Please Read: Am I Just Wasting My Time (And NYU's?)

Colleges & Universities A-Z New York University
1

<p>This is a VERY long post, but worth the read. By reading this, you will be performing a good deed :)</p>

<p>NYU has been my dream school since I first learned about it in about 9th grade (lame, I know) but I always figured I had absolutely no shot given my past and my current situation. I've applied to a few state schools (UF, FSU, UCF, USF) and thought, hey, why not expand my horizons?</p>

<p>As I was looking for schools in New York I came across NYU and started looking at the website and the Fact Sheet and Common Data Set, etc. and saw how hard they were pulling the "diversity matters" card, which completely reeled me in since diversity is the most crucial thing I have to offer.</p>

<p>I've been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder since I was 12 years old, I've been hospitalized in two mental asylums (once when I was 11 and one when I was 12-13, the latter being for four months which has permeated the most in my mind) and to sum it up, I suffered a long, ongoing battle with my disorder and depression for 5 years (up until now). In 7th grade I was withdrewn from school in February and then hospitalized in the asylum in March. Ever since then, I could never complete a full year of school for fear of being hospitalized again. 9th grade I went for the first semester, didn't take it seriously (C's, D's F's) and stopped going to school in January. I didn't do anything for the remaining 4 months but stay home and eat, sleep, and talk to strangers on the internet all day (which led to developing Dissociative Identity Disorder) and became reclusive. Same exact thing happened in 10th grade but I went to school until February.</p>

<p>11th grade I was not allowed to attend my high school again due to not being able complete a full year, they told me I would have to enter as a freshman again since I had basically no academic credits. So, I enrolled into an alternative learning center targeted toward drop-outs to help them earn their GED (I never dropped out) and the entire curriculum is internet-based, meaning you read the material, and what is instilled in your mind is what you have learned...there are no teachers to instruct you. Well, that was going good. But, since the school had no transportation I had to rely on the city bus to commute. In September I had met an elderly man on the bus whom I thought was friendly, but turned out to be a pedophile. Every time I would get on the bus he would move around the bus to sit closer to me, always try to talk to me, etc. One day we got off the bus to connect to a different one and as I was sitting on the bench he sat next to me and put his hand in my lap and started to rub up against me. I stopped riding the bus after that. He then came into my job and stalked me. Which led to me not going to school anymore because I was scared to death of the bus and my mom is a single parent who worked 12 hour shifts on weekdays so I had no car, no license and no transportation.</p>

<p>Needless to say, I didn't attend school for the rest of the year. I had eaten myself to death (I was 240 pounds at 16) and became more depressed than I had ever been. Well, senior year rolled around and I had an epiphany. I moved in with my grandparents so that I had transportation and re-enrolled myself into school. I began with 9 academic credits as sophomore with a 2.4 GPA in August. It's now January and I have 20 academic credits, am classified as a senior, have a 4.0 for the school year, and will be transferring back to my regular high school in February to graduate in June. Since the curriculum at my alternative school is all computer-based with no teachers, I had to finish all of my requirements in a set subject in order to move on to the next (i.e. I had to begin with World History, then finish American History, then finish Economics in order to begin subjects in English) I have only had the opportunity to study English and Social Studies, whereas I will study Math and Science once I go back to school for semester two. So, Naturally, with only knowledge of Algebra I in which I studied freshman year and got a D in, I wasn't prepared for the SAT as well as I should have and got very poor scores.</p>

<p>Since last year, I have lost 100 pounds, become valedictorian of my school, maintained a 4.0 GPA for this year, and had perfect attendance in school, all on my own self-discipline, and am no longer oppressed by Bipolar Disorder.</p>

<p>My Current Statistics:</p>

<p>Ethnicity: African-American</p>

<p>Gender: Female</p>

<p>Socioeconomic Background: Single Parent Income (around 25k), Neither parents graduated from high school, Might be considered First-Generation? (My brother attempted to attend college, but got caught up in drugs and was kicked out after his first year)</p>

<p>GPA: 3.525 (UW) 3.65 (W)</p>

<p>Rank: 1/320</p>

<p>SAT: 580 CR/440 M/500 W/8 Essay (1020/1600, 1520/2400) - I will be re-taking the SAT on the 26th and aiming for above 600's in each section.</p>

<p>EC's: Volunteered at local homeless shelter and soup kitchen. Was an instructor at a local science museum targeted toward teaching elementary school children the basic concepts of science.</p>

<p>Intended Major: Pre-Medicine with a focus in psychology (I want to become a psychiatrist)</p>

<p>So, are my chances completely shot? Should I even bother paying the 65$ application fee just to get flat-out rejected? Any feedback is greatly, and desperately, appreciated.</p>

