The Mother of all Dilemmas: NYU and BU, with a catch.

Colleges and Universities A-Z New York University
1

<p>Alright ladies and gents, I've got a really unique problem here, and I've been trying to seek help in solving it by talking to as many people as possible. You fellows seem like a smart enough bunch, so I thought I'd see if some of you could provide insight.</p>

<p>I got accepted to NYU's Liberal Studies Program in Florence. My freshman year is spent there, with the remaining three years in NYC. NYU was the best school I applied to, in my opinion (others: BU, Northeastern, Sarah Lawrence) so I was ecstatic about my acceptance. The LSP program also appeals to me greatly, as does the year abroad in Florence. Sounds like I'm set, right?</p>

<p>Only I'm not. I had been planning to go to college with my best friend from high school, and we applied to almost all the same schools. We have very similar stats, and took almost all the same classes (IB Diploma). To my complete and utter dismay, he was rejected outright from NYU. The only school we got in together is Boston University.</p>

<p>So, I am faced with a gut wrenching decision; the biggest of my life. On one hand I have NYU, my preferred school in my favorite city and with a fantastic program with a year in another special European city as a bonus-</p>

<p>And on the other hand, I have BU with my best friend. The obvious issue is the difference in prestige, reputation, and academic opportunities between the 2 schools- I have been lead to believe that NYU is superior to BU in almost all areas of its being. Despite this, I find it hard to imagine myself leaving my friend- we're like brothers.</p>

<p>I'm in trouble here. I can't imagine myself rejecting NYU- I suppose you could call it my "dream school"- but I can't see myself heading out alone, without my buddy. I know friendships last, and I don't want ours to bear the regret of something as big as NYU- but at this time, I simply cannot come to terms with going to a separate university than him.</p>

<p>I've been trying to convince myself that BU really isn't that much of a step down from NYU, that it's worth it... is it?</p>

<p>Any form of help, advice, or guidance is strongly appreciated. Thanks in advance.</p>

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<p>I don’t know how close you are, etc. But, I would generally say never to base your college decision solely on where a friend is going. Go where YOU want to go, regardless of anyone else. </p>

<p>However, I have changed schools multiple times at will and I’m fairly used to starting over knowing no one, and leaving friends behind. It may be a bigger deal to you.</p>

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<p>Go to the college you absolutely want to go to. I would not miss an opportunity to go to NYU if that is the place you had your heart set on. This is the time to put you big girl/boy pants on and take the leap to an opportunity of a lifetime. Your friendship with him will still be solid and you both can visit each other during the school year. I too would not base my college decision on where your friend is and don’t let the other person make you feel bad or guilty for choosing the school you were meant to go to. This is the time for making new connections and relationships.</p>

<p>Sh-t happens and you cannot predict what the future holds and your friend may end up transferring, dropping out or whatever. Your education should be your prime focus.</p>

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<p>Follow YOUR heart. You don’t want NYU to be your “what could have been”. You seem so passionate about NYU.</p>

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<p>You CANNOT base your decision on what someone else is doing. For all you know, in two years, you’ll have outgrown each other. You are going to meet other people, expand your horizons, that’s what college is for! Also, you will start to resent him after a while. (“I could’ve gone to NYU if it weren’t for you!”) And he will start to resent you. If the other person is the sole reason for your decision, trust me, you will regret it for the rest of your life.</p>

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<p>Go to NYU. Just do it.</p>

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<p>I would like to guess that perhaps you’re also concerned that by choosing NYU over going to school with your BF will either offend him or strain the relationship. If you truly are as close as you say, then I would hope your friend would want you to do what’s best for yourself, and if not, then I would question whether this is really the person who you should count on as your BF.</p>

<p>there is no doubt in my mind that college is a time for growth and exploration. Go to NYU.</p>

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<p>Thanks guys. I’ve been talking to as many people as possible- family, friends, counselor, and I’ve heard pretty much the same message as on here. I also didn’t mention that even though I’m international, I’ve never switched high schools- let alone countries.</p>

<p>This has been quite literally keeping me awake at night, and whenever I think of NYU, my mental reaction is one of excitement and anticipation, with an element of fear. Easily diagnosable as fear of the unknown, further enhanced by my limited experience in changing environments. </p>

<p>BU, on the other hand, despite the comfort of having a friend with me, provokes a subdued and rather negative mental reaction. In my heart, the decision is made, I know it. I just have to come to terms with it.</p>

<p>Again, thanks a lot guys.</p>

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<p>You can visit each other in NYC and Boston. Best of both worlds.</p>

<p>Fear is what is holding you back, not your friend. Man up and go for it!!</p>