Does anyone have experience with asking MA programs to match funding?
I was accepted to both NYU and USC for an MA in Cinema Studies. USC basically gave me a full ride (tuition, health care, stipend) and NYU gave me nothing.
Would it be worth it to ask NYU if they’d reconsider funding in light of this? I know that it’s a stretch, and I don’t expect even a similar package, but I’m interested to know if anyone has ever tried.
PS - I know that USC sounds like a no-brainer, but I did my undergrad at USC Cinematic Arts and NYU Tisch would be a better fit for my research interests.
It doesn’t hurt to ask nicely; such asks occur in law school admissions every year. Just don’t put them on the spot by making it a negotiation. To wit, ‘I’m really honored to be offered a position at your program as its a great fit (blah, blah, blah), but unfortunately, finances are also a consideration for me…’
But note, Tisch is not known to be generous with finaid since there are thousands of folks more than happy to pay sticker, either out of pocket or max out loans to attend.
Don’t do the latter.
@bluebayou Thank you so much!
Agreed — I’m not really expecting anything, but I figured there’s no harm in asking. If anything, it will just show that I’m truly interested (I intend to reapply for my PhD at Tisch).
I definitely won’t be taking out loans. Like I mentioned, I’m planning to do a PhD, so taking out loans for an MA doesn’t make a lot of sense.