Are you interested in learning about America's top colleges from the perspective of current college students? We'll be visiting our LogicPrep graduates, who are now current college students to get the inside scoop about what makes these universities great and what's completely different than expected. Follow along to learn more!
Jesse and Murilo traveled to NYU Stern to visit LogicPrep alum, Alice. While Alice loved growing up in Brazil, she has truly had the best college experience so far and can't imagine attending school anywhere else. Read all about why she loves NYU Stern below.
Are you happy at NYU Stern?
I am more than happy at NYU Stern! I thought it would be harder, especially the first few months, but I'm having the best time. I've met so many people and so many Brazilians, which is good for me. I don't stop. I'm always around campus or somewhere in the city or in the park or listening to people play music or at a friends house or in Soho or at a rooftop... I'm never home! That's important for me because I wouldn't want to stay in my room all day and just study. You have everything you want here. If you want to go out to eat at someplace nice, you can do that! If you want to study, you can go to an amazing ten-story library to study. The options are endless at NYU.
Five words to describe campus?
ENERGETIC, FAST-PACED, COMFORTING, FUN, & CHILL.
How would you describe the typical Stern student?
There's just not a typical student! Everyone is very smart and outgoing. People say that Stern students are very competitive and try to take advantage of each other, but I haven't seen that yet. Students are easy to talk to and sociable.
What is your housing situation like?
I'm in a dorm right in front of the park. I have the best building! I live in a suite, which is three rooms and one bathroom. There are two people in each room, so there are six people total. My actual roommate is really nice, also part of Stern and is from New Jersey.
Do you feel like Stern is more of an elite part of NYU?
Yes, I do. There's a stereotype that Stern students only wear suits and work on Wall Street and they're arrogant and have their own printers, but that's not really true.
What was the orientation like on campus?
Stern has a separate orientation from NYU. Stern wants to build a family-like community, so in orientation you're separated into groups within Stern (about 40 or so people). They took us to the US Open! And other schools within NYU were jealous because only Stern students got to do that. They also took us to Central Park for a field day.
Tell us about the Cohort Leadership Program.
We were divided into Cohorts, which is a leadership program during orientation. Every Friday, I meet with this group and build friendships and interact with people within my program. It's not a class, but it's a group activity that I'm part of outside of class. Many of my friends that aren't Brazilian are part of this Cohort group, and we will be part of this group until we graduate. Our Cohort is led by a professor and two upperclassmen, and they are very nice and willing to talk with. They're good mentors.
What is your favorite study spot?
I don't need silence, and I like to do work with friends. There are tables in the Bobst Library where you're allowed to collaborate with other people, so I like to study there. I also like to study in the lounge that's only accessible to Stern students.
How was the transition from life in Brazil to life in the US?
It was very smooth! My mom came with me initially, and it was hard when she was left. Of course I miss my family and friends (and my dog!), but I make a real effort to connect with my family often as well as keep myself busy here. If I dwell on what I'm missing out on, then I get sad, so I don't do that. I don't want to go back to Brazil right now! I am fine here. I love it here.
What's more challenging? High School or NYU Stern Core Curriculum?
Hard question! Stern is very hard. I haven't seen my midterm grades yet, but in terms of quizzed and term papers, I would say that high school was harder. To be honest, I'm not really spending that much time studying, and I'm doing well. I'll let you know when the semester is over! The workload from high school was harder, but the classes here at Stern are more fast-paced and there's not as much support from teachers as I had in high school.
KNOWING WHAT YOU KNOW NOW ABOUT COLLEGE, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE GIVEN TO YOURSELF IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME?
Start studying earlier! It worked out alright for me, but it was much more stressful than it needed to be. I would recommend working on the SAT or ACT and TOEFL as early as possible.
Is there a segregation between international students and US students?
There isn't really a segregation here. Because there are so many international students at NYU, everyone has a different background, so everyone mixes together. As an international student, I don't feel alienated at all and always feel like I'm accepted. I feel like I can be part of whatever group of people I want to be part of. It's very inclusive here.
Have you become involved in any clubs?
Yes. There are 10,000 Stern clubs and they're all really easy to get involved in. I'm in the LARA (Luxury and Retail Association) and STEBA (Stern Tisch Entertainment Business Association). There are so many amazing speakers and lectures that anyone can go to. This past week, I listened to a lecture from a man involved in the Innocence Project, and it was amazing. There are just so many incredibly successful people that come to campus all the time, and you just have to sign up, show up and interact to be involved.
Do you know what major you will choose?
Possible marketing. I haven't yet decided.
Fun facts about NYU Stern?
The Washington Square Park fountain is our life. Every day, at least 2 of my friends send me pictures of this fountain. Not excited for winter!
Also, You can go into all buildings and all rooms if you're an NYU student. However, there is one lounge that is only accessible to Stern students.
For more student perspectives, click here!