<p>My HS son is just starting to investigate what he would like to major in. NYU is one of the schools being mentioned by friends and family. We welcome anyones opinion on which school would be the best match for a student who is very interested in political science, languages and travel. What is the difference between CAS and LSP? Thanks.</p>
<p>LSP is a Liberal Studies Program, which is self-explanatory through its name; a liberal arts education for two years, afterwards where the student goes onto do study his/her major. CAS meanwhile does have the required curriculum e.g. creative writing/history etc. but is more focused towards a student’s major.</p>
<p>I would go straight into CAS if your son has a particular study in mind. Good luck!</p>
<p>LSP is the Liberal Studies Program which allows students to complete all their general education classes in the first two years, before transferring into their school of choice (in this case CAS) to complete work towards their major. It is, in a nutshell, a way for students to study abroad their freshman year, finish their general requirements in their first two years, be in a smaller classroom setting, and then go ahead of their school of choice. Personally, I love it! Generally LSP students have a higher GPA then some other CAS students because of this smaller classroom environment. </p>
<p>CAS completed LSP courses and degree courses at the same time, over their four years. There is a greater chance that they can be mixed into big classes (over 50+) compared to LSP. It really depends where you want to be!</p>
<p>Thanks for those responses. I thought LSP was standard to just go on to the global studies program. Thats good to know that he could go onto CAS.</p>
<p>I just got accepted into LSP. You are not required to study abroad in your freshman year; you choose from the Washington Square campus, London, Paris or Florence your freshman year.</p>
<p>Beware LSP. In fact, I’d say beware NYU altogether. There are numerous threads here concerning what some students consider a bait-and-switch by the university during the admissions process. Do educate yourself on what is being offered–a lot of kids have been surprised and confused by where they have been placed within the university. Some say LSP is basically a community college within NYU (except it costs $60K a year). I know a freshman there who is in the LSP program and is actively looking to transfer due to uneven course quality, concerns about the student body not being as intelligent as expected, and a ton of unpleasant bureaucracy to deal with.</p>
<p>@sally, Do you think the global liberal studies program is like the LSP?</p>