<p>Thank you!</p>

2

<p>first let me commend you for overcoming your obstacles.</p>

<p>In all honesty, I’m not sure NYU is right for you at this moment in your life. I would not want to see you get accepted and then be freaked out by the BIG college and BIG city and potentially BIG classes.</p>

<p>Have you considered applying to a local school for your first year or two and then trying to transfer to NYU as a sophmore or Junior. </p>

<p>As someone who has struggled with ‘issues’ over the years (I’m 46 yo) I say this with your best interests in mind.</p>

<p>Keep your positive momentum going in an environment where are currently thriving. In the long run (and believe me - you have your Entire life ahead of you), you may be in a better position to be both accepted and to thrive at NYU</p>

<p>Have you ever been to NYC or NYU??</p>

3

<p>I think you are in a unique position, and considering the circumstances, I would give applying a shot as long as you can afford it and realize that there is a chance you might be rejected for your SAT’s. Your greatest strength right now is that you have shown that you can overcome your obstacles and hopefully the adcom can see your great potential as a student. Write a great essay about your story, and really pour your heart into it (without sounding cheezy).</p>

<p>Your URM and first gen. status can only help you, and I feel that you have a great shot if you are able to get above 600’s on each section of the SAT. Also, don’t forget that NYU requires two SAT II scores, but they might overlook not having this as you have not been able to take a “typical schedule” due to your circumstances. Give it a shot and see what happens!</p>

<p>Also, this may be off topic but, you could also try looking into Case Western in Cleveland. They are pretty highly ranked, and is a few minutes train ride into the city. I have quite a few friends who go there, and they have an amazing medical program (it’s what they’re known for). Case offers much more financial aid than NYU does and also is FREE to apply, and no SAT II’s are required. Just a thought…</p>

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<p>Look..I had problems when I was in high school…nothing like yours but I didn’t take it seriously either and coming out of high school, I couldn’t have gotten into a highly ranked school…I went to community college instead, took challenging courses and got a 4.0 over almost 2 years and recently got accepted as a transfer into NYU CAS and Columbia… So maybe you should consider a similar route…as sue suggested.</p>

<p>Obviously you don’t have to start at Community College but certainly a less selective and strenous school would ease you into the college lifestyle and you can continue to demonstrate your obvious intellect and motivation. If you put in one or two years at a less competitive school and pull off a very high GPA (3.7.-4.0), your SAT scores will matter much less, especially considering your very moving story and the fact that your an African-American female…being a minority and female will help you tremendously in getting admitted to some top schools… </p>

<p>IF you really want to aim high and apply to some selective schools, your best chance to get accepted would be as a transfer a year or two from now. (Unless you get over 2200 when you retake the SAT, then just apply now to any school you want,lol) …Good Luck.</p>

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<p>Sueinphilly - Thank you. The big city and big school thing doesn’t freak me out one bit, it’s actually what I want. It might seem strange given my situation I would be expected to want to attend a smaller school in a small town, but it’s the complete opposite. I think a larger school is what I need to keep me from being reclusive, and since I missed out on my entire high school experience I want to soak in as much as I can at college and I think that’s what’s killing me…the fact that I’ve been working so hard to get my life back together and really succeed at these things but now that it’s time to apply to the colleges I’ve always dreamed of going to…I’m scared I’ll just get flat out rejected. </p>

<p>I understand that colleges these days are all about numbers - which turns me off about NYU - but some colleges like NYU are still taking the holistic approach to admissions - which makes it my top choice.</p>

<p>I’ve not yet been to NYC, but I believe it’s exactly what I need to keep me focused and keep me going. As cliche as it may sound, I believe I belong in NYC and at NYU…not for the “cool” factor that most teens these days associate with the city but there’s a deeper meaning that lies there…almost like I’m meant to live there and go to school at NYU.</p>

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<p>scorp_ion - You’ve been so helpful to me thus far, and I would like to thank you for it, it is greatly appreciated. I’m very gifted in writing and I know that I could woo the admissions committee with my essay, I just don’t want to sound too desperate because I think it would work against me. I know that once I take the SAT’s again I will earn a much higher score, but I practically have no chance of taking the SAT II’s since the next testing date isn’t until March 1st…which will be completely too late to be considered for admission.</p>

<p>I’ve been looking into Case Western actually, but looking at their stats, would I even stand a chance? I’m not sure if they take the ‘holistic’ approach in admissions, but they sure don’t come off that way. I will definitely apply since it’s free. I think it would be wonderful if CC compiled a list of schools that don’t require application fees :)</p>

