Angelica's World

It was so nice to read this! I feel like I have a lot in common with you. I have been dancing for 14 years now, and as a senior in high school I have some very important decisions to make. NYU is my first choice college, and I heard about it through Tisch as well. However, I'm applying to the college of arts and sciences with an intended major in international relations and a minor in spanish. I'm very nervous about being accepted. Do you have any advice for me about NYU and the dreaded application process?

I am so happy to stumble on your blog....NYU is my first choice college...I want apply to Stern but i dont know... isnt it easier to get into Arts & Sciences so scared cause i want to go to NYU sooo bad....any advice on my essay? its about how wrestling have changed me and that has led me to jump into other endeavors

I personally emailed Amanda to respond to hers but I now learned that I can just respond to comments by creating my own (sorry, as I said at the beginning, I'm learning as I do this thing).

So to respond to Jason's inquiry:

The competition to get into NYU has increased significantly since I even applied 3 years ago but that doesn't mean you shouldn't apply and that doesn't mean you shouldn't apply for what you want. If you want to go to Stern, put your best foot forward--show who you really are, as a person AND a student--and leave it up to them. I know it's scary to think about and it's really nerveracking but there's nothing else you can do, really.

As far as essays, like I said in my post, be yourself! Don't try to guess what the readers want to hear because they can see through it. And DON'T FORGET to edit edit edit. Make sure you answer the question, make sure your essay is free of spelling and grammatical errors, and have AT LEAST one other person read it and critique it. I just recently read my cousins college essays and tried to tear them apart for her. Don't take it personally--use it as constructive criticism to think deeper about what you're presenting.

And don't stress. I know that sounds near impossible at this stage in the game but it's not worth it. And I don't know if I should be saying this or not but I will anyway...transferring is always an option. If you're really miserable where you are or if you don't get into NYU this year, there's always another chance. I know a lot of people who have transferred in and a lot who have transferred out. It'll all work out in the end and you'll find your niche. But for now, be honest and sincere in your application and they'll see that! Good luck!

I was really excited Sunday night to get an email from Jason (see previous comment) requesting my help with his essay for his NYU application. I looked it over and gave him what I hope to be positive and constructive feedback. Looking forward to hearing how that goes.
The offer still stands on my offer to help people with the application process if you'd like!

GOOD LUCK!

Jason and I have been in touch again. He received my comments about his essay and is in the editing phases. He asked me some more questions about the application process and differences between some of the individual schools at NYU.

I really enjoy sharing the information I have with people so please don't hesitate to ask away...about anything!

Thanks for reading :)

Sorry to keep commenting on my own blog--I just wanted to provide everyone reading with updates. Jason and I continue to be in contact and we are trying to find the appropriate school for him within NYU because of his varied interests.

My advice to everyone, keep searching the schools' websites until you've completely exhausted it because there's always some new piece of information that you'll come across. And also consider minoring in something this way you can still have a focus in it but it's less required credits and you can formally get in two of your interests by the time you graduate.

Keep the questions coming--I love this!

I am so happy that I've stumbled across Steinhardt's student blogs!

I've been wanting to go to NYU since I was 13... I'm now 18. I applied last year, but wasn't accepted. (My grades in H.S. were good, but not great.)

I'm still set on NYU, though. I go to a university in California, but I plan to apply for a transfer for the Fall 2009 semester.

I'm wondering if you could help me out. I've looked on the admissions website, but the information is pretty vague. I just need help understanding what NYU wants and is looking for. My grades have improved immensely so far in college (it's only been one semester, though), but I know there's more to it.

If you could help me out... I'd LOVE it and appreciate it so much.

Thanks! Keep writing!

I emailed Michelle back a response to her thoughtful and inquisitive comment. However, I just wanted to share the information with everyone in case something I said is of value to another reader. Thank you all again for taking the time to read my blog--if you ever have any requests for posts, please let me know!

Hey Michelle,

Thank you so much for commenting on my blog--it really means a lot and is great to see that what I'm writing about is actually beneficial to people. I really respect all the hard work you are putting in at school and your evident determination to end up at NYU. Keep up the good work and continue to put energy and sincerity into your work--it will show through and really makes a statement.

I think NYU is a very unique school and I hands down think it is what you make of it. Because it is so large, I really feel you have to be proactive in seeking out opportunities and pursuing your own passions and potential interests. That said, it is definitely a great place to broaden your horizons and become more worldly, for lack of a better word.

