Problems at NYU?

[BijouxMcguffin]

So I've been accepted into, among a few other PhD programs, NYU, which is one of my top choices. I've been searching through the Internet and through GradCafe and a few themes seem to emerge:

1) The students are very hostile toward one another. It's a lot of one-up(wo)manship, public shaming, but, if you're fortunate, you'll find those lucky few students with whom you can actually bond.

2) The faculty are very hostile toward one another. The word that gets thrown around often is that they're "divided."

 

I came from an MA program where some of the faculty, mostly behind the scenes, held some grievances toward one another. I navigated just fine among them, and I think I could continue to do so in another department. There was some friendly competition between classmates, but the tensions tended to be more personal than academic.

 

Are there any current or previous NYU students who wouldn't mind commenting on these two accusations? All I seem to find are rumors with no specifics. Personal anecdotes are especially welcome, even if left a little vague.

Look, at a "top" program (or maybe even not at a "top" program, whatever the notion even means), I get it: people have enormous egos, the job market is rough, thick skins are a must in grad school, etc. I'm unlikely to change my mind about going to NYU no matter what I learn. I just want a heads-up before I get into a(n allegedly) toxic environment. I'm likely to attend the meet-and-greet in a few weeks, and it'd be nice to be able to sneak away with a grad student there and have him or her dish. 

 

Thanks y'all.

[rachelann1991]

I really can't say for sure, but my advisor cautioned me not to apply to NYU. She has a friend in the department, and my professor mentioned that it's sort of a cut-throat, toxic atmosphere with a lot of faculty divisions. Again, she didn't give me specifics, so take this with a big grain of salt, and hopefully people who have actually been there can give you more wisdom!

 

And CONGRATULATIONS ON THE ACCEPTANCE!!!

[ICanHazPhdPreez?]

What area do you work in? I am finishing up an MA at NYU and in my experience, things vary substantially depending on the professors you're likely to work with.

[BijouxMcguffin]

I really can't say for sure, but my advisor cautioned me not to apply to NYU. She has a friend in the department, and my professor mentioned that it's sort of a cut-throat, toxic atmosphere with a lot of faculty divisions. Again, she didn't give me specifics, so take this with a big grain of salt, and hopefully people who have actually been there can give you more wisdom!

 

And CONGRATULATIONS ON THE ACCEPTANCE!!!

 

Thank you, rachelann!!! I'm excited and fearful all at the same time!

 

What area do you work in? I am finishing up an MA at NYU and in my experience, things vary substantially depending on the professors you're likely to work with.

I do work in Modernism, religion and lit, contemporary lit, and theory (postco, critical, postmodern). If you can fill me in on what's the T, I'd be very grateful. Thank you!

[Avalanched]

I'd also be curious about the insider perspective for 18th century Brit.

[ICanHazPhdPreez?]

There are definitely some departmental tensions, and one of the modernist/theory professors in particular is notoriously difficult to work with. That said, I've loved my time here, and the majority of the professors are generous, kind, and brilliant. The drama is primarily bureaucratic and inter-faculty. I haven't seen or experienced hostility among students.

 

I would definitely recommend visiting if you're on the fence. See for yourself if the atmosphere is a good fit. Good luck deciding, and congrats on the admit!

[Fiz]

Damn, I couldn't imagine departments and students being like that with one another. Sounds like some immature real world/road rules bullshit.

[ExponentialDecay]

Damn, I couldn't imagine departments and students being like that with one another. Sounds like some immature real world/road rules bullshit.

 

no shit, brother. i had no idea that professors and graduate students were once people too.