<p>I am currently a freshman in CAS studying computer science and pre-health. Ill try to answer your questions as best I can:</p>
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<li><p>The no campus and part of the city argument against NYU is truly overblown. There are about 20,000 undergrads and just over 20,000 graduate students that go here. So during the week when classes are in session, you know that you are on NYU territory simply because of the large volume of students invading washington square park to go to class. Literally, the sidewalks and even the streets are buzzing with students scrambling to get to class every day. As for events, I get about 15-20 emails every day (no exaggeration) about new clubs and events that are happening on campus. There are also countless weekly events that resident halls host. I am in Founders this year and I am often truly overwhelmed with all of the events that the RAs host for the residence hall (Broadway shows, museums, tours, restaurants, etc.).</p></li>
<li><p>No. Unless you wish to get into bars or clubs, in which case you wont be able to unless you get a fake ID. I dont have one personally, though, and my experience this year has been truly exceptional. So I really wouldnt recommend getting one - it just ends up being a waste of money.</p></li>
<li><p>The lower level science classes are large, but that doesnt make it impossible to have a relationship with the teacher. The vast majority of the students in those large lecture halls dont even meet up with the teacher at all. So if you are serious about the sciences, dont be afraid to walk up to the professors after class or meet up with them during their office hours. I took a physiology class this semester with over 100 people in it. I simply walked up to the professor after class one day, asked him a few questions, and now we have are on a first term basis with each another. Really, its up to you to get something good out of those tedious, large, lecture hall classes.</p></li>
<li><p>I didnt take any classes over the January term, but one of my good friends did and he got over 3/4 of his tuition paid for. If youre able to do it, Id say go for it. Definitely cant hurt.</p></li>
<li><p>I moved from Ohio to New York and literally didnt know anyone on campus. The closest to me knowing someone on campus when I got here was my roommate, who I met on Facebook before housing selection came around. However, NYUs welcome week is truly phenomenal in regards to amazing activities that you cant do elsewhere (Broadway shows, anyone?) and meeting new people. That is one week I will never forget. After that week is over, however, just get involved with clubs that interest you and you will for sure meet loads of interesting people. Thats how I met all of my very close friends that I have right now. And also, since all resident halls for freshman are only for freshman, it is really easy to meet people on your floor since for the first couple weeks everyone literally has their door wide open. Its wasnt unusual for random people to just walk in and start a conversation.</p></li>
<li><p>My high school didnt offer any AP courses (I am from an extremely small town), so I cant really answer this question.</p></li>
<li><p>My pre-health (aka pre-med; dont know why NYU calls it pre-health) advisor told me that if you are able to keep at least a 3.6 GPA overall and especially in the sciences (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) as well as at least a 31 on the MCAT, there is over a 90% acceptance rate to medical schools among NYU students. Thats pretty good.</p></li>
<li><p>Complaints. Probably the biggest one is the stupid system they use to allow us to register for classes, look at our transcripts, register for housing, etc. Its called Albert (you probably used it when you applied), and it literally crashes every time registration comes around. It is also overly complicated and just utterly annoying to use. Aside from that, the meal plans (required for all freshman) are just a rip off. One of my friends calculated that in the basic 14 meal/week plan, each meal comes out to around 12 bucks, which is significantly more than the menu prices for the items you can get. The food isnt bad at all, but you really get ripped off there. Id recommend getting the smallest meal plan possible and just enjoying the food of the city instead (so you at least get your money’s worth). Also, while it is very easy to meet people if you are willing to make the effort (join clubs, etc.), I have seen a lot of people grow really depressed because they dont get active and therefore have no friends. At a school of this size that is located in the biggest city in the nation, you really have to just put yourself out there and try new things. Only then will you get the most out of your NYU experience and remember is as a truly phenomenal four years of your life. Bottom line: don’t be shy.</p></li>
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<p>Hope this helps. Post any more questions if you have any.</p>