Pros & Cons of Stuyvesant High School

Written by Jeremy Karson, Kweller Prep Intern

 

As a rising senior at Stuyvesant, I know the school like the back of my hand. With firsthand experience, I can describe the pros and cons of the school in a way that a guidance counselor or guide book will probably fall short. Here are the true reasons why you should (or, perhaps, should not) go to Stuy:

Stuyvesant

Pros:

 

·         Probably the most Advanced Placement courses in New York City.

·         One of the best computer science programs in the country. Students can take up to three years of CompSci classes.

·         Extremely smart and motivated students.

·         Many intriguing electives in every field, including Genetics, Molecular Biology, Poetry, Civil Law, Watercolor, Systems Level Programming, and more.

·         Great food options nearby. After a long day of classes, this becomes very important. There is enough variety to keep pretty much everyone satisfied.

·         Battery Park on the Hudson River, located just one block from the school, provides a really nice area for relaxation.

·         The Stuyvesant Sing! Production seems to bring the whole school together for a few months every year.

·         You will leave college ready. Many Stuyvesant graduates say Stuyvesant High School makes college seem easy.

·         Exam-based grading makes evaluations less arbitrary and more fair

 

 

Cons:

·         Very competitive.

·         Surprisingly low acceptance rates into top colleges due to strong applicant pool.

·         Persistent tension between administration and student body.

·         You will not get enough sleep.

·         Athletes beware: the lack of sports facilities this past year left the Soccer, Lacrosse, Football, Track, and Swimming teams without a true “home” to practice in.

·         It is huge. The school contains about 3300 students, which can be a little overwhelming at times.

·         Stuyvesant is in the news every single year due to some kind of argument or scandal.

 

 

Overall, there is no question in my mind that the pros outweigh the cons. It’s a very special place, and you will get a tremendous free education. That being said, make sure you know what you’re signing up for. Although I’m sure you will have a lot of fun, Stuyvesant can be unpleasant and stressful at times. In the end, though, it will be worth it. Now go study for your SHSAT.