Hey guys! I’m Jay - I’m a junior in NYU’s Stern School of Business (undergrad). I am majoring in finance and recently got an internship offer at a large bank. It’s around the holiday season, so you all can be my obligatory community service. Ask me anything about NYU’s culture, my advice on admissions, or about jobs in finance. Good luck to everybody, and don’t stress so much.
I took a rather unconventional route when applying to Stern–I did not submit SATs or ACTs, but rather 3 AP scores (They were all 5s, and one was in english and the other in math[Calc]). I did this because I was proud of these scores and felt that these would represent me the most in the admissions process. Have you met anyone, in your experience at Stern, who has taken advantage of the flexible testing option? Also, is it easier to get into Stern if an applicant is majoring in something other than finance? Just wondering, I am hopeful to get in but I am prepared for the worst. I put down CAS as my second option (and I love NYU so I would still attend if I got into CAS) so I’m hoping that I will get into NYU regardless of my admittance to Stern. I feel like I am more than qualified for CAS, but maybe not quite for Stern. Thanks for any feedback you have, and if you remember your SAT scores, could you post them too?
Friend was wondering if a 1420 was unheard of at Stern Lol. Thursday’s the big day, so we’ll all find out then!
Out of 1600, that score is pretty in the ballpark. Especially if he/she scored well on subject tests.
broadcity, I am not aware of many who went the flexible testing route. I know that Stern specifically puts a lot of emphasis on standardized test scores, but your AP scores are very good (congratulations) and I can’t comment on how that stacks up without seeing the rest of your app. If you still have time to take the SATIIs, ace them, and send them in late with your app, that definitely won’t hurt. Regarding the major Stern is seen as a feeder to jobs in high finance, so majoring in something unrelated doesn’t help your chances. CAS is a lot more open minded, and has a much higher acceptance rate. Personally, I got a 33 ACT and an 800 Math SAT II and got in ED, PM me if you have specific questions about your app
What would you say that my chances are with a 3.9/36? You said that Stern puts a lot of emphasis on test scores, but is still possible/likely I’d get rejected? Also, how good would you say Stern is for entrepreneurship? I wouldn’t want to focus exclusively on finance.
Teenphilosopher, those are competitive scores to get in here seeing as I got in with a 3.9 WGPA and a 33. Again, I am not an admissions officer and couldn’t tell you anything without looking at your app, but the 36 is great. Acing your subject tests will improve your chances - shoot for above a 720. Regarding entrepreneurship, there are some kids that do it here, but its less common than at other schools like Haas or Ross. IMO a lot of what you’re (over)paying for at Stern is the brand name, the network, and the potential to be recruited at top banks.
Hey, I was wondering how busy your schedule is and if you party/what you do in your free time?
Also how much of a load of work is Stern?
Is it all worth it?
Honestly, the courses are pretty manageable. You get a lot of flexibility choosing classes and can pad your schedule with BS electives (took guitar lessons the last 3 semesters and counting). The intensity of the school comes in junior year internship recruiting - which is, yeah, pretty brutal - since you’re competing with a room of Asian 3.5 GPAs who worked at Goldman Sachs last summer. The party scene is nothing like a state school, but getting hammered at bars/clubs can still be a good time. I’m in a fraternity here, go out on weekends, and train Jiu-Jitsu when I can.
I wouldn’t trade my experiences for the world looking back, but whether it’s worth it comes down to you personally. If you want to be in finance, work your ass off, and make the big bucks, you’ll be in very good company. If you want a traditional college experience, a strong community, and no debt, I’d shoot for a different school.