own clique and then sticks with it because NYU doesnt have huge regular events that bring together the school (like a sports game). However it does get better when you hit 21. </p></li>
<li><p>Put yourself out there. It is so easy for people to get shy and just stay inside because the freshman dorms are especially nice. But seriously be active and go to events. Also if you did not know about the Stern curve, look it up later. Pretty much , only a certain percentage of kids are allowed to get A’s in a class to maintain the integrity of the grades. (We’re all smart and we’re all going to get good grades, so they need a way to really differentiate the super high achievers from the high achievers.) However this makes Stern very competitive, especially freshman and sophmore year. Just be friendly with others and help them if they need it. Those kids will remember your help and down the line, they will probably help you out. </p></li>
</ol>

<p>Let me know if you have more questions.</p>

4

<p>In your experience, how prevalent is the Stern stereotype?</p>

5

<p>Hey man, I’m going to be a freshman at Stern so I just have a few basic questions.</p>

<p>Which fraternity are you in? How are social frats versus business frats? And how do you get into Stern Honors?</p>

6

<p>Thanks for doing this man. What exactly is welcome week like? are there a lot of parties and stuff too? </p>

<p>Also, you said you were in a frat. Are the frats at NYU the same type of frats you would expect to find at more “traditional” colleges?</p>

7

<p>Also, the straight male to female ratio is crazy, so hooking up is relatively easier right?</p>

8

<p>@Bsumone93: I’m not sure which stern stereotype you are referring to because there are a bunch of them. The vary from “Oh everyone in Stern is asian” to “All sternies are nerds/smart” but you can sort of see the common theme. I’d have to say yes for a couple of reasons: </p>

<ol>
<li><p>I’m in Stern’s honors club (3.5+ GPA needed) and everyone is asian. In fact, we make fun of the few non-asian people in the club (all in good humor of course). </p></li>
<li><p>My friends joke around saying they look at how difficult a class is going to be by look at the class’ percentage of asians. They call it the asian curve. </p></li>
</ol>

<p>@NYUSternie2016: I’m in Delta Phi. I honestly could go on about how much I love my fraternity but you’ll find that boring. In short, we’re the longest continually active fraternity in the world and have strong alumni connections especially in the finance sector. Feel free to ask me about NYU Greek Life, I’ll try to stay as impartial as possible. </p>

<p>In regards to social vs. business fraternities, they are two very different animals. In fact, the club I mentioned above is a business “fraternity” and yes, you can be in one of each. Both have a long list of merits but I’ll try to highlight key points:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Social fraternities are a lot more tightly knit than Business ones if you join a smaller social fraternity. </p></li>
<li><p>Business Fraternities are a lot more professional so you may need to censor yourself a few times. After all, a lot of your peers in Stern will probably end up becoming your colleagues if you go to Wall St. However, I go to parties with my business fraternity friends and they know how to party too. </p></li>
<li><p>Stern Honors is a program you do your senior year. Unlike other schools, everyone in Stern would be considered honors material if they had applied to a different NYU school. Stern Honors instead means you want to work on research and do graduate work your senior year. I’m considering the program myself but I know tons of bright kids who have turned it down. </p></li>
</ol>

<p>@Singher39: Welcome Week is an incredibly fun time, especially for freshman. It’s filled with tons of NYU events during the day/early night and then tons of partying (if you want) during the night. I’ve known friends who have partied every single night and others who have taken the time to get a headstart on coursework. For upperclassmen, it is just a relaxing time period where you have the NYU atmosphere without the college work. </p>

<p>Also NYU Greek Life (especially the fraternities) is very different compared to traditional colleges. Each fraternity has their own way of doing parties because most fraternities do not have their own houses. The ones that do, hold tons of house parties and the ones that don’t tend to rent out clubs or go out to a nature reserve. Also since most fraternities don’t have houses, they tend to be more cliqu-ish because its very easy to only party with the guys you like in your fraternity and ignore the others. </p>

<p>Finally, hooking up is unbelievably easy. Just be confident and chat up girls. Trust me, they want to have a fun time as much as guys do. My only tip is DO NOT HOOK UP WITH A GIRL WHO LIVES ON YOUR FLOOR…especially during welcome week. </p>

<p>Let me know if you have more questions.</p>

9

<p>Do you know anything about the frat aplha kappa psi?</p>

<p>Also, how do you get onto Dean’s list?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

10

<p>Hey, I’m currently a high school senior applying to NYU Stern. You see unlike your awesome gpa mine is only like a 3.46 UW and about a 3.59 W but my SAT’s are quite well with a 2280. Also I’ve have great international volunteering experience and want to major in international business. In addition, i have an extremely great upwards trends with all A+'s junior year, even in AP’s so what would you say h chances are ?</p>

