CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
New York, NY, USA

Reviews

CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Isabella

from Bronx , NY

Current student

What tips can you share with prospective students?

Reach out and do not be afraid to do whatever you want. This is college—no one is judging you whether you are sitting alone or doing cartwheels in the middle of the hallway. Have fun and go to office hours. Speak to all of your professors and go to tutoring.

In what ways do you feel this college challenges students academically?

I can only speak on the STEM side of things, but I’ve felt challenged since the day I started here. When I think I’m done with work, more magically appears. The labs can be difficult and stressful at times. Especially general chemistry in which you work alone in the lab. You don’t realize until after that the challenges make you a better student and scientist.

How has your college supported your career development and future goals?

As a STEM major, there are countless opportunities being presented to me at all times. The staff is super helpful and they really connect with you to ensure your success. It is the professors and coordinators that really help set you up for a good future.

Jsmilez from Brooklyn, NY

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I learn a lot from this school because the professors are willing to help if you ask. We also are given a lot of readings and if that is not done, the professors provide class discussions to encourage me and my fellow classmates to learn.
Am enjoying being here
I enjoy being here because it is right in the city, also the programs that are provided here for such an affordable price are excellent such like the Pre-law program in which I am involved in where they have a pre-law boot camp for freshmans and sophmores this summer to help prepare me and my peers for law school. I also enjoy being here because John Jay have a variety of students from different backgrounds who attend here. There are also a variety of clubs and activities to get involved in. Th school size is just right, not too big to get lost in, or too small. There are lounges which one may watch t.v., mingle, and use the computers provided.
Bang for the buck
This school is the bang for the buck because it is one of the cheapest school, why pay more for a school if it is not necessary?The name alone has a good reputation, and what better way than to graduate with a good name on your resume.
Tips for prospective students
For prospective students if you know for sure that you want to have a major in the criminal field, or of that sort, this school is perfect for you because it concentrates on that. Also read your emails from school, they tell you things you may actually want to get involved in, such like come and join the choir, or news which can be very vital. Check out what is around you, if you see a fair, check it out! don't be afraid, it may be something for free! It's John Jay giving back. Sometimes the school assistants may carry you around to different buildings, just be stern and polite so they can assist you in the proper manner.
Great for these types of students
Great for Lawyers, forensic scientists, Investigators, and those others in the criminal field.

Emily from Ozone Park, NY

a current student here
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
You get out what you put in. So many great teachers go to ratemyprofessors.com
Am enjoying being here
Great people, but there are some lazy people who just want their edu handed to them.stay away.
Bang for the buck
Easy to get money help
Tips for prospective students
Always register early, and stay in contact with all your professors many of them teach several different classes and a good relationship can really help your grades.
Great for these types of students
People who have alot going on. There are alot of people willing to help but you have to ask. they dont come looking for you.

Priscilla from Kissimmee, FL

a past student here
CategoriesComments
Did learn a lot
I learned so much in this college. I was only attending for a semester and I feel so much more educated than before I attended. The classes are not too big and the teachers focus on their students rather than getting paid. They have a lot of computer areas and the library is quite huge. It's right in the middle of the city and steps away from Central Park. It's well-respected by the city. I wish I could go back.
Did enjoy being here
I enjoyed being there a lot. The office of Student Activities always had something fun planned. From Broadway shows to theme park trips, they offered everything, and it was all FREE. It was first come first serve, but they tell you in advance about the activity. They also had a great theatre program. Their talent shows were amazing.
Bang for the buck
If you live in New York, paying for the school is pretty easy. Not too expensive. If you are out-of-state though, it's a little bit harder. If money is no issue for you then you are just fine, but if money is tight, then you may need to do a student loan on top of financial aid. I only needed to take out a 3500 loan that can be paid back easily. They offer a tuition payment plan though that allows you to pay the tuition while attending which is very helpful. I liked that plan, they give you up to 5 months to pay monthly.
Tips for prospective students
If you plan on attending, a great tip to know is that your classes will be spread out between the T,W, and N buildings. T and N are right next to each other but W is a few streets down, don't get lost. Also, your ID is your life support in that school. You need it for entry to the school and especially the library. There is a cafeteria in the W and N building. the food is amazing and CATERED and not too expensive.
You also get a library card that is good for ANY CUNY school, which is amazing. Lastly, make sure to focus on class work, this school has so much to offer you can get lost in the excitement. GOOD LUCK
Great for these types of students
This school is great for anybody. I saw so many students with so many different majors. The school is mainly for anybody pursuing anything to do with Law Enforcement.

