I know this question has been asked many times before. But I am in a major predicament over it. I am currently taking a semester off to earn some money. I have completed two years of college and decided that it is now time to transfer. I have visited NYU and I love the feel and prestige of the school. My ego is telling me I need to go as well (ESPECIALLY because of the prestige). I feel like I belong there. However, the price tag is not affordable. I’d have over $100k in debt.
If I attend, I will be continuing my major of political science to eventually pursue a career in Law or Business (I want to go to graduate/professional school.) I am leaning towards going into go into politics (and then business) and I feel that name school matters for success. Just look at where most our leaders went to. ALSO, a part of me feels like a name school for undergrad will get me top Internships and experience relevant to future success. To top it off, NYU has the best study abroad programs in the country. I REALLY want to go abroad for my major.
Other people are telling me to apply there for grad/professional school. Here’s the thing: the graduate experience is totally different than the undergrad experience. Moreover, I have taken many practice graduate/ professional entrance exams, and realistically speaking, don’t think I’d be able to get my score high enough to get in even though I have a high GPA.
One more thing: I looked into their political science department to see how their professors grade. While they are amazing professors, they tend to be strict graders compared to the other schools I’ve looked at. This could heavily impact my GPA. Political Science is very subjective. Its not necessarily the thing where if you put in more work you will get a better grade.
I have one life and I want to enjoy it and also succeed professionally!
What should I do?!