As far as what NYU looks for--it's tough. This year NYU was the most sought after school just going by application numbers. So, it's obviously pretty competitive (and gets more and more competitive each year). I think they want someone who will take initiative and who isn't afraid to be themselves. It can definitely be an easy place to just go through passively for 4 years (or 2) because of its size but it's also a place where you really can grow and become a much different (or stronger) person. Similarly, I think showing that you pursue your interests and take advantage of opportunities provided to you I think is very valuable--for college admissions and just for any sort of application process.

Something that bothers me--it's definitely a hugeeee pet peeve of mine--is when people participate in things merely to add to their resume. Some people justify it by saying that it's something there interested in but I have encountered all too many times, people who attend things halfheartedly so that their resume grows. Please don't do this. I think that while it may be great to have a long resume--that doesn't necessarily mean more than having only a few activities that you're really passionate about (same goes for your HS "resume" when applying for colleges initially). So my feelings are, do what you enjoy and really get something out of the experiences instead of just doing a whole bunch of disjointed random programs/activities. It'll likely change you in some way as a person and that becomes apparent as well.

So ultimately, be yourself!!! (don't assume what you think they want to hear), work hard and continue to get good grades, be sincere, pursue your interests, and get involved however you feel appropriate!

Thank you again for inquiring of me and please don't hesitate to ever contact me either by email or through my blog to learn more about NYU, particular schools/programs, etc. And when it comes time for the application process, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me--this Fall I helped a high school senior who read my blog as he edited his application essay!

Thanks again. Good luck!

Take care,

Angelica

Hey Angelica, I just stumbled on to your blog and I must congratulate you on your route to success at NYU. I just graduated from college and i am applying to NYU Steinhardt graduate school. My question is... that I received one F grade one my transcript and currently I have the grade being resolve because it was a mistake. Do you think the admissions committee frown when they see such grades ? This is my first and hopefully last F grade. Thanks and keep up the good work.

Hi Aarti8,

First, thank you for your kind words. As far as your college transcript goes for your Steinhardt application, I do not have too much information about this and will contact the appropriate people right away. However, it sounds like within a matter of time (only a little time, it seems) there will no longer be an F so perhaps you could 1-resubmit your updated transcript when the change is made and just note on your application that you will be doing so and/or 2-I'm sure somewhere on the application there is a space to explain a little more about yourself that you feel wasn't clearly exemplified in the application and if this is the case (or if not, find a place to do it) then take a few sentences to let the Selection Committee know what happened so they can be aware of the mistake.

I hope this helps and I will let you know about the response I receive from administration.

Thank you for writing and good luck with your application!

Take care,

Angelica

The follow-up to Aarti8's inquiry:

I checked with the dean here who oversees graduate admissions. She said that you should send a note to the Graduate Admissions Office to tell them about the grade and that it's under review and why. You can call them at 212-998-5030 to find out to whom you should send this note. They may decide, given the circumstances, to wait for further word on the outcome of this grade dispute before they review your application. She said that typically an F would raise some concerns in the admissions committee.

Thanks for your questions...keep them coming!

i really wanna go to nyu in the future. i take all honors and im taking advanced placement classes in 11th and 12th grade. what gpa do you need to get in? and how well do you have to do on the SATS?

Hey Kristin,

Thanks so much for your comment! It sounds like you're on the right track to presenting yourself well to the selection committee. How are you doing in the honors and AP courses? It's important that you're not only showing initiative by taking them, but that the work is there too--obviously reflected in your grades. Either way, I commend you for your great efforts throughout your junior and senior years as I understand how challenging and frustrating it may be at times but no matter what, all the hard work will pay off.

Since NYU is the most sought after school, it is extremely competitive to get into (even moreso than when I applied). I'm not entirely sure what kind of SAT scores they are looking for as I'm not even entirely sure what the conversion is from the 1600 scale I had when I took the test. However, I do know that when I was applying, 1300 was their target number. Similarly, I'm not 100% positive about what GPA they're looking for but since it is so competitive I'd say as close to a 4.0 as possible.

However, something else to keep in mind is the school you're applying to. While you complete one application regardless of school, each school has differing admittance policies and requirements so if you provide me with a little more information about that, I can try to specify my response a little.

I found this website that may help, it seems to have a lot of information on it. And if you want to provide your email address with another post (it will not be posted), I can email you directly to speak further and answer any other questions you may have.

