If you look on the Central Park Zoo's website, they'll tell you that it costs $12 for general admission and $18 for the "Total Experience," which includes admission to their "4-D" theater. But apparently those who visit the zoo's ticket kiosk don't get the same courtesy. Visitors tell the Post that box-office workers never mention the regular admission, and while the box-office sign reads "Zoo admission only, also available," it doesn't list the lower price. "The teller didn't even mention the $12 option," said one visitor. "It's a brilliant sales tactic. I can't imagine how many naive out-of-towners have been duped." more ›

According to the results of the city’s admissions process for the seven specialized, elite high schools, the vast majority of those admitted were either white or asian. Only four percent of students admitted were black and six percent were hispanic, while 30 percent were asian and 35 percent were white; having said that, the ethnicity of nearly one-quarter of admitted students was not known, because they were multiracial, coming from private school or were not identified, so it may not be quite as dire as it seems. more ›

During a time when art appreciators aren't paying the full suggested admission price to get into museums, and the Queens Museum is selling off panorama real estate, the Brooklyn Museum has just announced they'll be raising their suggested admission fee. Starting on March 21st (just prior to the opening of Sun K. Kwak's Enfolding 280 Hours installation) the suggested fee will go up 2 bucks (making it $10 for adults and $6 for older adults and students). Director Arnold Lehman addressed the change, saying, "We truly regret that the challenges created by the economic downturn have made it necessary to modestly increase the admissions fee at the Brooklyn Museum. We are grateful to the Department of Cultural Affairs for its support as we move forward with this suggested admissions increase." The museum will, however, keep running their Target First Saturdays series, with free admission for all. And let's not forget, there's even a free shuttle that'll take you there. more ›

With the Met Museum announcing a series of layoffs, it's not surprising to hear that visitors of the establishment aren't paying the full recommended admission fee. The NY Post reports that folks aren't willing to fork over the dough during the tough economic times, and many are just giving $1 (of the suggested $20) for their visit. For the Met and other NYC museums that have long shunned a set admission price, there's probably nothing they can do if they don't want to see a decrease in visitors. One recently laid off art lover told the paper, "If they didn't do it, I'm not sure I would come. I really appreciate that they allow me to pay on a sliding scale." There is one museum that hasn't taken a hit yet, the Museum of Natural History is still getting their $15 suggested price from visitors. A spokesman confirmed, "For the time being...people are paying the suggested donation." Survival of the fittest? more ›

Early-decision applications to Cooper Union, which does not charge tuition, have skyrocketed this year, the Times reports, surprising no one. The school is experiencing a 70 percent surge in applications so far this year, compared to annual increases of 5 percent to 10 percent over the last decade. Emphasizing the obvious, the dean of admissions tells the Times, "I’m pretty confident that the economy played a big role. You probably had a lot of parents who said: ‘Look, I know you’re looking at Cooper Union. You ought to make it your first choice.' " Overall, the school expects to receive 3,300 applications for 265 spots in the Class of 2013, making the already competitive process even more cutthroat. more ›