11

<p>Hi, I just transferred to stern and would love to join one of the business frat, I heard that there are only 3 frats at stern(but I am not sure), can you breifly introduce them to us? I mean even it is “business frats”, each of them should still has its own personality. Thank you very much!</p>

12

<p>@iwannaSUCCEED/appletoapple: I figured it would be easier to just knock both of your questions out at the same time. Before I begin, I am in the business fraternity Beta Alpha Psi so I will probably be unintentionally biased towards them. </p>

<ol>
<li><p>Beta Alpha Psi: We are the largest of the three by a big margin and require the highest GPA out of the three (3.5+). We recruit during both the fall and spring semester but I highly recommend pledging during the spring because the overall experience is much more intimate with a small class. We have a bunch of leadership opportunities and alumni connections but I think everyone has those.</p></li>
<li><p>Delta Sigma Psi (I think, we call them by their nickname DSP): They are the second biggest and don’t require a set GPA I believe. However they let you pledge solely based on whether they like you and can kick you out if they stop liking you. Also their pledging process is a lot more tougher because they want really dedicated members (quality > quantity). However they are a really cool group of kids and are really nice. </p></li>
<li><p>Alpha Kappa Psi (A-K-psi is their nickname): They are the smallest and I honestly do not know much about them. I have met the occasional member here and there but I think they are much more prevalent at other schools. I’m not sure what their recruitment policies are so I recommend waiting till the Business Fraternity rush week to learn more about them. </p></li>
</ol>

<ul>
<li>The business fraternities hold a rush week after the social fraternities and is a great way to get a feel for each of them. I highly recommend you guys making time to visit each of the fraternities. </li>
</ul>

<p>@Jennii: I actually think you have a strong shot and I hope that doesn’t jinx it. From your username, I’m guessing you are a female and Stern puts a lot of emphasis on SAT scores over GPA. Obviously a strong SAT score can’t save a 3.0…aka revive the dead but in your case, it’d be more like curing the sick (definitely possible but not guaranteed). Also if you are not Asian, that will really help your chances. I’m not sure how your desire to do international business will help your chances but obviously saying that won’t hurt them. Good luck on your application! </p>

<p>Let me know if you have more questions.</p>

13

<p>Can you talk about the core for Sternies and maybe talk about your concentration?</p>

14

<p>also, is it easier to get into Stern if you pick your intended major as actuarial science or information systems?</p>

<p>thanks for everything</p>

15

<p>@Sidwasnothere: I’m guessing when you say core, you mean our core classes? Honestly this is one of my favorite parts about Stern. Since we have a lot of core classes, actually majoring (or I guess you guys call it getting into a concentration) only requires 4 additional classes in that major/concentration. </p>

<p>This makes double majoring at Stern extremely easy if you are doing two Stern majors. It can get a bit trickier if you try to pursue your second major outside of Stern because those typically require 7-10 classes depending. </p>

<p>In addition to the Stern core classes, there are also a set of core NYU classes. These classes are meant to give Sternies some liberal arts background and give NYU a more integrated feeling (students in all colleges except LSP have to take these NYU core classes). </p>

<p>NYU Core Classes</p>

<p>Writing the Essay: Your basic essay writing class that is curved so that only 2-3 kids (out of 15 or so) get A’s. It is one of the least popular classes at NYU (especially because of the subjective grading) and students bond over their mutual hatred of it. </p>

<p>Text and Ideas: It’s your basic English/literature class. You’ll read different works (i.e. classics or famous plays) and talk about the big ideas. People, especially in Stern, hate this class because it involves a lot of “useless” reading and subjective grading. </p>

<p>Cultures and Context: This is your history class, and people hate it because you have to read a lot. Generally NYU advisors will not let you take both Text/Ideas and Cultures/Context in the same semester. </p>

<p>Natural Science (or something like that): It’s a class that studies the history of physics and you’ll have a lab recitation where you perform some of the experiments. Sternies only need to take the level 1 but other schools requires level 2. </p>

<p>Quantitative Reasoning: This is a pre-calc class but almost everyone at Stern places out of it. Instead, Sternies take either Calc I or Calc II their first freshman semester. Even if you place out of calc, advisors will push you into Calc II so that you can relearn/rmemeber the calc basics for other stern classes. </p>

