Should I try to transfer from NYU Stern to Rice?

Transfer Students
1

Hey peeps, I’m currently at nyu stern and first off, there’s great things about stern and nyu as a whole. Teachers know theirn stuff, facilities are pretty nice and most people are very approachable. I’m actually missing most of my professors, which I didn’t expect :). But that speaks volumes about their quality.

But the main things that make me want to transfer is the lack of community - everyone scatters since the city is the “campus.” I didn’t think a community or lack of campus would affect me, but it really is - depresses me a bit to be honest.

Theres nothing that brings the entire school together, so people hang out in their little cliques and it can become lonely very easily. Keeping in touch with people is a whole nother maze. I go to club meetings frequently and see people I want to be friends with, but it isnt uncommon for me to not see them again for weeks or even a month or 2. I’m sure the lack of campus and the hectic environment of NY has something to do with this.

Stern is only worth it if you want to go into Finance (banking especially), and having done alot of research on what the work entails, the lifestyle, I know for sure Finance isnt for me.

Important stats:
College GPA - 3.7 (3.68 to be exact)
Staff Writer for Journal for Politics and International Events
Swing dance society
America Reads Tutor, 10 hours a week
NYU Politics Society - helped draft papers for a criminal justice reform symposium

HS GPA - 3.95/4
SAT - 2250
Varsity XC/Track in HS, 400hrs of volunteering, Student government
was an editor for multiple school journals

Why I want to transfer to Rice?

Their tiny undergraduate body is really appealing to me, and even more than that, the college is known for devoting its resources specifically toward undergraduates, so people there in generally are very happy about their college experience. Pretty much the opposite of NYU. They also have a kinesiology degree, which is great since I’d like to work in the fitness industry after college.

I’m also a Los Angeles guy, so I’m sure I’d fit in with Texas’s more laid-back/relaxed vibe than the hectic environment New york has :slight_smile:

2

I’m also a freshman right now, if that makes my chances any better (or worse)

3

I think you have reasonable reasons to transfer to Rice. In your essay try to put emphasis on the academic reasons and not the community stuff. I’m sure you know this but don’t diss Stern/NYU at all just talk about the positives of Rice.

Your college GPA might be sort of on the lowest side and might be the only thing you are holding you back. But, as long as you get solid LoR and write a compelling essay I’m sure you’ll be a competitive applicant.

4

If you are looking for sense of community I would suggest pledging a frat (business or social) or joining a club sports team you are interested. Everyone in their first semester at NYU and most other schools feel that way. You just have to ease into by joining the clubs/sports/frats you are passionate about and you will make plenty of friends

Another thing to is go abroad - you will easily make plenty of friends that way since everyone just wants to have fun abroad