MCC Application: Dos and Donts

“I’m in MCC”

“MCC? What’s that?”

“Media, Culture and Communication!”

“Wait a second, Media, Culture and Communication? That sounds like a cool major. What is it about?

Out of NYU’s many majors, Media, Culture and Communication (MCC) turns little light switches on in students’ heads; it makes students think, wonder and explore. Last year I discovered this major, saw it as an opportunity to pursue my true passion and to have a more fulfilling four years here at NYU. As a first year Psychology major on the Pre Health track in the College of Arts and Science, I felt trapped in a bubble refusing to burst; I sat through classes everyday I neither liked nor wanted to understand and had trouble enjoying the start of the best four years of my life. However, once I thought about, wondered and explored the world of MCC, I found a needle sharp enough to burst my bubble: an internal transfer. As someone who just completed this process, I’d like to share some Dos and Don’ts on the MCC transfer application process. Whether you are a student within Steinhardt looking to transfer or a student from another school in NYU, these tips are equally applicable.

DO talk to an advisor about switching into MCC.

Once you’ve realized that switching into MCC may be the best option, speak to your home-school advisor to make sure they share the same opinion as you. Although all advisors may not know much about the MCC department, they can offer tips and can let you know if you’d be a good candidate to transfer. Also, if you have peers already in MCC, take advantage of the information they have to offer about the program. Getting a student’s perspective on an area of study will help solidify your decision to transfer.

DON’T start the transfer process blindly.

Although it’s not as taxing as applying to colleges, you still shouldn’t start this process without any guidance. The online instructions and other detailed steps may make this process seem like a walk in the park, however, gathering opinions from other people about a career path change makes a difference. Your advisors and peers can help you determine whether or not MCC is the right fit for you.

DO check in with a cross-school advisor.

If you are transferring from another school, it is imperative that you speak to a Cross-School advisor. During this meeting, the advisor will provide a general overview of the transfer process which will help lead you in the right direction. The Cross-School Advisor for Steinhardt is located in the Academic Resource Center and the Walk-In hours are Thursdays, 1:30-3:30 PM. There is no scheduling needed for this check in so you can walk in whenever you feel ready. For more information, please familiarize yourself with their website: https://www.nyu.edu/students/academic-services/undergraduate-advisement/academic-resource-center/cross-school-advising.html

DON’T skip this step.

At the cross-school advisement meeting you will go over things like GPA requirements, classes needed for the transfer, and other necessary logistics. The advisor will also provide an idea about how you should plan your schedule the following semester in order to set yourself up in the best way possible; when students’ applications are reviewed, the classes taken by each student are taken into account along with the grade a student receives in those classes. Disregarding this meeting may hinder your application process because you’ll limit yourself from imperative information.

DO use the Writing Center as a resource.

Along with a minimum average of a 3.0 and certain core class requirements, a writing portion is also needed in order to complete the application. This writing section serves as a personal statement; it is your chance to show why you believe MCC is a right fit for you. The Writing Center offers one on one help with students at any writing stage; tutors here can help frame your essay and prepare it for submission.

DON’T take this process lightly.

Although it may seem like a simple major switch, you should take this application seriously because you’re applying to a new program within NYU. MCC has many perks; however, it’s a competitive program to get into due to its popularity. Like any other application, it’s best to try to have your application stand out the best it can. The more time you spend on the application and the more help you receive for it, the better your chances will be of getting accepted into the MCC department.

Passion sparks the flame of pursuing; if you’re a student who feels stuck in their current major and sees MCC as a way out of it, take these steps into consideration. MCC serves great purposes and there are so many facets one can dive into when studying this major, but it all starts with one step: the application.