<p>That is the question. Lol Hamlet reference aside, I am really wondering if it's worth it to waste my time waiting for NYU. I would end up paying for all of NYU myself in loans. I am not exactly sure what I want to do with my life, just science related (research or medicine I'm between). My parents weren't thrilled I was so interested in NYU (money and safety). I got money to Rutgers, which is my second choice. I loved NYU, and I don't want to feel like I'm giving up, but for practicality's sake I think I should not. I've been really stressed waiting for the decision the past month because it meant so much to me, but it drove me insane. lol So anyone else wait listed unsure? Any advice?</p>
<p>:( theresaax2, I remember following some of the comments by you and lorrainedeli. Sorry neither of you got in (definitively in your case).</p>
<p>Rutgers has some really excellent academic programs. I know a friend’s daughter scored 2400 in her SATs and opted to go to Rutgers (full ride) since Barnard College (her first choice) did not give her enough aid.</p>
<p>You are right to think ahead. The financial aid package is likely not to be too great even if you were to be taken off the waitlist. NYU is way too expensive without a very rich family or aid of some sort that is not just loans.</p>
<p>My recommendation is go to Rutgers, do well there, and if NYU is still in your mind and heart later, perhaps consider a transfer for the last two years? Or consider NYU’s graduate programs, which I think by and large are top notch.</p>
<p>I believe Rutgers was invited to be one of the IVYs at one point in its history, but the school administration turned this down for some reason. I have not verified this story, which was told to me by my hubby who grew up in N.J.</p>
<p>By the way, do leave your name on the NYU waitlist if you cannot completely put out this flame in you. There is not much to lose with this. See what the final outcome will be and if you get in how much money (free) will be given to you. </p>
<p>However, you also need to be prepared to detach emotionally from NYU in case of a negative final outcome.</p>
<p>For the fields you listed, I don’t see there being any pressing need to take NYU over Rutgers. Were you looking at something like finance (Stern) or econ (CAS) or philosophy or fine arts (Tisch) or film&tv (Tisch), there’s a competitive differentiation in NYU’s favor since we offer nationally top-ranked programs in each of those disciplines. If you’re looking at money from another school vs. less money at NYU, the real question is your risk tolerance, whether you’re comfortable investing so much in yourself for an unknown future payoff. Personally, I’m paying entirely for school myself. But it’s worth it to me, because I’ve already put myself well on the track to one of the highest-paying jobs out of school.</p>
<p>If you’re willing to take NYU for what it is (low community, low school spirit, high cost, demanding but exhilarating lifestyle, brilliant career opportunities), then stay on the waitlist and make your moves to get in. If that doesn’t appeal to you enough to turn down money at Rutgers, decline the waitlist and get ready for NJ.</p>
<p>Thank you=) I feel like if it’s not meant to be, it’s not meant to be. You all have been such a great help over my college search process, and I am really grateful for it. No matter what, I’m very excited for next year I feel a lot better about being wait listed.</p>
<p>theresaax2,</p>
<p>Don’t forget NYU Medical School has a great reputation. Also, Columbia U Medical School. Excel at Rutgers and there may be chances for NYC later on, if you still want the NYC experience. </p>
<p>In case the waitlist does not work out for you. Then the money dished out (for medical/ graduate school) will at least be invested in a hopefully “high return” profession. </p>
<p>GL. Let us know what happens. (Rutgers really has some fine programs. I was trying to move back to NJ so sonny could attend as in-state. But it did not work out. Just to let you know hubby and I think it is one of the better state universities to attend nationally.)</p>