Good luck with the application process, keep up the hard work, and stay positive!

Take care,

Angelica

http://admissions.nyu.edu/applying.for.admissions/freshman/

Hi, I was recently accepted to NYU Steinhardt college but now I'm having second thoughts about my major. I applied to Steinhardt solely because of the Applied Psychology program that it has but after thinking about it, I dont know if psychology is right for me...i want to remain undecided about my major for now since i keep changing my mind about what I want to do. Do you know if I can switch to the College of Arts and Sciences instead of Steinhardt (right now im a senior in high school) ...Is that possible? and how would I do that? Would I need to apply all over again or is it an easy process???
Any information would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you =)

Hi! I'm so glad you have this page. I'm only in 8th grade, but am having trouble deciding on honors class and am already worried about the SAT's. I'm not sure if I should take all honors because I don't think I could get amazing grades in them. I have wanted to get into NYU since i was small because my brother had gotten in and when we went to visit the campus and everything I loved it. I want to go into business as a major or go into education as an elementary school teacher. I'm already concerned about this because I'm not very good at test taking and i'm scared i won't do well on the SAT's. I'm sure everything else will be fine the extracurriculurs, athletcis, recommendations, etc. It's just my gpa and SAT's i'm scared off. Is it truly hard to get into NYU? It's not an ivy league but i've heard it's still pretty up there. Any advice?

Hey Hannah,

My first piece of advice is PLEASE DON'T START STRESSING ABOUT COLLEGE APPLICATIONS FOUR YEARS IN ADVANCE. You sound a lot like me in that you've already begun to do your homework and you know what you want. That is GREAT and absolutely proves to be quite helpful later on, like junior and senior years when people finally start their searches and you're already a pro.

However, despite the fact that it's great that you're starting your search so early and really feel that you know what you want, please don't drive yourself crazy over it. NYU is a very competitive school to get into as we're the #1 sought after university in America--it's even gotten worse in the 3 years since I have applied. But don't let that discourage you. In my opinion, NYU looks for the full package--not merely a bunch of numbers.

Continue to pursue the athletics and extracurriculars THAT YOU ENJOY--please don't just do a bunch of things to fill up your resume thinking that that'll get you into college. Personally, it drives me crazy when people are half-heartedly involved because they want to look good. Find what interests you, or what you want to learn more about, and go after it. Don't be afraid to try out some new things in high school either (academically/extracurricularly).

Regarding academics, what has seemed to be the consensus when I've spoken to people about honors/mediocre grades vs. regular/high grades is that if you don't feel you can do well in the classes and it will only be a struggle (and you just think it will look good on a transcript), don't do it. Obviously it's great to challenge yourself and in that respect, you certainly should (I'm an education major, I definitely think it's important to not let yourself breeze through) but don't overstuff your plate. Yes it's great to try to make yourself presentable to colleges but it's also EXTREMELY important to enjoy the four years you spend in high school. I spend so much time talking about my high school--it was the best four years of my life and I keep in touch with the people there to this day--and to pass that up because you were too busy taking 10 honors and AP courses each year wouldn't be fair to yourself.

So my advice is to ease your way into the honors program if you feel that is something you want to try. I'm not sure how your school works but hopefully it doesn't follow a tracking system so you can gradually increase the number of honors/AP courses you can take each year. Start out with maybe two in the subjects you really enjoy and want to be challenged in. Once you adjust to that workload, and if you feel you can take more on and still maintain your health, go for it! But please notice what I just said as well...YOUR HEALTH IS HUGE!!! Get used to taking care of yourself now because once you get to college you have the potential to be pulled in so many different directions and unless you watch out for yourself and your health, you're going to have a difficult time.

So I'm very sorry for the EXTREMELY lengthy post (I have an issue limiting my words obviously) but my biggest pieces of advice are:
1-continue to do your research about MANY DIFFERENT kinds of universities--you will probably change a bit throughout college and your preferences may be altered so don't limit yourself to only NYU because that's what you loved a few years ago when you visited (although I'm glad you liked it that much).
1a-look into schools that have business and education (although NYU is among the top in both) and think about the type of environment they have and whether or not you'd feel comfortable there. but also expose yourself to different majors--I've always wanted to be a teacher but have come close to changing my major a few times just because of my evolving interests!
2-continue to ask questions--of myself, other college students, administration...
3-work hard but have fun--this is something I am still working on finding the balance between because I've always been such a hard worker but I truly feel that it is so important in order for you to enjoy life. You don't want to remember high school as the four years you spent with your nose in books 24/7 because you were too preoccupied about what college you wanted to get into.
4-challenge yourself!
5-do what you enjoy!!! As I said earlier, don't try to stuff the resume, participate in things that you will learn and grow from and will look forward to attending.

