The City University of New York Brooklyn College

Date: Dec 06 2003
Major: Political Science (This Major's Salary over time)
From what I have gathered, this site does not have a single Brooklyn College student who reviewed or provided statistical information about the college. I am here to do just that and also to dispel "myths" that detract from the value and quality of the university (e.g. CUNY Reputation and Open Admissions). Everyone who's lived in the NYC area knows the history of CUNY (City University of New York)'s downfall in two words: Open Admissioins. In the late 1960s and the early 1970s, CUNY began an admirable policy that would eventually lead to a horrendous outcome. They instituted open admissions so every student in NYC would have their chance at attending college. Philosophically, it was a novel idea; practically, it decimated the hard-earned reputation of the CUNY schools. Now, the policy has left the myth with thousands of NYC students my age, older, and younger, that the CUNY Schools are for students who "couldn't cut it" in high school.

Allow my experiences to shred this "couldn't cut it" myth. Granted, I am in the Brooklyn College Honors Academy as well as a member of the newly formed and prestigious CUNY Honors College, a CUNY wide program focused on retaining the best of NYC high schools' graduating students through academic and monetary incentives. However, I shall elucidate how my experiences contradict the open admissions myth. Brooklyn's professors expect their students to meet high standards through homework and examinations. I have read around 700 pages of philosophy for my Race, Justice, and Equality class, with another 50 to 60 pages left before the final examination. In my political science class, not only have I read the entire 300+ page text for the class, but I have also read around 250 pages of outside sources simply for class assignments let alone the final papers and project. Papers per week are common, as well as teacher feedback and aid. The courses and professors are not for students wishing to sleep or procrastinate through college. The Political Science Department offers NYC and State government internships and the government and affairs office has contacts throughout the city and state for student internships. With the exception of one, all of my professors hold PhD's in their respective fields. Two of which are completely Ivy League educated, from undergrad to doctoral. All of my professors readily offer assistance to students. This is not a school for students who do not take their lives and futures into their hands and strive for excellence.