<p>Pace may retain 78 percent of freshman but only 57 percent graduate in 8 years. Those aren’t good numbers at all. However, we know a few kids at Pace. One is very happy. One is doing OK. Two just started. It’s on the list of many of our daughter’s friends… not on hers though.</p>
<p>A big factor is New York itself. I suspect a good chunk of the student body enroll to “be in New York” as opposed to “be at Pace” (at least this is why the kids we know there are there.) Unlike NYU, Pace is an easy school to get into academically. Weaker academic pools generally mean more drop outs. Couple that with kids who may not be prepared for the big city life and if doesn’t surprise me the low graduation rate.</p>
<p>I interned in New York and I loved the experience but I tell you, 1 year was just about right for “me.” I need more space, more privacy, natural places where it’s safe to be alone, better weather. This was not something I really understood about myself until I’d spent some time there. </p>
<p>Obviously, there are kids who go there and thrive! It’s just up to you guys to figure out if PACE has what your child wants and needs. If it’s a good fit… go for it. If it’s NEW YORK they want and Pace is a means to an end, I’d be very hesitant.</p>
<p>My D has felt the same way about NYC, no matter how much she loves it. She wanted city access, and was willing to be in the middle of Boston, Twin Cities, Pittsburgh - but not Manhattan. She concentrated her research on schools around the periphery, which includes some terrific programs. She isn’t thrilled with being in a suburban environment so much, but the train to Penn Station 4 blocks from campus makes it all worth it. </p>
<p>This summer she interned in Manhattan and lived in Queens. She says she still would rather not live in Manhattan. It is not just a city - it is an extreme city. Very, very exciting, but a place it can be very hard to live 24/7. If you are good with that - it’s great. But you absolutely have to be good with that. </p>
<p>As an aside, my D1 felt uncomfortable living in any city. She didn’t want to be out in the country, or even a small town (no matter how cute!). She was perfectly happy going to school just outside of one. Fortunately there are lots and lots of choices in that category.</p>
<p>Oh, and currently theatre D is in London studying abroad. She is perfectly happy there (she says the Tube is so small! ). Again, Manhattan is just different, and I think it’s terribly important that kids visit schools there before deciding.</p>
<p>My son is in NYC, and he is very happy. He has friends at other schools in the city and they are kids who love being in the city. He is honestly where he should be, it is not for everyone, and he told me the other day, that except for Central Park and Broadway, everything he needs is in a 6 block radius from his dorm. That did make me laugh!</p>
). Again, Manhattan is just different, and I think it’s terribly important that kids visit schools there before deciding.</p>