<p>NYU-Poly
Academics:
Polytechnic University-Brooklyn is a private, “commuter-based engineering school in New York City” that boasts “rigorous” engineering, mathematics, and computer science programs. Be warned: Poly is “boot camp for engineers.” As such, “Schoolwork and exams are crazy,” and academic success “requires a lot of hard work, diligence, and a good attitude.” On the bright side, “As long you work hard and study hard, you can achieve great things.” “Professors are hit-or-miss,” “the good professors are awesome” and “extremely educated in their field,” “The bad ones are really bad.” Due to the school’s international faculty, students often complain that, “the language barrier between the student and the professor is difficult at times.” Class sizes are “usually small,” and professors are “always willing to see you and help you one-on-one.” Students, however, are generally down on the “very unhelpful” administration, saying they are “not unified” and "blow through money</p>
<p>Student Body:
Drawing students from surrounding New York City and more than 50 countries worldwide, Poly is an “ethnically diverse” yet generally accepting community. On this small campus, “Everyone is different, yet this difference makes it easy to connect with others.” Observes a sophomore, “kids are very diverse, with many interests and different backgrounds…as a foreigner, I [feel] like the entire world met in one place.” However, students gripe there are “very few women” from any countries. You’ll meet plenty of “stereotypical nerds,” many of whom “stick to themselves and their laptops.” You’ll also find handful of “popular and trendy people” who are “involved in lots of activities.” In fact, “The only real common thread is an interest in technology.” “Most students are serious about their studies; they have to be to survive here.”</p>
<p>Campus Life:
While the “school is not very good looking,” the Poly campus has seen steady improvement in recent years. “Dorms are now right on campus,” and “the main academic building has been renovated and expanded.” It feels a lot like a “brand-new school.” Overall, though, “life on campus is not that exciting,” primarily because “the typical student at Poly will study nothing less than 3.5 hours a day.” Campus clubs and organizations “aren’t too popular,” though many people enjoy “poker or table tennis tournaments” and videogames. In addition, “Most students are commuters, so there isn’t as much of a social scene as there should be.” For students who live on campus, “There’s a fair amount of drinking,” and many “gather in the student lounge or in their respective major lounge and just relax and laugh.” While life at school is a bit serious, don’t forget that “Poly is located in New York City” and “only a few minutes away from Manhattan, a goldmine for nightlife, food, and activities.” A mere 15-minute stroll leads to the Brooklyn Bridge and great Manhattan neighborhoods like Little Italy and Chinatown.</p>