St John's University New York

Yes, the costs are high to go here. But the school knows that. They don't pretend that it is affordable. There are scholarships around every corner. Teachers care about their students and would put in extra time to help one. I am a freshman and I had a great first year. The classes weren't difficult, but I did learn a lot. DNY is a joke, but take advantage of the field trips. If you want a social life 'Greek Life' is almost a must. You are a twenty minute subway ride from the city. There are even free STJ busses that take students to Manhattan about 10 times a day. You meet a lot of people who actually want to help you. A lot of people drop out after their first year. I had a good experience.

1st Year Female -- Class 2015

Faculty Accessibility: A+, Collaboration/Competitive: B+

Depending on your major, certain majors require different gpa's/SAT/AP courses to get into. Some have a different application. Also depending on your major, coursework may be difficult or not at all.

3rd Year Male -- Class 2013

Surrounding City: A+, Campus Aesthetics: B

St. John's was not my first, second, or even third choice. I applied on a whim after some googling, but as soon as I was on campus, I was in love. The other students are amazing; everyone understands that none of us have done this before and that we all need to help each other out-- especially in the science department. I'm double-majoring my Biology degree with French Language & Literature, and both departments have been phenomenal in helping me plan out my next three years. As a freshman, you're assigned an adviser that you have to go to twice a semester. I encourage you to take advantage of that. My adviser was so brilliant in helping me understand everything I was getting myself into and how the system worked. Also, talk to deans in the fields you're going into. The dean of the French department set me up with an internship for my senior year that combines both of my majors by allowing me to intern at a hospital in Paris. All that AND fantastic financial aid! I got a 965 scholarship, non-athletic. I couldn't afford NYU or the other schools I got into. I was bummed at first, but now I would not choose to go to another university.

The nightlife can be amazing, depending on where you're looking. the campus shuttle to McFadden's is worth a try just once, but after a while you don't want to go to the closet that is Cheap Shots every week. The best thing about STJ is you can go to Manhattan or Brooklyn in half an hour by train or less than by cab, and find an amazing party/club/event etc. You cannot wait for it to come to you, you have to go out into the city and find it. Once you do, you will have the best memories (should you be able to remember all of them! STJ drinkers go hard). The dorms are gorgeous, the basketball games are wild, the campus events never disappoint, and no matter how big the campus is, you will always, ALWAYS run in to someone you know who wants to hang out. There's tons of things you have to find out on your own-- free movies at the Little Theater, free basketball tickets at Madison Square Garden, and free massages and manicures during finals. The thing about this campus is it's what you make it, and we're more than ready for you when you decide to join in.

The only, ONLY drawback to STJ is our lack of a GSA, which we are still fighting for. We certainly have a gay community, and it is spectacular, but it is not as easily presented as on other campuses. It's super diverse (I managed to be the only person of my ethnicity in my group of friends, which is no small feat!) and full of new people you could have never encountered in your daily life unless you were a diplomat. STJ is fabulous, and definitely worth a visit.

1st Year Female -- Class 2014

Scholastic Success: A+, Education Quality: B