Christine from New York, NY

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
amazing. john jay college has a great program for students considering law school. they have a dedicated faculty and a supportive staff. they understand the struggles that their students are facing and provide as much help as possible.
Tips for prospective students
if you have a problem, seek help! there are so many resources at john jay college, you just need to find them. the clubs, scholarship opportunities, and faculty are all there to help you succeed. they also have a great ba/ma program!
Academic Rigor
your college career is really what you make of it. you can be on the top of your class with their tutoring and friendly professors. one must take initiative and want to succeed. i have a challenging interdisciplinary major and three minors. john jay college allows you to pursue your goals without the limitations.
Dorm Life
john jay college is in new york city! it is located in the heart of the city. the dorms they have are also in the city and is shared with other cuny students. it doesn't have a huge campus, but the city-life is worth it.
Food and Dining
there are cafeterias at john jay that is standard dining. since john jay is in new york city, one can find chinese, thai, greek, and italian food, all in one block!
What to do for fun
john jay is very involved with their community. student council provides many different events on campus through-out the year. events include, broadway shows, tickets to see sports games, museum visits, fashion shows, and many academic panel discussions on criminal policy issues. john jay has a swimming pool, basketball court, and a tennis court.
Bang for the buck
john jay college offers many scholarship opportunities that include college-wide, cuny-wide, and national scholarships. their faculty and staff are dedicated to your success. with the urban male initiative, women's center, honor program, counseling center, and ronald h. brown law school prep program, just to name a few.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
john jay college just opened their new building! it is beautiful, massive, and a great way to integrate student life and professors. with the new campus, one can finally have a sense of community within the school.
Great for these types of students
middle class students who work and go to school. professors understand where you are coming from and are willing to work with you. the counseling center is extremely support. john jay college and new york city is extremely diverse. you won't have to worry about not fitting in. as a school, it is extremely cultured and open to new traditions.
Clubs and Activities
there are many clubs at john jay, and if there isn't a club you want to join, john jay makes it a simple process for you to start your own club. john jay has a variety of clubs to unite students with the same interest, such as pre-law society, debate club, mock-trial, and buddhism for justice,
Campus Safety
there are many security guards around campus and students have to use their student id cards to get into the building. crime rates are low.

Branda from Brooklyn, NY

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
John Jay College provides all the resources you will need to succeed in life but it's up to you to utilize them. The clubs bring everyone together because you get to come out to events and be apart of a student body where you meet great people. The mix of students here is refreshing and the librarians are the best as long as your nice of course :)
Tips for prospective students
Don't wait until deadlines,when your professor gives you the syllabus make sure you are actively planning ahead. In the wise words of Benjamin Franklin If you fail to prepare you will prepare to fail!
Be mindful of your attitudes. These are the people who will be writing recommendation letters for you when your nearing senior year and you don't want to leave a sour taste in their mouth when they think of you.
Be genuine but be open to growth. Everything about your first year will lay the groundwork for the rest of your semesters here at John Jay College

#GoBloodHounds !!!! <3
Academic Rigor
I find that even my simplest class can turn into a nightmare when I fail to review. It can be overwhelming if your like me and thought high school study skills would get you through college. The library will become your best friend from now on. But other than that you will get a lot out of your classes and it's practical.
Dorm Life
No comment. I commute but I here the dorm life here is pretty good. Definitely schedule a college visit, that will give you a better idea if your strongly considering John Jay as your 1st choice and want to dorm.
Food and Dining
The food here is good but it's pricey >.< !
I know that on some days they have student specials but if your like me and trying to save your bucks it probably wouldn't work in your favor to eat at the school cafe everyday. There is also lots of vendors out side of campus so no worries you'll have options to choose from.
What to do for fun
Volunteer, Club hosted events throughout the semester, Plays, Movie Nights,
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The school is pretty much empty on Fridays and Saturdays so if you have any classes it's nice and quiet or if you plan on staying behind to do school work it'll be cool because no one will barely be in the library.
Great for these types of students
Really passionate about justice reform in all industries, Advocates, Empowering , Change makers, Leaders. Goal Oriented. Very Persistent.
Clubs and Activities
The Clubs are amazing and they're very friendly and easy to join. I believe if you come consecutively after one year to their meetings or events they consider you an official member.
Greek Life
mostly academic : Psi Chi, Phi Eta Sigma, a couple more but you'll find them on John's Jay's Bulletin Board it's like this really chunky PDF file of all that the school has to offer. I don't really here much about Greek life activities on campus but I do want to get involved my spring semester of next year so I'll ask around. It's one of those things where you have to look into and if theirs not a chapter here you can just create one with a couple of friends.
Campus Safety
Top notch.

