<p>"Do they understand that you might not want to be a business major, or are you too afraid to tell them?"</p>
<p>I have told them many times. My mom is quick to say that I'm just being silly and she's not going to pay for "some useless education" otherwise. For them, basically, Vassar is not really in the question anymore. And yes, my parents are very into the "prestige" factor of things. They make sure to say that I got into NYU Stern when people ask. </p>
<p>I will tell you that I was much, MUCH more happy/relieved to get my Stern acceptance than when I got my Vassar one. I know that ultimately I'll probably be working in the business world somewhere. My main concern is that I won't be a very well rounded person if i go to Stern, but perhaps that can be remedied with my elective space. At Vassar I know I can do anything I want, but it won't prepare me well for that business world that lies after graduation.</p>
<p>What makes me so unsure is that it's really hard for me to turn down an opportunity like Stern. Sigh, it would be a LOT easier if I got off one of my waitlist schools! I'll be visiting Vassar this weekend hopefully if my parents are willing to make the drive up there. </p>
<p>In the meantime, please, lend me more of your comments!</p>
<p>
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At Vassar I know I can do anything I want, but it won't prepare me well for that business world that lies after graduation.
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</p>
<p>I don't agree with that statement. A liberal arts education, whether it's from Yale, University of Michigan or Vassar (e.g. medium private, large public, small LAC) DOES prepare you for business as long as you take appropriate steps along the way like summer jobs, internships, networking, etc.</p>
<p>Business is a big bad world, but there are plenty of CEOs, CFOs, COOs with undergraduate degrees in music, art, history, philosophy. </p>
<p>art_star, you will most likely find satisfaction at Stern. Even if you're not able to supplement your business focus with art-related courses, you still have all of New York City to draw on. </p>
<p>But I would not be so sure that a degree from a top Biz School necessarily is the be-all and end-all for business success. The ability to communicate -- orally and in writing -- the ability to evaluate, analyze, the ability to work well with others, the ability to lead a group -- are all skill sets that can be secured through many routes, not just through business school. That's what an undergraduate education is really all about. If along the way you pick up some Shakepeare or biology more the better -- but the point is to learn how to think, how to communicate, how to function in a complex society. </p>
<p>Good luck and let us know how you do.</p>
<p>art_star, why don't you contact the admissions office at a business school, and ask what they would like to see in an applicant. You need to be specific about your situation. Then, you can show the response to your parents.</p>
<p>I just sent a note to Yale to ask questions about my current course of study in college. The note I received back was very helpful, and I forwarded it onto my mother, who was pleased with the response.</p>
<p>I know its apples vs oranges, but if your parents are into prestige, they might not realize that Vassar ranked #11 of all liberal arts colleges and is now co-ed because they turned down Yale's offer to merge. (Radcliffe is now part of Harvard). Vassar is "Ivy League" while NYU is one of many excellent large universities. Wharton trumps (no pun even though the Donald went there) Stern in business.</p>
<p>However, if you go to Vassar you WILL get into NYU for an MBA (or even more likely, Harvard) if you (they) want you to go into "business".</p>
<p>Vassar save your money. Vassar is a great place.</p>
<p>Just an update...I chose Stern. It was tough but I talked to some academic advisers at Stern about the curriculum and there is a liberal arts core and a lot of elective space. There was also the advantage of possibly minoring in production at NYU Tisch that also pulled my decision.</p>
<p>Unfortunately I never got the chance to visit Vassar. My parents were "too busy" to take me and they knew that they wouldn't have let me go there anyway. But I actually talked to a student who transfered to NYU from there and she has no regrets. And I don't regret my decision either and I think I'll be perfectly happy at Stern. Thanks everyone for the comments!</p>
<p>Good to hear you're happy with your choice. I wish you luck at Stern, and it definitely is a great option to have.</p>