Hi. I’m an incoming undergraduate freshman committed to NYU as a spring admit off the waitlist for the class of 2024. I initially applied into CAS and have always had a set, clear idea of what I want to do, with a specific double major and minor curriculum in mind.
NYU was my ED1 choice school for many reasons (which is why despite not getting accepted into CAS, I still committed), and I’m incredibly grateful, but to be honest, I’ve found myself becoming increasingly worried about my time part of the Liberal Studies Program and I’m no longer as excited to learn. I know exactly what I want to do and it’s especially disheartening knowing most of the kids who are put into the LS program when it wasn’t their first choice wouldn’t even be offered a spot at NYU.
I’m lucky and I know that, but is there any way I could transfer out of the LS program as soon as possible, or even just before the end of my sophomore year (which is when the LS core is to be completed)? I don’t want to wait two years before transferring into my desired major/minor. Even considering the benefits of the small classes that the LS program provides, etc.
Please help! Thanks.
My son was admitted off of the waitlist last week. Offered admission to Liberal Studies. He talked to an admissions counsellor about transferring out of LS. The earliest you can transfer is in your sophomore year - Spring of 2022. While transitioning into CAS after 2 years is guaranteed by NYU, I am not sure tranferring out of LS before junior year is guaranteed. Check with them before you commit. My son declined the offer since he did not want to spend 2 years in LS. LS may be great but not for everyone especially considering the cost.
Could you consider other universities that would actually let you start on your Major’s pre-reqs?
Unless NYU gave you a big scholarship that’d offset that offer, I’m not sure it’s a good fit for your goals.
The basic idea with LS is there you MUST complete the full core of classes. Period. You can’t transfer out or accelerate until you reach the prescribed point in the curriculum - and they do not guarantee you admission to CAS.
Have you been admitted anywhere else that’s affordable? Would you be open to applying elsewhere (with covid-19 there are more opportunities to do so than usual)?
@MYOS1634, mostly correct except that admission to CAS and in fact a number of other schools within NYU is guaranteed (some schools Iike tandon and steinhardt only to certain programs, but CAS is not restricted). Stern and Tisch are competitive internal transfer applications and not guaranteed.
But bottom line, if you commit to LS you commit for two years, period.
(Edit: when I say guaranteed that assumes good academic standing/not on academic probation etc but that’s a problem for any major anyway - but it’s not competitive admissions)
Thanks for all your replies! I put my first deposit to Northeastern, but have already decided to commit to NYU as a spring admit. I do think this was the right decision in the end. Ultimately, I’d still be able to choose specific electives and already work toward my goal of the major have in mind and in that way, my curriculum will be more focused in my two years as an LS kid as opposed to being in the program and not knowing what I would like to pursue in junior year.
From what I understand there’s a great number of kids in the LS program so I find comfort in knowing many are in the same position. Other than that, NYU and the city itself makes me nevertheless excited. I guess this situation would have much more downsides if we were talking about a more traditional college (e.g. closed campus, not right in the city, smaller undergrad population, etc.)
That being said, I think maybe it would be worth a shot emailing my region admission officer? I’ve been in contact with him through email before, and feel like it may be an option to enter as a spring admit in CAS instead of in LS, since we know kids are going to be coming off the waitlist way into August.
Any other advice is appreciated and thanks again.
I don’t believe CAS does spring admissions.
@student063 hi there, I’m an incoming freshman as well- while I’d prefer to keep my identity anonymous & I’m not in LS, I know a lot about the different programs from contacts so feel free to PM me for more info and tips, but the summary version is that CAS does not do spring admissions and you can’t leave LS before you finish it.
Hi! Sorry to be super late to this discussion but I wanted to let you know my stance. I was admitted to NYU off the waitlist a week or two ago, originally applying for CAS but put into the LS core program. I had a strong intent to do premed and minor in public/global health. I applied as a biochem major, but since I have turned my RD application I have considered other majors.
I was so excited to be accepted into one of the top universities in the world, however I declined my offer because of the program. I spoke to many NYU deans as I was making my final decision and what I got from it is that:
- you cannot transfer out of the LS core earlier than your second year
- you cannot even be reconsidered for admissions into CAS
- your open spaces in your schedule in the first and second year should be classes that you plan to major in, and so this makes it difficult to switch majors later on
- it is a very strict liberal arts program, and it would be difficult to explore several subjects, especially if you are going into stem
If you are one to care more about your studies rather than the reputation and name of the school, I suggest not going to NYU, especially since you already have your academic career set. But if you are going into a liberal arts/humanities major, this program could be a good fit for you. Which ever school you ultimately choose, I have no doubts that you will work hard towards your goals. I hope this helps!
Is LS the core requires courses for A&S or are there a lot of unnecessary courses added to it?