Sundas from Coram, NY

a past student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
John Jay was honestly the absolute best school I have ever seen. The professors are extremely understanding and take the time to get to know you. The school also has tons of amazing opportunities for us students.
Tips for prospective students
Have fun! Sometimes, you get caught up in the stresses of college and you forget to stop and smell the roses. John Jay has so many amazing clubs and activities to join and I am suggesting you join them. You will make friends who will last a lifetime and memories that will be unforgettable!
Academic Rigor
Yes, John Jay is absolutely challenging, but the professors help you along the way. If you need support, they will give it to. There were so many assignments I thought were so difficult but my professors helped me through them and never once made me feel of a lesser value.
Dorm Life
Although I didn't dorm, several of my friends did, and let me tell you this: as a city school, John Jay has the absolute best dorm location. Right on seventh avenue! AMAZING
Food and Dining
We have Starbucks and hundreds of other varieties of food. If you don't like the food inside the building, you can walk down the street and get a slice of pizza; or you can walk down the steps of the building and get a gyro; you can ever get a deli sandwich from across the street!
What to do for fun
YOU ARE IN NEW YORK CITY! Go site-seeing; go see a broadway show; go shopping on fashion avenue. But if you want to stay in the school, join one of the clubs or sports teams we have!
Bang for the buck
This school is so low priced that it's crazy. It's unbelievable what you get for so little!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
During finals week, if you walk onto the platform between the first and second floor, you will find tons of students all sleeping on the lounge chairs. It's hilarious! Also, during finals week, the school gives free breakfast and free massages! How much better could it get?
Great for these types of students
John Jay is a school for EVERYONE! You'll find something here that you'll like to do. But, it is particularly great for those interested in Criminal Justice! Probably the best school in the country for Criminal Justice.
Clubs and Activities
There is such a variety of clubs and activities, you are bound to find one you'll like!
Campus Safety
I never once felt unsafe on campus. We have security guards at every entrance, and to get into the building, you have to scan you ID card in. Also, since we are a school of Criminal Justice, there are constantly police officers walking around. How much safer could it get?

Stephanie from New York, NY

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
John Jay college is a diverse and promising school with a renowned background. John Jay has grown with the modern times with it's edition of the more campus like new building, new logo, and wide variety of new classes offered. However, the same critical thinking, International fame, and prestige still remain as well as flourish.
Tips for prospective students
If you are thinking about attending John Jay I advise you to join clubs and take advantage of the opportunities available to you. John Jay college, though a CUNY school is internationally known in the Criminal Justice area of academics and offers BA/MA programs as well as PhD Programs. Factoring in the clubs, internships, and available research experience as well, shows a great deal of opportunities to further advance your career and I recommend you take them.
Academic Rigor
The academic difficulties at John Jay stem from an expected level of work. There is a great deal of writing and reading but perhaps the most interesting and sometimes difficult is the thought aspect. The course work here and the professors themselves will strive to challenge you mentally. All in all, the difficulty depends on how well someone can balance their schedule, time, and efforts
Dorm Life
This section is not exactly applicable as there is only dorm room available outside of the school in a different borough. The Campus life however is great in that the City is basically your campus, with Central Park and Times Square in walking distance, as well as large lounge areas in the new building.
Food and Dining
Not only are there a large and smaller cafeteria, a cafe, and small coffee stands available but there is also the city. Outside of John Jay and in each direction there is and abundance of restaurants, cafes, bars, and other dining areas.
What to do for fun
Since John Jay offers a community hour, a little over an hour that everyone has off for lunch, clubs, workshops, and other activities, there are plenty of activities offered in that time. There are also college get-togethers like movies, concerts, dances, etc. Outside of the academic aspects, there is a great deal more fun activities. Located on 59th street Columbus Circle John Jay is considered to be almost in the heart of the city. With available transportation all over Manhattan and stretching into every borough the possibilities seem endless.
Bang for the buck
The college itself has a relatively inexpensive tuition rate which is pretty amazing when considering the amount of free services available. John Jay offers free tutoring, plenty of student events, discounted sales for movies and other entertainment, free classes (ex: Yoga, Defense, kick boxing), a writing center, lounge areas, computer and wifi access, and much more.
Great for these types of students
John Jay is great for many different types of students. Anyone looking for a combination of city and campus life with a mentally stimulating education would enjoy this school. If you want promising opportunities and education inside and outside of the classroom, this is the school for you,
Clubs and Activities
A wide variety of clubs are offered from a variety of cultural clubs to multiple clubs aiming to involve John Jay in the community of New York. There are debate teams, a women's center, clubs for armed forces, a center for professional development, a children's center, and various other clubs and activities in order to help current students, their families, and the community.
Greek Life
Several years ago, moderately recent, Greek life was introduced in John Jay. If you look around the school you can see people of sororities and fraternities hanging out and participating in the college community. The Greek life at John Jay is not particularly emphasized as much as other schools but is an available source of campus life.
Campus Safety
Not only are there school safety, students of John Jay, but there are also NYC police officers and outside school safety services around. The school all in all is a very safe environment and promotes school safety as well as acceptance and understanding of others.

