Should I drop my ED agreement for NYU Stern Undergrad? (Moral and financial reasons)
Long story short, I got accepted into Stern ED, 2250 SAT, 3.7 UW GPA with 9 APs, etc but I didn't get any scholarship/grant aid, and all we got were a $67,000 / year price tag. Let's just say $70k as that tuition doesnt include how much you'll spend with friends outside of NYU.
Seriously, what on earth? I get Stern is a tremendous school, but I dont think any school (even the Ivies) is worth almost $300,000.
Just a note, my parents said they can foot the bill but they said they expect me to repay them, which is understandable. My grandparents are also chipping in and they said the same thing.
Although I could go, my gut keeps telling me I shouldn't go since putting a $70k weight on my family is immoral, and after I graduate I'll be under pressure to "repay" my grandparents and parents.
Since I've already submitted my UC (UCLA, UCSB, and UC Berkeley) apps and have essays ready for 7 regular decision schools, should I pull out of the ED agreement for Stern?
I feel a $30k/year at UCLA will be much better than $70k/year at NYU Stern, even factoring in the prestige and reputation the latter college has. I'll work toward Wall Street one way or the other. What do you monkies think? Should I pull out or stay?
I think UCLA and NYU are peer schools. I'd personally take UCLA over Stern any day of the week. Cheaper and better college lifestyle.
I don't think $70K is too much to pay for school. You also need to count how much you'd make as a summer associate if you go the banking route. It isn't going to pay for everything, but it will help.
I'd lay all this on the table for the Stern people. Maybe they will cough up some money if they know you are serious about leaving.
Good luck!
NO, 70k per year, not total. Roughly 300k total.
We yeah, I get that. I mean $70K per year x 2. But I also agree that UCLA is on par and if you can get it for half the price do so.
MBA costs are nuts IMO. No moral issues whatsoever.
So you're reneging on a contract for moral reasons? Have to say, that's a first.
Well it's a contract that you can renege on only if you are financially unable to pay. Maybe it's just me but going to school knowing my middleclass parents are paying $70k/year is hard to think about.
Then again, maybe I should just let them and fulfill my desire to go to Stern. I'm leaning toward reneging, but I still have a week or 2 to weigh my options
Obviously you'll know more than I can, but I knew someone who tried to renege on Stern ED for claimed financial reasons but they had a really hard time with it and in the end decided to just go - I'm not sure how much I believe the story/not sure how much pressure NYU can put on you if you don't want to go, but perhaps something to consider.
I'd personally consider reneging as well if the cost differential is that large - or if you can get into even better schools regular decision. If you're paying that much and can go to a much better school, you should. Obviously you applied to NYU with that knowledge so maybe NYU or UCLA are your top choices - in which case, I'd personally lean towards UCLA in your spot.
Fuck them.
Holy fuck! My mind is shot. I was looking at his stats and wondering where the GMAT was.
God, go to UCLA 100%. Can you imagine the lifestyle vs. NYU.
Most people I've met who went to NYU Stern for undergrad are a little messed up
As in they're highly competitive and grade-obsessive?
Yes.
Most Stern folks I've met, although they were very helpful, had very few positive things to say about their experience there (e.g. lack of community, too cutthroat, IB hype train, etc.).
I would just renege, fuck them. Worst case, NYU will tell the UCs, which will likely be too swamped to care, AND will be sympathetic to your financial issues. You can't go wrong here.
Hi, I can totally relate your situation... the same exact thing happened to me two years ago when I applied ED to Stern and got in with no aid. Long story short, I went to Stern for a year and transferred to Georgetown for a better experience/education and more aid. Looking back, I would say, if you have any other options besides Stern, please consider them and think about where you see yourself having the best experience. Even though you have an interest in finance now, who knows what you will become in college and what experiences you will have that may change your interests. And honestly, if you do well at any of the schools you mentioned, you will have the same opportunities coming out. I would recommend a school with the most options and best aid. Stern's a great school.. but very intense and focused... pretty much you're forced onto a very narrow-minded, herd mentality very early on... I wouldn't recommend it. It's important to widen your perspective, and seeing how you got into these amazing schools, I'm sure you will do great at any place you choose. Best of luck with your decision and hope you have a great time in college!
Hi, I can totally relate your situation... the same exact thing happened to me two years ago when I applied ED to Stern and got in with no aid. Long story short, I went to Stern for a year and transferred to Georgetown for a better experience/education and more aid. Looking back, I would say, if you have any other options besides Stern, please consider them and think about where you see yourself having the best experience. Even though you have an interest in finance now, who knows what you will become in college and what experiences you will have that may change your interests. And honestly, if you do well at any of the schools you mentioned, you will have the same opportunities coming out. I would recommend a school with the most options and best aid. Stern's a great school.. but very intense and focused... pretty much you're forced onto a very narrow-minded, herd mentality very early on... I wouldn't recommend it. It's important to widen your perspective, and seeing how you got into these amazing schools, I'm sure you will do great at any place you choose. Best of luck with your decision and hope you have a great time in college!
@ek1837 Hey man, was Stern really as cutthroat and overly intense as people here on WSO make it out to be?
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