<p>Stern Core Classes </p>

<p>There are two types of Stern core classes. One type is “Social Impact” and Sternies hate these types of classes because grading is very subjective. It boils down to the teacher liking you and your style. The other type is “Business core” and these are your bread and butter business classes (Stats, Account, etc). </p>

<p>Social Impact Classes:</p>

<p>Business and It’s Public (BIP): This is a business focused writing class. A lot of the times Writing the Essay and BIP will contradict each other. It’s annoying and the curve is just as annoying as Writing the Essay. This is a required class for all Stern freshman. You will also delve a little bit into business ethics. </p>

<p>Organizational Communications (OrComm): This is a business focused presenting class. If you have strong english skills and can confidently talk in front of your peers, it is an easy A. The class also focuses on memo writing but that’s easy to learn, especially if you go to your teacher’s office hours. Subjective grading is HUGE here because the grade also factors in how much the teacher thinks you’ve improved. This is also a requirement class for sophmores but you’ll have a few juniors there too. </p>

<p>International Studies Program (ISP): The actual class is very annoying (as proclaimed by a lot of older kids) because you need to do a lot of essay writing. Most asian sternies hate writing essays in english (because their first language isn’t english). However the huge upside is that you get a free plane ride to one of three foreign countries to learn about a certain business there firsthand during spring vacation. </p>

<p>Business Law: This is a heavy writing class as well and you learn about the importance of certain financial regulations. I don’t have too much experience with this class. </p>

<p>Business Core:</p>

<p>Microeconomics: Econ 101 (Requirement for Freshman)</p>

<p>Principles of Financial Accounting: Accounting 101 (Taken during Freshman or Sophmore year) </p>

<p>Foundations of Financial Markets: Finance 101 (Taken during Freshman or Sophmore year)</p>

<p>Marketing: Marketing 101 (When you take it depends on whether you are majoring in Marketing or not)</p>

<p>Statistics and Regression Forecasting: 6 credit Stats 101 class, it can be broken into two parts if you want to take Regression Forecasting (2 credits) later on but most people just do them together. (Freshman/Sophmore class)</p>

<p>Economics of Global Business: Macroeconomics + International Economics + History/Politics and is considered a tough class by a lot of Sternies. (Sophmore/Junior class) </p>

<p>Infomation Technology: You learn about the history of IT and how conceptually a lot of IT programs work. It also introduces you to Excel and Query systems like Oracle. Depending on your teacher, it is either incredibly easy and you may get screwed by the Stern curve or it is really tough and the curve may help. (Sophmore/Junior/Senior class) </p>

<p>Operations and Management: Management 101, Stern does not have a Management major unfortunately so no one ever takes this class seriously. (Sophmore/Junior/Senior class)</p>

<p>MOA or something: Honestly I forgot what the letters stood for but it’s another class no one takes seriously and is very subjective. Pretty much you pretend to be an executive officer of a firm and you pitch ideas for your company (i.e. Dell/ Kraft) and give presentations on the company. </p>

<p>MY CONCENTRATIONS/MAJORS:</p>

<p>I’ll be double majoring in finance (everyone in Stern does because we’re the 2nd best school for it) and either Marketing, Accounting or Economics. Honestly most people go with Finance/Accounting because that is perceived by students as what recruiters want. Accounting is just so boring, I’m not sure if I could handle another semester of it. </p>

<p>As I mentioned previously, finance is the “popular” major. Almost everyone does it just because Stern is so well-known for it. Students who hate/are bad at math still take it because it is just such a huge part of Stern culture. Most students want to get an investment banking job (which is Finance heavy) after graduation and recruiters will raise their eyebrows if you didn’t take advantage of Stern’s finance department. </p>

<p>@iwannaSUCCEED: I honestly don’t think it matters. Unless you have ECs connected to AS or IS, I think the admissions board will be skeptical. Stern is very stats-oriented, if you have the grades/SAT score to get in and horrible ECs/no hooks, I think you’ll have a good shot at getting in. </p>

<p>Let me know if you have more questions. Also for all the non-Sternies, I’m more than willing to answer general NYU questions as well.</p>

16

<p>I got a state award in FBlA for information systems would that help a little?</p>

17

<p>Thanks a lot for all these answers, i’m getting very tempted to apply ED.</p>

<p>You mention many sternies hate the nyu core classes, does that go for the other school’s too? What I mean by that is do the kids in the other schools at NYU also hate these core classes?</p>

<p>At the info sesh, I remember the student who was giving us a tour saying that nyu gives you opportunities to spend a semester or two abroad. Can you give an explanation of how this works and who is allowed to go abroad? </p>

<p>Also, about freshman housing, which freshman dorms are the best? if there is such a thing as best</p>

