NYU has been recently named one of the “New Ivies” for 2013 by an online resource for prospective college students.
The website, which is called Unigo, comes out with new rankings and an editorial team decides what prospective students might consider important when contemplating colleges. Current college students can also use Unigo to review their school and share their experience to shape the perception of various universities.
Unigo founder and CEO Jordan Goldman said the schools ranked as “New Ivies” are schools that are already largely viewed as some of the top academic institutions in the country.
“They are the new ‘standard bearers,’” Goldman said. “In other words, they combine incredible academics, bright students, reputable professors [and] faculty, educational opportunities and more. They are the schools where everyone wants to get in, spend four of the best years of their lives and graduate with pride.”
More than 30,000 students voted in Unigo’s 2013 ranking series, which occurred over a 12-month period. Voting took place by students involved with Unigo who had reviewed their particular schools. Unigo measures various aspects of the universities by asking students to rank and measure their schools based on academics, happiness, professor satisfaction, prestige, newsworthiness and more.
In the “New Ivy” category, NYU tops the list at number one. Emory and Wesleyan were also highly ranked.
“Ultimately, every list should be helpful for students who want to hear from current students while making their college choices,” Goldman said.
The website noted the diversity of the students and programs offered, which helped raise NYU to the number one spot out of the 10 ranked.
“How many universities can claim to be just as renowned for their business school as they are for their performing arts programs?” the website said. “Among its alumni, the school can boast nearly the same amount of Nobel Prize winners as Academy Award winners.”
NYU spokesman Philip Lentz said although the university does not pay much attention to college rankings, NYU pride is always a good thing.
“We are proud that people think of NYU in the company of the world’s foremost universities,” Lentz said. “NYU charts its own course toward academic excellence and we believe this ranking speaks well of the quality and talent among NYU’s faculty and students.”
“I know that NYU is a fantastic university. Not only do I teach here but I am an alumni,” journalism professor Yvonne Latty said. “Every year I am more and more impressed by the caliber of students, who in the end are what makes the university, our community, so special. No, I was not surprised at all. It’s an academical rigorous school in the coolest neighborhood in New York City.”
Though Stern junior Emil Chen said she agrees that NYU has a great student life and study abroad program, NYU cannot beat other Ivies.
“While Stern and Tisch are great programs, other schools are much stronger overall,” Chen said. “Even looking at other non-Ivies, MIT has the Nobel Prizes to rival any school. And also, if you’re comparing NYU to the Ivy Leagues, which was originally formed for sports, our Division III teams don’t exactly inspire much confidence.”
A version of this article appeared in the Sept. 6 print edition. Gentry Brown is university editor. Email her at [email protected].