I hope this helps. Feel free to continue posting and asking questions. If you'd like to include your email address when you post, it won't be posted but I can contact you via email to speak about this further.

Congratulations on being so pro-active as it will certainly help you in the future but please be sure to take care of yourself and don't let these four years speed past you!

Take care,

Angelica

Hi Angelica,
While reading your blog, I noticed some people have received their acceptance letters to NYU. Do you know if all of the acceptance letters were already sent?

Thanks.

Mary

I forwarded Mary's question on to one of our deans in Steinhardt and this was her response:
No one has received official acceptance letters to NYU. Those will go out later this week, scheduled to arrive around April 1st. However, some people may receive invitations in the mail to early April events for accepted students. These are going out this week as well.

I just wanted to share that with anyone reading in case others were also curious and hearing things from their friends. Good luck with your college acceptances and please don't hesitate to comment should you have any questions/concerns.

um, i'm i 8th grade, and, well, i want to be a pharmacist when i grow up. I was wondering if NYU would be right for me, or if u could suggest a school where u think i should go.

Hi Shamika,

To my knowledge, NYU actually doesn't have an undergraduate program for Pharmacology. There is a Department of Pharmacology in our School of Medicine though.

I know St. John's has a great pharmacy program and I also happen to know someone who goes to the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia to be a pharmacist.

Good luck!

Hi Shamika,

To my knowledge, NYU actually doesn't have an undergraduate program for Pharmacology. There is a Department of Pharmacology in our School of Medicine though.

I know St. John's has a great pharmacy program and I also happen to know someone who goes to the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia to be a pharmacist.

Good luck!

Hi angelica.
I also am an upcoming senior in high school and wanted to know a few things about nyu. I wanted to go there since I was a freshman, either to gallatin or CAS for a major in chemistry. Im at the top of my class ina small private school and reatking the s.a.t's over and taking the a.c.t. this septemeber. I want to show nyu how much i want to be there. I want to show them them that the statisitcs are stacked against me ( i am at the top of my class but i got really bad s.a.t scores ) but a true student would not give up her dream school just because of one exam. I want to show them how much i love to learn and work hard in my studies. But i feel like if i write an essay about how im focused on coming there and the odds are against me it will put to much focus on my s,a,t and they'll think i was just looking for an excuse for a bad score or something. I still dont know what to write for my essay. So if u can please help me out let me know.

Hey Debbie,

I love your enthusiasm and sincerity in pursuing your goal. College acceptance has become incredibly competitive and it’s so hard to read who will and will not be admitted to each university. The fact that you are in the top of your class is a great start and, while standardized test score are important and play a role in the admissions process, I personally think many schools weigh personal information about applicants more. For example, I think your essay and personal statements are HUGE and a great insight into a student and I believe that extracurricular activities are a helpful. However, it’s important that the extracurriculars that you are involved in are things you’re truly engaged with and dedicated to—not just a long list of clubs you attended a few times because people see through that and it’s not worth pretending to be an applicant you’re not. As far as your essay is concerned, to my knowledge NYU has a pretty open-ended question which is extremely helpful because you can write about anything. I think it would be beneficial to write about something meaningful to you—an experience, a dream—or something you’ve learned from perhaps. While you could write about your SATs and try to justify who you are, I personally think you would be better of addressing something completely different and something personal that gives them a more in-depth, thorough sense of who you are. And make sure that NO MATTER WHAT, you proofread and edit your essay PERFECTLY—how you present your essay reflects how you present yourself.

I hope this helps and I’d love to speak further and answer any other questions you may have at any time. Please keep in touch, stay focused and positive, continue to work hard and don’t lose sight of your dreams and goals. Also make sure you visit and apply to a significant variety of schools (I wouldn’t apply to more that 6-7) and don’t forget about the Early Decision and Early Action options which are super helpful. I love NYU but it certainly took some adjusting as it is a very different school with a rather different experience than most universities you’ll encounter.

Good luck!!!

Angelica