From Google to Global: How I Chose NYU Without Visiting Campus

At 15 years old, I was attending high school in Australia and had just fallen in love with the only man I needed in my life—MANhattan. I obsessed over The Carrie Diaries, Broadway shows, and Tumblr blogs dedicated to pictures of Manhattan. I even loved my very touristy NYC snow globe that still sits on top of my desk. After visiting New York City for the first time, I knew I wanted to move across the world to chase my dreams in the big city. The only problem was I didn’t know when I would move, how I could move, and where I would go.

I started to take my love for Manhattan seriously when I graduated high school. At the time, I felt confused and overwhelmed, stuck on a path that didn’t feel right to me. So I took a gap year to figure out what I really wanted out of my education and career. 

I was determined to find a university that could give me an extensive and detailed music education but also challenge me academically. And, of course, I wanted to be in New York City.

When my Google search turned up the NYU Steinhardt Vocal Performance Program, I knew it was the perfect fit for me. I ran out to the kitchen where my parents were cooking spaghetti and screamed “I HAVE TO GO HERE!” They laughed. But you know what? The joke’s on them because here I am now, a junior at NYU pursuing my Bachelor of Music.

Living on the other side of the world, I didn’t necessarily have the resources to visit campus. I didn’t know the difference between the ACT and the SAT, or have a college counselor. I had no idea what the Common Application or AP and honors classes were. 

So I decided to go back to my best friend, Google (who I will graciously thank in my graduation speech and when I win my first Tony Award), and did more research. I visited every admissions page and scoured YouTube for dorm tours. Online forums offered insight into which program was better—Tisch or Steinhardt (the answer is both). I even looked at NYU’s Ticket Central to see which Broadway shows I might be able to catch as an NYU student. 

Once I found out everything I could online, I applied and the rest is history!

By the time Early Decision II results rolled out in 2017, I had done enough research to feel well informed when making the decision to join the Class of 2021. 

The picture is really special to me because it was the first time I saw NYU. My mum came to NYC with me to help move me into the dorm. We went, as all tourists do, to the top of the Empire State Building. It was a clear and warm summer day. I peered out into the bustling city and I saw the NYU campus in the distance. I saw the Kimmel Center for University Life and Bobst Library just beyond Washington Square Park. If you look close enough in the picture you can see them, too!

This was the first day I set foot on the NYU campus. I felt overwhelmed with the anticipation of starting university and the sadness of leaving my incredible family on the other side of the world. But the moment I saw NYU for the very first time, I knew I was home. I made it.

Although I never visited campus or attended admitted student events during my own NYU admissions process, I now lead campus tours every week. As an Admissions Ambassador, I answer questions on the admissions phone line, and welcome prospective students at various events. 

So now to you, the reader. Maybe you’re just like me and you don’t necessarily have the resources to visit campus, attend an information session, or see New York City. I’m here to tell you that it’s okay! I am here to help.

We have Admissions Counselors who are familiar with the education systems in different countries, states, and regions around the world. Someone on the incredible team is knowledgeable about your processes and can answer any questions you have. Just email [email protected] or call us at 1-212-998-4500. (I used to get up at 5am to call because of the time difference!)

For program/major specific information, you can speak to an Admissions Counselor about prerequisites and the application requirements. Not sure what program or major you should be searching for? That’s okay! We can help with that too. 

Over the phone you can also speak to the amazing Admissions Ambassadors! We are all current NYU students across multiple NYU schools such as Steinhardt, Tandon, Nursing, the College of Arts and Science, Tisch, and so on. Ask us about residential life, application requirements, different major/minor/programs and our experiences at NYU. No question is a silly question. We have been in your shoes so we know how you feel!

You can also visit campus remotely, via NYU’s Virtual Campus Experience.