18

<p>I just finished my freshman year at Stern, and I’ll help add on to some of Surish’s answers. Regarding the NYU Core Classes, pretty much everyone dislikes them. They’re just you’re run of the mill general education courses that usually have little to do with your academic interests. The benefits of a well-rounded liberal arts education though do exist, so I guess they help. Still, definitely not something to get excited about.
For Sternies in particular:
Quantitative Reasoning means that you just have to take a math class. Calc 1 or higher, or else you can’t take some of the business classes since its a pre-req. AP credit won’t get you out of the requirement, but can place you into a higher level. Usually, you still have to take a placement test anyway. However, in my case, I spoke to an advisor since I had taken Calc 3 online in high school, and he allowed me to just go into Linear Algebra with no placement exam.
Cultures & Contexts can actually be substituted with a Global Cultures class. I highly recommend this. Global Cultures classes only meet twice a week (C&C has 3 sections). There is a lot less work involved too. Just read a story before every class, 1 midterm, 1 final, 2 essays that are graded pretty easily (this isn’t an writing class, so more focus on content than grammar/style/etc.). Supposedly participation and discussion based, but I still got an A- just by doing all the assignments and showing up to class, I think I talked maybe 3 times the entire semester while spending the entire time on my laptop.
Natural Science requirement can be avoided with AP science test score of at least 4.
CAS students also have foreign language requirements that Sternies don’t have to worry about.</p>

<p>Housing:
I’d rank freshman housinng as such, from best to worst:
Goddard, Hayden, U-Hall, Third North, Founders, Weinstein, Rubin
I put a lot emphasis on location (being close to campus), so if you don’t care, then move Goddard and Hayden to the middle of the list. Goddard is a topic of debate. Major positives are that it’s the closest to your classes, nicest rooms, and gives you the opportunity to go to events/places for free or at heavily-subsidized costs. Downsides are that you are required to go to a certain number of hall-sponsored events (which can be annoying on your schedule), community service requirement, no dining hall in the building, empty lounge, and lack of parties.</p>

19

<p>And for studying abroad, you just apply the semester before you want to go abroad. NYU has an extraordinary amount of options, although keep in mind that only certain sites have certain classes so there is that restriction. For example, London is the only place with science courses, I think. It is an application though, so you’ll have to write some stuff and make sure to keep your GPA decent.</p>

20

<p>@iwannaSUCCEED: What does FBlA stand for? Honestly, it does not seem like a huge well known award so I don’t think it will really sway admissions. But if you can build it up and really explain why the award is important and indicative of your interest in IT systems, then go for it. If you have the stats (higher than the +50% mark) then just be genuine about what you want to do. </p>

<p>If you don’t have the stats, I suggest you try to fake interest in marketing. Over these last two years, Stern has tried hard to bolster that department. </p>

<p>@Sidwasnothere: I know it’s tempting to apply ED because Stern does have a high ED acceptance rate. But if you have the stats to normally get in, I suggest you don’t. Applying ED to any school is essentially you saying to them “I’ll forgo some financial aid if that means I’ll get in”. If you’d normally have a good chance of getting in, then you’re just paying more for no reason. </p>

<p>With regard to core classes, most don’t find them interesting. Rather they are just a necessary evil. I however enjoyed my Writing the Essay class and Cultures and Context: India class because I felt like I was learning a lot. </p>

<p>Housing is pretty even among all the dorms. Each one caters to different tastes but the general trade off is distance vs. “new”/facilities. The closer the dorm, the older it is usually with less facilities. I spent my freshman year at Third North and the walk was not bad (10-15 mins) but the actual dorm was amazing. The dorm was well-furbished (it had been renovated the year prior) and had a kitchen/fancy common area. Also the dining hall was downstairs, which was perfect during midterms/finals. Also it’s close to union square and a bunch of cool clubs/social spots in the city. I highly recommend Third North. My sophmore dorm was University Hall (which has been renovated and turned into a freshman dorm) and is also amazing. It’s about the same distance from campus as Third North and was equally endowed with perks such as a dining hall, piano room,etc. </p>

<p>Generalgao93 covered study abroad sufficiently. You apply the semester before you want to go abroad and you’ll get accepted as long as you have a good GPA. The abroad dorms vary from palce to place but generally each one comes with maid service and most partner universities offer some of their classes in English. (The Stern classes will always be in English though.) In Stern, most kids usually go abroad their sophmore fall or spring because junior year is devoted to recruitment and senior year is usually spent just partying with your close friends as you wait for graduation.</p>