The Transfer Student Experience at NYU

“I couldn’t have gotten where I am without the writing and research skills I developed during undergrad. NYU really helped prepare me for my future in law and journalism.” —Tatiana Velasco

Tatiana Velasco transferred to NYU in 2019 after completing her first two years of college in Las Vegas. When she began the transfer process, she worried that she wouldn’t make friends at NYU. “Transferring to a new school can be hard because people already have their friend groups,” she says. But with constant communication from the University and a vast array of transfer student events, her fears quickly vanished.

“Everyone at NYU was so communicative, and the requirements and expectations were clearly laid out,” she explains. “As soon as I got my NYU email address, I received many emails about what to do next. The transfer student events during orientation made me feel even better because I got to connect with other students and find my community.”

With an interest in media and politics, Tatiana transferred to the College of Arts and Science as a Journalism and Politics double major. Her favorite course at NYU? Professor Lambeth Hochwald’s Journalistic Inquiry: The Written Word, which simulates the fast-paced reality of an on-the-go reporter. Plus, Professor Hochwald later connected Tatiana to an internship opportunity at Hearst Magazines.

When applying for the role, Tatiana turned to NYU’s career development resources to perfect her application materials. “They helped me polish my résumé, prepare for the interview, and construct my narrative,” she says. “I got the internship and worked as a beauty writer. It was a great experience that relieved my anxiety about entering the workforce.”

Tatiana’s interest in journalism and politics grew into a passion for law after completing a January Term (J Term) course at NYU Washington, DC, in 2020. While there, she met with political journalists, interviewed members of Congress, visited the Supreme Court, and attended the impeachment trial of Donald Trump. “Because of my J Term experience at NYU Washington, DC, I wanted to continue my path in that city after graduation,” says Tatiana. “That’s why I came to Georgetown.”

Today, Tatiana is a first-year law student at Georgetown Law, with a budding interest in finance and economics. She credits NYU for equipping her with the knowledge and skills to build a foundation for future success. “Looking back, there’s no other school I would have rather transferred to than NYU,” she reflects. “I couldn’t have gotten where I am without the writing and research skills I developed during undergrad. NYU really helped prepare me for my future in law and journalism.”

“Employers know NYU students are going to do the work. NYU has connections with so many places and the school’s name is so strong that the hiring process is seamless for a lot of students.” —Joanan Sánchez

Joanan Sánchez completed two years of community college before transferring to the English education program at NYU Steinhardt. Almost immediately, he got involved in campus activities and extracurriculars. “I was an instructional mediator for the NYU Metro Center, a role in which I prepared high school students for the SAT and provided academic coaching. In addition, I served as the junior president of the Undergraduate Student Government. It was really powerful for me to do those kinds of things to feel connected and immersed in the NYU experience,” recalls Joanan.

As graduation neared, Joanan realized the NYU experience extended beyond campus and into the professional world. “There’s a name behind NYU,” he says. “Employers know NYU students are going to do the work. NYU has connections with so many places and the school’s name is so strong that the hiring process is seamless for a lot of students.” Joanan experienced this himself when he secured a job as a substitute teacher at Quest to Learn before graduating in January 2019. “The assistant principal at the school was an NYU graduate specifically looking for an NYU student,” explains Joanan. “I did one interview and got the job. And by the summer of 2019, I was offered a full-time position.”

While working at Quest to Learn, Joanan earned his first master’s degree as a literacy specialist from Teachers College, Columbia University. After graduating in May 2022, he decided to pursue a second master’s degree in Education Leadership, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. When he graduates in 2023, Joanan hopes to work in higher education. He’d like to be an academic coach and social, emotional, or cultural mentor for undergraduate and graduate students.

NYU fueled Joanan’s success as an educator in a variety of ways. He’s grateful for the professors who double as mentors, Steinhardt’s advising program, local fieldwork placements, the comprehensive licensure process, events that foster community, and the many university resources shared via email. All of these things and more, especially the supportive environment for transfer students, positively influenced his time at NYU.

“NYU is very accepting of the transfer student community,” concludes Joanan. “I’ve sat on panels and shared my story with incoming students before. Events like that are important because they highlight the testimonials of real transfer students. Since NYU is so accepting, it’s incredibly easy to navigate the system.”

“I can’t imagine going to a different school. When you transfer, you learn to adapt. As long as you like the school and the program you’re transferring to, you’ll be able to step out of your comfort zone and face bigger challenges.” —Katie Xue