Meet Allison, an NYU School of Professional Studies alum who began her college journey as a Spring Start student studying sports management. Originally from Texas and expecting to attend a large state school, Allison took a leap of faith on NYU, an experience that ultimately reshaped her path.
From navigating the uncertainty of starting a semester late to building a strong community and graduating early, she approached her time at NYU with intention and drive. Now working full-time in sports marketing at ESPN, Allison reflects on how being a spring admit pushed her to fully embrace every opportunity and make the most of her college experience.
The Decision
What made you decide to attend New York University as a spring admit?
Transparently, NYU was the best school that I got into, and it was actually nowhere near where I thought I’d end up. I’d imagined myself going to a big state school with football and big sports culture, coming from Texas and thinking of working in sports, but I’m so glad I ended up at NYU. It is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
When you first learned you were a Spring Start admit, what was your initial reaction?
My initial reaction was definitely confusion, but after reading more about NYU’s sport management program and what being a spring start entailed, I felt less intimidated and uncertain, and took the leap.
The way I’d explain the spring start program is that we’re only starting slightly delayed, but it doesn’t dictate our overall journey or where we can end up at all. You’re no different than any other student, and your overall NYU experience is entirely up to you and what you make of it.
The Fall Before Spring Start
What did you do during the fall semester before beginning classes at NYU? How did you use this time effectively?
The fall semester before I came to NYU, I worked at a local gym where I saved money, knowing that the cost of living in New York was much higher than in Texas. (And yet it didn’t last very long in NYC, lol.) In hindsight, I do wish that I’d taken a class or two, as a lot of my friends did. If it’s feasible and you’re considering it, I definitely recommend it because it’s a good way to ease the transition into college and save money, time, and/or credits in the future.
I do think that being a spring start propelled me to come into college with a chip on my shoulder, the desire to really take advantage of all college had to offer, and the motivation to hit the ground running. The spring cohort of students also had a chance to get pretty close because we’re a small group and share so many of our classes and a living space/dorm building.
Transition to NYU
What was it like arriving on campus in January?
I definitely came in feeling like I was behind, but I used this as a motivator to take advantage of all my classes, of being in the city, and getting involved right off the bat. I actively looked for communities to join at school and in the city, whether that was through student clubs or playing pick-up soccer.
In what ways did you feel connected to, or distanced from, the rest of the campus community?
I was really lucky that a good friend from high school also came to NYU, as a “traditional” student and member of the NYU Women’s Soccer team, so she helped ease the disconnect of being a spring admit a little more. Nonetheless, there was still a little bit of distance between the “traditional” admits and spring admits, and my best advice to any spring admit is that you really have to be intentional about connecting with the rest of the campus community, instead of just the comfort of fellow spring admits. And getting connected is very possible.
Going to the NYU and SPS club fairs and having Engage was helpful to find out what communities there were and what I was interested in trying out or joining. The club fairs and Engage were how I found out about NYU club soccer, NYU Sports Business Society, and several Christian student organizations—communities and organizations I’m still involved with today and made a huge impact on me during my time in undergrad.
Reflection
Looking back now as an alum, how do you feel about having been part of the Spring Start program?
Looking back, being a spring admit was such a blip in such a crazy, rewarding, and abundant college journey. So many people I know are still surprised about the fact that I was a spring admit, and it wasn’t something that defined me at all. If anything, I’m more proud of the fact that I was a spring admit who still managed to feel like such an ingrained part of my NYU community, and also managed to graduate a semester early!
What advice would you give to students who are offered Spring admission to NYU?
Don’t see being a spring admit as a setback at all, and use it as the spark to really make the most of your college experience, hit the ground running, and definitely take advantage of the fall to learn, rest, travel, etc., before you come to NYU. Be ready to adapt, face the new and uncertain, but also grow and learn so much in the short amount of time that is college.
Related
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Spring Start at NYU: What to Expect
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