Reviews

I am currently a student at the Parsons division of The New School, and my major is Fashion Design. The thing that sets me apart from my section (during the first semester you will be a part of a section that you have almost all of your classes with; you'll become quite close with these people) that may help you gauge how much a person learns here is that before Parsons I had never taken an art class before in my life. So, this being a tough art school, sometimes I feel like I'm in the back of the pack. But only since August, my teachers have helped me so much and I have improved my art skills by leaps and bounds.
There are also English and Art History classes in addition to studio classes, and these help tremendously with formal analysis of artwork that the average eye never would have seen before.

Although there are many late nights and several stressful moments, I feel that this school is so worth it. Being in New York City immersed in culture and surrounded by people who enjoy what they are doing just as much as you do is an experience that really cannot be matched.
The Foundation program is what makes Parsons unique, for it is a very rigorous first semester and year for freshmen. But if you are passionate and driven, it will be a wonderful fit for you.

A good thing about The New School's cost is that it remains the same for both in and out of state students, so you know that you and fellow classmates feel approximately the same about finances.
The learning experience here is extremely unique, and when you pay for your tuition you are not only paying for a very solid education that will look fabulous on your resume, but you are also paying to engage yourself in the never-ending learning opportunities that the city has to offer.

You must work very, very hard and be serious about attending The New School.
Yes, NYC is a fun city and it will be tempting to go out instead of doing homework sometimes, but honestly, time management and awareness of priorities is a must. Not to say that you cannot have fun here, because even walking to class and seeing people and things around you can be quite entertaining.
Just keep in mind that you are paying good money, and your teachers will expect a lot out of you. Also, the higher quality your work, the more chances you have for obtaining scholarships. So in the words of Tim Gunn, work hard!

Artists, hard workers, students who need a break from the routine and want to live in an exciting place, people who aren't afraid to take risks, theatre students, well-dressed kids (joking, but you will see a lot of these here!) band kids and people who appreciate jazz and classical music (as there is a jazz program here), people who are not by any means afraid to express themselves, and ultimately students who are very determined and love what they do.

At the New School learning isn't about regurgitating information you learn through lectures, it's about perspectives and discussion. You gain a lot more through the seminar classes than one-sides of the story you would get from other colleges and universities.

Everyone is really great here, and you can easily be yourself.

It's expensive, yes, but 1) you're in New York City and 2) you gain so much knowledge and experience at this school through its unique way of teaching.

Be prepared to be asked your opinion when you come here, because it truly matters. The professors want to hear it, because that is what the classes are based on. You shouldn't be afraid to make a stance on anything here. They're open to it all.

If you want to be an unknown in a giant lecture hall, passing a class simply by being able to ace tests, then the New School is not for you. If you want to get to know your professor and classmates really well, and care more about what you're gaining from the class in general, then it is absolutely perfect.

The New School has many schools underneath its title. From Parson's for the artsy students, to Mannes to Jazz for the music kids, and Lang for the liberal arts, The New School has something for everyone.

I have been attending The New School for almost a full semester now and I can honestly say that I have learned so much. Within the first few weeks of classes, I could feel my mind expanding and I could feel myself soaking up all of the knowledge that my professors had to offer. I have only been here for a short time and I already feel my mind taking on a new way of thinking and I have discovered a more liberal way of learning.

Being at The New School has been such a wonderful experience for me. I really enjoy being here and attending all of my classes. The environment at The New School is set up in such a way that makes students eager to learn. Coming to class does not feel like a chore, it is something you look forward to.

If anyone is planning on attending The New School, they should be ready for a new way of learning. The teaching and the curriculum at The New School is different from any other university. The professors support and encourage students to expand their minds and to think outside the box. So if you are planning to study here, be ready for a non-conventional way of learning.

The New School is great for students who are looking to explore a new way of learning and thinking. It is great for anyone who is eager to tap into their creative minds and to expand their innovative ideas.

I hadn't taken an art class since the eighth grade before coming to Parsons. I am currently in my Foundation year, which is incredibly intense but so rewarding. In the first semester you learn basics, such as the gray scale and color wheel, proportions of the body and drawing techniques, and how to work with others. You learn through critiques how to make your artwork better than it already may be. Parsons really opens your mind to new ways of thinking and viewing the world.

