I'm a student at NYU Stern. The school can be perceived as cutthroat and competitive, but I've found a supportive community.

• I hesitated to enroll in NYU Stern because of its reputation for being cutthroat and competitive.
• When I got to the school, I found a difficult environment that inspired me to push myself.
• Most surprisingly, my fellow students are supportive and collaborative.

Choosing New York University's Stern School of Business as my new home was not a decision I took lightly.

There are many reasons I and many others chose to apply to Stern — the first of which is its reputation in the business world.

Ranked as one of the best undergraduate business schools by U.S. News & World Report and just a stone's throw away from Wall Street, Stern seemed like a gateway to unparalleled opportunities, especially in finance.

Moreover, being accepted into Stern's unique business, technology, and entrepreneurship program — a close-knit community of only 50 students who share my passions — felt like an irresistible opportunity.

Yet there was a part of me that grappled with Stern's intimidating reputation for having a fiercely competitive and often overly ambitious — even cutthroat — student body. People told me I would be "selling my soul" by entering a relentless rivalry against peers to get the very opportunities for which the school is so renowned. The thought of sacrificing my core values and authenticity for financial success made me hesitant to attend.

However, when I finally stepped onto the NYU campus for the first time, I discovered that Stern — while distinct from a typical college experience — was not the intimidating battleground I had envisioned.

At Stern, I've embraced the high-energy, challenging environment

Upon entering Stern's revolving doors, I was instantly immersed in an unapologetically preprofessional world. The air buzzed with energy — a palpable pressure that plunged me into the deep end from day one.

Initially, it felt like everyone except me knew "how to swim." Fresh out of high school, my peers arrived with résumés filled with internships and business savvy that would make many graduates green with envy. It was common to see students balancing demanding internships with the rigorous academic load of their first semester.

The real essence of Stern, however, was unveiled to me in the first week through its clubs. These are not mere extracurricular activities; they are the coveted keys to networks of mentorship and recruitment — the holy grail for high-achieving students. Yet securing a spot in these clubs is no cakewalk, with some receiving over 300 applications for fewer than 10 spots.

This environment, as I have experienced, is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it can be overwhelming and disheartening, especially when I find myself trailing behind my peers. On the other hand, it has fueled my relentless drive to excel, to achieve more, and to continually better myself. In my time at Stern, I have grappled with both these sentiments. However, I have learned to embrace the challenges.

I've discovered the reality at Stern contrasts sharply with the stereotypes

Contrary to popular belief, the stereotypes about Stern students are just that — stereotypes.

Yes, there are a few people who seem to fit that typical "cutthroat" mold. But these few do not fully represent the vibrant and diverse community that makes Stern special. Unfortunately, those people tend to cast a shadow over the many incredible experiences that students, including myself, have at Stern.

The heart and soul of the school are far more inspiring. Most of my peers are not just incredibly driven but also remarkably humble and down-to-earth.

I've had the privilege of meeting hundreds of students in my short time here, and they've shattered the negative stereotypes for me. Far from being cold-blooded competitors, they're some of the warmest, most supportive people I have ever met. Despite possessing achievements such as launching successful startups, winning international competitions, or publishing groundbreaking research, they stay grounded and never boast about their accomplishments.

What most inspires me is the spirit of collaboration that pervades even the most competitive fields. Even the students eyeing industries with limited spots generally collaborate rather than undercut each other — striving for mutual success.

Of course, there will always be outliers, but as a whole, this is a community I'm happy and honored to be part of.

Stern is not a traditional college experience, but it's perfect for me

Many people say the Stern experience is like getting your MBA as an undergrad. I see some truth in this. The school's hyperfocused approach, combined with the lack of a "traditional" college campus differentiates it starkly from a conventional college experience.

It's not for everyone, but I can confidently say choosing this school was the right decision for me. The opportunity to study in an environment as dynamic as Manhattan, surrounded by some of the brightest, kindest, and most ambitious people I've encountered, has been nothing short of a dream come true.

To me, the challenges are tough, but they will make me stronger and more resilient in the long run.