Dartmouth vs. NYU (Math + CS)

Gogreen19
Tue, 20 Apr 2021 14:28:47 +0000

Assuming financial aid is even, I’d go for Dartmouth. While I am a Dartmouth student so that is expected, this is my reasoning:

1. Dartmouth is far smaller and more undergrad focused (undergrads substantially outnumber postgrad students) than NYU . Most of your classes even in CS (one of our more popular majors) will be small, and all will be taught by professors rather than TAs. In most larger schools TAs generally run the intro courses and many others as a given. So, you’re likely to get more individual attention, and (most importantly) more attention from actual professors at Dartmouth. In addition, due to our undergrad focus, undergrads are actually preferred over grad students for most research positions if you want to be involved with research as an undergrad. This is also unusual.

2. Dartmouth has a liberal arts curriculum, so you are free to, ane encouraged to take classes in numerous fields outside your major and explore all your academic interests. I’m not sure which NYU school you are at, but if it’s not CAS or Gallatin you may find yourself constrained by your main field of study.

3. The name recognition should never be a reason for choosing a school, but what will take you further is Dartmouth’s strong, loyal alumni network. We usually have one of the highest alumni giving rates, which tells you Dartmouth alumni (in higher proportions than most schools) are very loyal to the school. With a little work, you can use that network to gain internships and jobs anywhere. If you just contact a random Dartmouth alum they tend to be delighted to hear from a Dartmouth student. When I go to cities, I am often stopped on the streets by alumni gushing with pride. My friends in other schools, including NYU, haven’t had the same kind of experience.

In addition, our com sci program is excellent. It’s at least on par with (and in my opinion ahead of) NYU for undergraduates (though NYU is better in graduate CS programs). Just take a look at the department page online. Plus, if a double major becomes too course-heavy (which it likely may be regardless of which school you attend) we offer a modified major program, wherein you can combine two fields into one major with fewer course requirements than a full double major.

Hope I helped. If you have any other questions, let me know. Like most Dartmouth students, I love my school, and am happy to talk to people about it.