The education at Parsons is amazing. You learn so much so quickly, and the culture of New York is fantastic. If you are in a division other than Parsons, there are plenty of opportunities to meet friends and enjoy the city. During the first year of Parsons, I have found that you are so busy doing your homework that it is very hard to have time for socializing, although I hear this changes through your time at Parsons. Personally I miss having time for myself and money to spare.

It is an expensive school, but the teachers are the very best and SO worth it. If you're attending Parsons, don't go by the quoted cost on your financial information page. Add at least a thousand in your budget, as you will spend a range on art supplies and building materials.

Again, add extra money into your budget when planning for Parsons. New York City can be expensive, so watch your spending closely. It's very easy to get caught up in eating out, shopping, and spending money on entertainment if you aren't careful. Get a frequent shopper card at Utrecht or Blick art supply stores, you'll be there quite often. Sketch often, just practice. Don't be afraid of critiques, they can be intimidating but extremely helpful. Same goes with peers. Everyone is at different artistic levels, and it can get intimidating. Just focus on your own personal growth and just take every opportunity to learn as much as possible. Oh, and don't skip class--get a really good alarm clock and a good coffee pot, you'll need it the first year.

*dedicated, hard workers
*artistic/creative
*open-minded
*willing to spend $$$
*opinionated/talkative- a lot of teachers grade on in class participation
*ambitious- crazy ideas impress :)

The New School is a place where you can find a great community within a big city. It is a place where your ideas are constantly challenged and your mind opened. The experiences offered are unique and one of a kind.

Academic life is very rigorous. Do not be fooled. You will be pushed outside of your academic and emotional comfort zone.

Dorm life is fun and very helpful the first year. Plenty of friendships are made and it's a helpful transition to living in the city. After that, it is up to you if you want to dorm again.

The cafeteria is very good although not centralized to all the dorms. Then again, it is New York City! Anything you want can be found.

A very progressive liberal arts college. Great campus. Cool teachers. For students looking to think outside the box.

If youre looking for someone to hold your hand, this is not the school for you. Creating your own course of study is a huge part.

Amazing classes to choose from.

Dorms are located in the east village, greenwich, and chelsea, which make it a very cool NYC experience.

Several dining halls, but also located in the heart of lower Manhattan. Great cheap food is abundant.

The New School has endless social gatherings and events, but there are also several music venues, movie theaters etc... Its NYC!

Extremely expensive, but there are no general requirements(depending on which program).

Hipsters, language lovers, philosophers, progressive types.

None

Extremely safe.

A group of highly-motivated students goes here. New York is a difficult place to live for most, and the hard work that people put into their daily lives is the same as that of their studies. The student population is not very intimate.

Save money to live here so that you can focus on your studies.

Students are very motivated and hard working.

You get what you pay for!

Campus dining is available, but most stick to groceries.

Go see the city.

Little to none.

New School is a wonderful school, small classes and very involved student and faculty. As students we also benefit from great lectures and organized events involving highly recognized professionals in fields from fashion design to sustainable engineering. This school is everything I expected and more, after years of going to a traditional 4 yr college coming to New School was a breath of fresh air.

Get involved! Talk to advisors, financial aid, and even set up meetings with faculty in schools or departments you are interested in, the more you know the better it is for you as a student as you become familiar with the way things work at New School.

This is not a school in which you can skip class and just check the professors notes online. New School's classes are small and very student-teacher involved. The classes require much attention and in my cases many essays or long papers to turn in. In return though you would have learned much about the subject and gotten to know your classmates and professor. At New School you are not invisible as a student which will be of great benefit through out your academic career.

I do not dorm.

There are different types of food through out campus, there are vegan and vegetarian options as well. My favorite cafe is aver the computer lab on W 13th Street, you can make your own soups and salads.

Go to lectures, fashion shows, art shows that the school provides and meet fellow New Schoolers, get involved!

This is a great school that assist with scholarships and loans, your experience is worth the price.

non traditional thinkers, artists, environmentally conscious, socially aware.

Offers great clubs and activities for international students ;professional, artistic and sport activities as well.

It's a very safe campus in the heart of downtown NYC.