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<p>Track87 - Thank you for your advice. I have considered your recommendation of applying to less selective schools and the whole process is killing me. Lately I’ve been looking at OOS schools with considerably low selectivity (70% and above) and it just sucks that I have to resort to applying to schools with average GPA’s of 2.5 because I am afraid of being rejected by more selective colleges. I know that my potential transcends beyond just test scores and I know that I would be a valuable asset to school’s such as NYU…I just wish there were a way to let them know that.</p>

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<p>melissa_:</p>

<p>Since you like the idea of attending NYU so much, I suggest you give the application process a shot. But a few caveats:</p>

<p>1) You like the idea of attending NYU. So do plenty of other people. A lot of them come to NYU as freshmen and then discover that the idea of attending NYU is a lot more attractive than the reality of attending NYU. If you get in, you absolutely must visit the school and speak with current students before deciding to attend. As a NYU grad, I’m being dead serious when I say this - NYU is NOT for everyone.</p>

<p>2) Given your psychiatric history and NYU’s history of undergrad suicides, NYU may be reluctant to admit you. Many students struggle with being uprooted from their support systems and plunked into the big city. NYU may view you as a big risk for another splashy TV headline and decide that you’re not worth the potential public relations headache. </p>

<p>3) Get your SAT scores as high as possible. NYU likes numbers, and higher SAT scores will make you more attractive to the adcom.</p>

<p>Good luck. :)</p>

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<p>shades_children: I never thought about #2 before…even though I have never been suicidal nor thought about committing suicide ever in my life, but I can definitely see where you are coming from. I just really hope they don’t view it this way.</p>

<p>I’m still currently waiting for the Office of Admissions to respond to my email about the SAT II’s…I’ll probably end up calling them tomorrow.</p>

<p>Thanks everyone!</p>

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<p>I still think that you should apply because you will regret it for the rest of your life if you don’t. Just explain in the addition info about the stuff you wrote here. Good luck.</p>

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<p>You’re absolutely right, vector. Thank you</p>

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<p>I think you have a real shot at admission, I think its so incredibly impressive that you went on to become your valedictorian and I’m sure that NYU will think so as well. Personally, I think you’re much more impressive than a privileged kid whose biggest struggle has been dealing with their private tutor to manage a 2300. I wouldn’t set your hopes unrealistically high on admission, but I wouldn’t count it out either.</p>

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<p>Even with my terrible SAT scores?</p>

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<p>i definitely agree with all of these people on here. you have a great shot; just as good as anyone else who applies to NYU. the admissions officers don’t just make a list of applicants from highest scores to the lowest, then cut off the people who are too low to the bottom. they take careful care in reading the application thoroughly. you never know what will happen. you would definitely add to the diversity aspect of NYU and who wouldn’t be impressed by all the obstacles you’ve overcome? i say: APPLY!!
nobody has a better chance than anybody unless their parents buy NYU a library or something. you have a really unique story, and when you write your essay/personal statements, just write what you know, and write about what you feel passion for. good luck! i sincerely hope you get in.</p>

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<p>Thank you so much dcnnut123. Everyone here is so positive, I love it. I really hope I am admitted to NYU just so I can be honored to call you all my schoolmates :)</p>

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<p>You might definitely have a shot with GSP, but honestly I don’t think NYU would be the proper place for you. There’s no sense of community, and I think thats something you’d definitely want after all you have been through. Remember, the dream is never close to reality.</p>

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<p>Thank you for your advice. Time will only tell whether or not it is the right place for me :)</p>

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<p>wow. i haven’t even gone thru all that stuff and your GPA is much higher than mine, haha. </p>

<p>who knows. NYU is a private school and NYU is particularly known for being unpredictable. </p>

<p>the thing is, you’ve got a very strong story and now ur valedictorian… and that’s really impressive for sure. </p>

<p>i would say to fill out the application as best as u can, and do u have strong writing skills? cause write a brilliant essay taht shows u who are, and write good short answers. cause the thign is, uc a n’t go back to change ur grades and all, b ut u can maek a difference with ur application. gluck! =).</p>

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<p>I’ve always been pretty gifted in writing…I just always have a hard time condensing a 1,500 word essay into 500 words haha. I totally agree with not being able to change my grades but making a huge dent with my essay and everyone has given me so much hope to go ahead and apply, I’m just scared since I haven’t taken any SAT Subject Tests which are required to even be considered for admission.</p>

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<p>Melissa, your lack of SAT II scores may not be as bad depending on the school. Like some people wrote, admissions might cut you some slack. You’ve gone through a lot and they may understand that considering the circumstances. Give it a try and see because you’ve come far and it does seem that you have a good shot. It would be great to see you part of the 2012 class!</p>