Admissions

I would say that overall, Baruch College is a great school that gives students a very clear pathway to their goals. They have very good advisers to help students keep on that path to success.

Do all of your paperwork much, much earlier than you expect to, or pick days that you know people won't be actually attending the college such as during spring break or on a holiday where the school is still open because the lines for offices like Financial Aid just aren't worth it.

Definitely invest in a laptop because some professors go too fast for you to keep up in writing. And I've encountered some that base all of their tests solely on your notes and not at all on the books.

Try and look up information about the professor before deciding on your classes since their teaching styles will dramatically affect how the course goes (especially since some of them don't even give traditional finals).

Apply early to your classes, especially if you want to take them in the afternoon. The competition for spots in popular courses is brutal... Some students were even caught using programs that automatically apply for them so they could reserve their spot. If you can't apply early, then I hope you're a morning person.

I wouldn't apply for more than 4 classes a semester with the workload some of the professors provide you, especially if you intend on having a social life.

Always rent your books, never buy because even though the professor may say you'll need it for the course, in my experience it's rare that the book is so fundamental to the class that it's worth buying.

If you live outside of the city, or far from the school, definitely try and get used to trains. Driving your car is not an option with the parking problems, and the traffic makes taxis almost obsolete.

Don't expect all fun and games. Getting into Baruch is tough. Getting into the Zicklin School of Business is tougher. Get prepared to work almost three times as long outside the classroom than inside it just to get a satisfactory grade. Baruch is not one of the best schools in New York because they allow slackers.

Be prepared to work hard. Definitely get involved, and make friends.

Study smart, the classes here are not easy. Do not stay up last minute to study. Also, talk to professors after class. They are very warm and respectful, they will will remember your name a lot easier, and you can learn a lot if you ask them the right questions.

Don't let yourself get overwhelmed by the size of the school. Being friendly and paying attention in class can take you very far.

Don't hope for an easy life here. Be ready to commit yourself for learning.

For the price, you get a good quality education and financial aid is available. Keep track of your paperwork, student ID, applications etc. because the staff is not that accomodating. Even though this is a CUNY college the course work is more demanding. Be prepared to study hard.