I just got accepted NYU stern. I’ve read on this forum that NYU is a super competitive socially dead school that’s not fun at all. I want to know if it’s really that bad, and also how well it recruits to IB.
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Congratulations on your acceptance to NYU Stern! Let’s break this down into two parts: the social environment and investment banking (IB) recruiting.
Social Environment at NYU Stern
Based on previous WSO threads, Stern has a reputation for being competitive, especially because many students are laser-focused on finance and career outcomes. However, the idea that it’s "socially dead" is an exaggeration. While some students may prioritize career goals over socializing, Stern’s location in NYC offers unparalleled opportunities for networking, internships, and a vibrant social life outside of campus. The key is to balance your academic and career ambitions with exploring the city and building relationships with peers. Many Stern students have reported forming lifelong friendships and enjoying the unique NYC experience.
IB Recruiting at Stern
Stern is widely regarded as a "finance school" and is considered one of the best non-M7 schools for investment banking. It’s a core recruiting school for many top-tier investment banks, including bulge brackets (BBs) and elite boutiques (EBs). According to WSO content: - Stern has strong placement in IB, with many students securing summer internships and full-time offers. - The competition for IB roles is intense, as a significant portion of the student body is targeting these positions. Networking, maintaining a strong GPA, and participating in relevant clubs (e.g., finance clubs) are crucial to standing out. - Stern’s NYC location gives students access to boutique firms and networking events, which can be a significant advantage.
In summary, while Stern can be competitive, it’s far from "socially dead," and its IB recruiting is top-notch. If you’re proactive and take advantage of the resources and opportunities available, you’ll be in a strong position to succeed both socially and professionally.
Sources: Pre-Admit Ross vs. Stern for Undergraduate-- About to be a freshman, Is NYU Stern's(undergraduate) reputation increasing?, What makes NYU so good?
NYU Alumni here - competitive as shit dead as fuck unless your parents are loaded and you can really enjoy the NYC experience, recruiting is also heavily dependent on if you're in the clubs if you want a shot at the top MMHFs, EBs. Everything else like BBs and MMs are fair game but keep in mind there are still some BBs that are gatekept like Bank of America. Alumni are absolute horseshit and I don't have any incentive to respond to kids simply because there's way too many sternies gunning for IB.
My parents are kinda rich but how rich would you say to rlly enjoy the experience? By dead as fuck do you mean it's Is it tough to make friends or js nothing going on? And last question, how should I recruit for clubs and prepare for recruiting at the top MMHF's? Should I js transfer out or would you say it's worth it to stay
where you're able to spend 2-3k a month in discretionary spending freely not including anything rent/tuition/living cost related.
I'll add my .02 as an older Stern alum. I wasn't in any clubs and didn't hang out with many Stern folks. Had a great college experience in NYC. Was able to intern for a HF which helped me land junior internship at reputable MM bank with relatively low effort. 3.4 GPA. Overall, the school's brand and location did its job, at least for me.
Pack it up unc the new gens don’t have it like this
My thoughts as a recent Stern alum - first of all congrats. Would agree with others on the socially meh/super competitive part. Most of my NYU friend group I met were from outside of Stern but not to say you can't meet people thru your business classes/clubs/etc. Also, there are things outside of Stern you can involve yourself with to make your undergrad memorable/unique. For me it was study abroad. I've never left the US prior so I wanted to experience a semester in Europe. That led to meeting said people from different walks of life and improving my social life. But yes it can get pretty sweaty (i.e. the Stern Curve, rushing business frats, board members of finance clubs, etc.) I was used to it bc I went to an ultra competitive HS in California
Yeah I also do so hopefully I can manage the worst parts of the experience well. Is it similar to ultra competitive nature of California high schools?
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