NYU recently announced its second round of early decision acceptances for the incoming freshman class. Without a doubt potential Violets are now overcome with excitement and a sense of accomplishment. However, it may come as a surprise to some students to see that they have been accepted into Liberal Studies or Global Liberal Studies Program.There is no better way to find answers than to speak to students who have experienced the programs first-hand.

Amanda Braitman, LS freshman

LS is not for everyone. It is heavily based in reading and writing and you are expected to take part in class discussions. If the thought of your professor knowing your name intimidates you, you should look elsewhere. The point of the program is to give you a base to work up from, a general understanding of [the] humanities that you can refer to in your quest for further education. It works to your advantage: what you put in, that’s what you get out. My professors have all been committed and passionate, and though I sometimes drag my feet going to class, I know that ultimately what I’m learning is valuable, interesting, challenging and above all, meaningful.

Asha Ruparell, LS sophomore

LS has a lot of pros and cons. I appreciated the small class sizes and personal connection you get with classmates and the professors, but there are also a lot of restrictions. If you know what you want to major in then it’s perfect because you get to take interesting classes that fit your humanities requirements and every school has specific way for LS students to still get the requirements for their major. The restrictions come in when you’re completely undecided or are just deciding between two majors. The requirements for LS are such that you only have enough credits for one non-LS class each semester freshman year.

Melissa Godin, GLS senior

I was drawn to GLS because of the program’s holistic approach to education. I am a strong proponent that one of the best ways to learn is through experience, and GLS — with its emphasis on studying abroad and its focus on experiential learning — seemed like the perfect fit. I had very high expectations for the program coming in and I can say with utmost confidence, that the program went above and beyond my expectations. I have lived in New York, Paris, and Florence, I have done research in Guatemala and Cambodia, and I have had one-on-one attention with every professor I have ever had. If it weren’t for GLS, I would never have applied for the Rhodes Scholarship and it is likely I would not be going to do my master’s at Oxford next year. I cannot think of one GLS senior who doesn’t agree that this program has allowed them to develop into more interested and intricate versions of themselves.

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Email Polina Buchak at [email protected].