Hi everyone!! I just got off of the waitlist at NYU Stern but i’ve been committed to the University of Michigan LSA (majoring in Econ) for some time now. I would like some insight because I am quite conflicted. Basically, I initially applied to the Ross School of Business but was unfortunately denied, even though I had high hopes of getting in. I am in-state and my stats were SAT 1500, GPA 3.96 unweighted, all 4s and 5s on AP exams, president of two clubs, I had pretty good essays in my opinion and my sister goes to Ross so she even helped me with them, and good letters of recommendation. So I was very disappointed to not get in, but I can still attend LSA at UMich if I go there. I am very conflicted because my passion lies within business and I was dying to study it at UMich and I am just not as passionate about majoring in econ. BUT, the college culture at UMich seems to be superior because it has the Big Ten atmosphere, a lot of school spirit, and a traditional campus. However, I feel like I shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to truly study what I am interested in at Stern and I could always try to transfer back to UMich or another more traditional university if I am not happy at NYU - but it would not be as easy to transfer into Stern next year if I initially go to UMich. Also, I am full pay so cost is not an issue.
I do not know which part of business I would want to go into as of now but perhaps it would most likely be either consulting or investment banking. I feel like Stern would undoubtedly bring me more opportunities in these fields. I know that I can still minor in business at UMich, but if i just go to LSA i would probably still have to work twice as hard just to get the same recruiting/internship opportunities as the Ross kids.
Since I would be an out-of-state student at NYU and it would be a much larger adjustment to live in New York than just going to my state school, I am just so conflicted. Also the social lives at the two schools could not be more drastically different. But, at the same time, I think that the social life issue could be compromised for at least one year if it means I get to pursue business as a major.
I just don’t want to make the wrong decision so, please, any insight you guys have would be much appreciated! thanks!
I think the more important distinction you should weigh is that these will be 2 very different college experiences. NYU has virtually no true campus feel. It is situated in a very vibrant part of NYC. Is that the experience you want vs U of M?
In terms of opportunities in consulting or investment banking, that is going to be driven more by your accomplishments as an undergrad (and your ability to get out and network) than if you attended an undergrad business program. U of M is a great platform, and I don’t think it will put you at any disadvantage relative to national firms. NYU may give you better access to more boutique firms in the NYC area who do not recruit outside of the region.
You made a comment about money not being an issue since you are full pay. But full pay U of M instate all in is about $31k/year. NYU is close to $79k. Unless you or your parents think nothing of the close to $50k a year difference, cost should be a factor, especially if grad school (MBA) is in the picture.
Is the difference in price affordable for your family (with no loans/no hardship)? If the answer is no then go to UM and don’t look back.
If the additional cost for NYU is comfortably affordable then consider the following in determining fit. For the price difference NYU would have to be a very clear winner to be worth going.
Academic Fit --Economics and an undergrad b-school are very different. Economics is a liberal arts course of study and gets very theoretical at the upper levels. In contrast if you go to an undergraduate business school you will take a business core with introductory classes in subjects such as accounting, finance, IT, marketing etc. and then you will major in one of those disciplines. I’m not saying that one path is better than the other, but they are different. I would take the time to look at the coursework (can be found online) for both a finance and an economics major and see if one path is preferable to you.
College expereince - Do you want the more traditional campus expereince or does the idea of being in Greenwich Village in NYC excite you?
And there is no “wrong” decision when you are picking between two excellent but different options. And once you make a choice, never look back!
@BKSquared @happy1 Thank you so much for the responses! My family is very blessed and I am able to completely afford NYU so I am highly grateful! I will do a little more research on the coursework but I am most likely leaning toward NYU 
Since your sister is a current student at Michigan-Ross, it would be interesting to read her thoughts on your options.