<p>Hi, I am accepted to NYU and Washu, and am having a tough time choosing between the two. I want to study math/cs and creative writing. Does anyone have any insight about these programs at NYU? Is it possible to get involved in West 10th or Washing Sq News?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>WashU is known for strong science and engineering/ math programs, though their liberal arts education also appears strong. WUSTL seems to have a strong advisement system (at least from attending their school orientation program). NYU has the top notch economics dept. (CAS) and then a lesser known CS program (from what I can gather). In fact, a number of students intending to major in CS were admitted into NYU-Poly Brooklyn instead of NYU CAS. </p>
<p>Creative writing - well, both schools emphasize writing skills in required courses (pretty sure WUSTL mentioned this also and NYU has the Expository or Writing the Essay core requirement). My sense of NYU is the school thrives on nurturing more creative students in the various programs so I am sure there will be great opportunities at NYU for creative writing. WUSTL appears to let the students take the lead and create whatever project the students find meaningful, so again there appear to be opportunities here.</p>
<p>Participating in anything at NYU (and elsewhere) depends on your abilities, motivation, persistence and networking. So if that describes you, you should have the chance to contribute to Wash Sq news or NYU Local. </p>
<p>I am speaking in generalities in terms of academics. Maybe a NYU student majoring in one of your academic interest areas can respond more specifically.</p>
<p>I feel I can comment more strongly on the setting for both. I think NYU CAS is a much better setting in Manhattan (NYU Poly’s Brooklyn setting is not as great). The areas around NYU are very lively and energizing. You are surrounded by neighborhoods that are very attractive to the majority of people wanting to live in NYC. While WUSTL has a very nice campus and the dorms/ food are nice, the immediate and not so immediate surroundings are at times scary, esp. given the high crime stats quoted for St Louis. Also, it is a prime area for tornados and the recent severe weather damage sustained by the St. Louis airport is disturbing (roof ripped open in a central part of the airport). I am thankful I do not have to worry about this for S, even though it was a very cold and harsh winter in NYC this past year.</p>
<p>So, given the comparable academic opportunities for both (my opinion), I think NYU wins with its setting (not just physical but social/ cultural and professional opportunities right in your backdoor.) Unless you are the type of student who plans to just stay on campus and study, capitalize on on-campus activities only, in which case, WUSTL does have a very attractive campus setting and student life.</p>
<p>NYU Courant’s Math program is the #1 applied math program in the country. I know that this is for Graduate (PhD) level, but the Department is awesome. Location wise, I agree with evolving. WUSL is not in the best part in town (but the campus is relatively safe), while NYU is one of the best NYC communities. A friend of my S got involved into the Wash Sq as a Freshman and he is at Stern. The other periodical is NYUlocal.</p>
<p>Hi evolving, how do you know about the washu’s strength in the science and humanities. I know the sciences are strong by reputation. NYU’s math and CS are actually both really good. Better than Washu. But Washu has better engineering, especially BME. I am torn</p>
<p>If you want to do math/cs and creative writing, then NYU is the place to go. If you want to do BME, then go to WUSTL.</p>
<p>Hi, kmartspecial,</p>
<p>Haha, I know WUSTL strengths in the sciences and engineering/ math because I have been informed many in the Asian community have heard of it and have their kids consider it as a top choice (after the IVYs and west coast equivalents). The generally excellent liberal arts/ humanities/ social sciences education at WUSTL was communicated to parents during our visit there. I was very impressed with the number of advisors and early contact with mentors to do whatever creative/ innovative project - written, scientific, etc. the student wants to engage in. There really appeared to be nurturance of the student’s mind and abilities. While some of it was obvious marketing in terms of what was laid out so positively for the visiting parents and applicants, many of the WUSTL students we met seemed genuinely happy with the school. </p>
<p>It is a tough call. NYU does not give you that sense of nurturance by the school. In fact, you have to fend for yourself and the bureaucracy can be daunting and difficult to maneuver if you have any issues that arise. However, those who thrive in a fast-pace city setting will be very happy with the stimulation and outlets in NYC.</p>
<p>Are you more independent or do you prefer to have more “hand-holding” (I gather that was more available at WUSTL)? Regarding WUSTL, these are all my impressions from visiting and from my communications with others.</p>
<p>Both have strengths in the academic areas you are interested in, so you should not go wrong with either academically. I think it comes down to some of the intangibles and personal preferences for you.</p>
<p>Frankly, WUSTL is in Missouri, going there from a place as liberal as Oregon was quite a mistake and I paid dearly for it when I lost all my friends there after coming out as gay. That kind of situation doesn’t apply to everyone, but it’s not a place that will go at all out of its way to be welcoming to people who don’t fit in socially. NYU on the other hand apparently has a very enlightened, liberal atmosphere from what I’ve heard. If I had applied there I probably would have prefered that to Washu. Don’t pay too much attention to the reputation or recruiting materials, it’s not a very pleasant place, especially if you’re a liberal minded person interested in the sciences.</p>
<p>Edit: I should also add that WUSTL draws many international students and people from the midwest which unfortunately can lead to a rather hostile atmosphere for minorities and LGBT people. In my case, the Chinese and Korean students I lived with harbored significant malice towards LGBTs and Black Students, which unfortunately was not challenged by the white midwestern religious types that made up the other bulk of my peers. I’ve also heard that many people don’t have this experience but I couldn’t help but notice there were almost no other openly LGBT folks majoring in sciences or engineering. Make of that what you will :(.</p>
<p>As a current openly gay student at WUSTL majoring in bio/math, I disagree 100% with what he said. While I don’t doubt that he had a bad experience, I feel like that is the exception, rather than the rule. I have found WUSTL very accepting, and quite liberal, and have never seen anyone not accepted for who they are. There’s even about 100 students traveling to a local high school to counter protest the WBC.</p>
<p>Also, I don’t understand why people say WUSTL is not located in a nice area. It’s situated on the border of a large, beautiful public park and a quite wealthy suburb. And the “most dangerous city in America” statistic is only true because the city limits technically only enclose one of the worst parts of the metropolis, nowhere near wash u. Do people walking by themselves at night occasionally get robbed? Yes, but that’s the case for almost any semi-urban locale.</p>
<p>Back to OP. No, CS and creative writing aren’t WUSTL’s strongest areas. You will still receive a quality education there, however.</p>
<p>In terms of english, creative writing, and journalism, NYU is one of the top 20 schools in the country; NYU is #20 for english, whereas WUStL is #19; NYU is often ranked as top 10 in creative writing, and as a top 10 for journalism. </p>
<p>Overall, NYU is better in the english and writing area than WUStL. </p>
<p>As far as math goes, NYU is ranked #10 overall for math, (#1 for applied math), while WUStL is ranked #40. </p>
<p>NYU is #28 in CS, whereas WUStL is #39.</p>
<p>In terms of academics, NYU is clearly the superior school. </p>
<p>As far as the acceptingness of WUStL vs. NYU; NYU is the more accepting and diverse school, as it is one of the most liberal schools in the country. </p>
<p>NYU also has a better name recognition than WUStL, especially internationally.</p>