NYU vs. Villanova?

Lauren8822
Sat, 04 Apr 2009 19:53:14 +0000

OK, so I’ve pretty much narrowed down my college decisions to NYU or Villanova (Well, I was waitlisted to Barnard, my first choice, so I would still go there if I got in) and I can’t decide where to put my deposit. Could someone who is familiar with the schools give me a hand?

Here’s some background. I’m a biology major and looking to do a pre-med track. I’d also really like to do two minors, one in theatre and one in psychology. Pre-med/biology is my main concern however, so if you know about the programs at these two schools I’m interested in hearing about it. I was accepted to Villanova and to the Liberal Studies Program at NYU. Which do you think would be a better choice?

OK, so I stayed ten days at Villanova my sophomore year for this pre-med youth leadership forum thing. I thought the school was gorgeous, but I was only there with high school kids and I didn’t meet any professors or actual students. I’ve heard Villanova is a good school academically, has a lot of school spirit and has a gorgeous campus. However, it just seems really, really hung up on its basketball team and I’ve heard it’s populated mostly by preppy, snobby white kids. I mean, I’m a white kid too, but I like diversity. I’ve also heard it’s a huge party school, and that’s not really my thing. My friends and I go to shows or hang out at diners, we don’t really do the whole party thing. Is there anything else to do there?

I visited NYU today and was really surprised that I liked it. The only reason I applied initially was because the fee was waived and I figured why not. I’m from NYC and I really don’t want to leave, and I especially adore Manhattan. One of my problems is that I was only admitted LSP, not to CAS where I originally applied. However, this isn’t really my main issue since it seems like you end up in the same place as the CAS students in the end. The school seemed challenging, appeared to have a wide range of clubs and opportunities to get involved, and seemed generally more quiet and nerdy. My main concerns are for all of the many negative things I’ve heard about the school. I already know there’s not much spirit and it lacks a campus, and I’m pretty okay with that. However I’ve also heard it’s pretentious, overrated and that it’s hard to fit in at the school.

So, I’m pretty much in a pickle here. I’m torn between two VERY different schools that I’ve heard very mixed opinions of and I could use some outside opinions.