Brauli from Bronx, NY

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
John Jay College, by far, has been one of the greatest experiences I have had since I decided to pursue my career goals through further education. The faculty and students are down to earth being that they themselves come from various ethnic and economic backgrounds. One can say that John Jay College is an educational conglomerate of adverse and distinct ideologies.
Tips for prospective students
For entering students, I would suggest that you take advantage of all John Jay College has to offer. There are social clubs, academic advisement, counseling, extracurricular activities etc.. The point is to take advantage of everything so that you may have a successful career here at John Jay College.
Academic Rigor
The faculty at John Jay College are always more than willing to help students ensure their success throughout their college career. Although success requires much dedication from the student, the faculty is always there each step of the way.
Dorm Life
We currently don't have a dorm, but if we did I am sure it would be one of the best.
Food and Dining
John Jay is located at the center of Manhattan isle, so you will be subject to many cultural cuisines. Also enjoy the view of our beautiful city of New York.
What to do for fun
Around campus there are many activities for fun. Depending on your age and mindset of course.
Great for these types of students
John Jay is great for any type of student.
Campus Safety
Safety on Campus is one of the best I've seen thus far in my college experience. John Jay College has been able to keep up to date with new technologies in order to maintain the safety of its students and applicants.

Annette from Corona, NY

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
1. John Jay College of Criminal Justice has a beautifully campus.
2. A student who is dedicated will learn a lot from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
3. The professors as well as the students are very helpful.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you go to student orientation.
Take advantage of all the free activities for the students.
Take pride in the college that you plan to attend; it's your college.
Academic Rigor
Read ahead of the assigned readings and homework. Doing this you will definitely be ahead of the class - you do not want to fall behind.
Dorm Life
I commuted; I live at home.
Food and Dining
Great. There's a variety of food; so just take your pick. But if you do not like what is served, you can always to the nearby restaurants or street vendors.
What to do for fun
Every now and then, John Jay will give students free and/or discount tickets to Broadway plays. So make sure you take advantage of that.
Bang for the buck
If you want your money to go a long way, rent and/or purchase used books, especially if you're not going to keep them.
Clubs and Activities
There are all types of clubs and activities for the students. If you see something you're interested - join. You will not be turned away.
Greek Life
I did not participate in any Greek Life, but the Greek Life Community is there. You just going to have to do your research and joined.
Campus Safety
John Jay is a very safe school; I never felt that I was in danger.

Dalida from Wayne, NJ

a current student here
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice is a college that allows students of many backgrounds and diversities to learn a broaden their horizons. The professors, campus, and opportunities are just a few of the things that make the college feel like the right college for everyone. No one is turned down or overlooked. Everyone is family.
Tips for prospective students
Students who are looking to go to CUNY John Jay and any other college remember that you are not in high school and that nothing is given to you. One must strive for greatness and become independent. There are so many people there to help you, but you must help yourself first.
Academic Rigor
CUNY John Jay has several tutors on campus that can help in all different types of classes. From Chemistry to writing skills, John Jay has several staff and peers to help you with anything you might have difficulties with. Academics are very important to CUNY John Jay, and if they see students who see it that way too, they will reward them.
Dorm Life
Since CUNY John Jay is in Manhattan, NY the campus and the dorms are in the heart of New York. This gives a student something not a lot of students in different campuses have, that is reality. Dorms are scattered around Manhattan, NY which gives a grown up feel to all the students who do dorm. CUNY John Jay is also a commuter school, so there is plenty of transportation around to get to your destination.
Food and Dining
CUNY John Jay has a cafeteria and cafes on campus which is very affordable and efficient when students are on the run.
What to do for fun
CUNY John Jay has a swimming pool along with a gym. Also, there is a outside park area on the roof for leisure.
Bang for the buck
You get a degree and plenty of opprotunities for internships and future careers.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There is a freshman orientation and welcome week that we have every year for the new students of CUNY John Jay.
Great for these types of students
Students that are motivated and well rounded are perfect for CUNY John Jay.
Clubs and Activities
There are plenty of clubs and activities for all types of students and their majors.
Campus Safety
Since CUNY John Jay is a criminal justice school there are the finest secuirty system along with police walking in and out of the school everyday.