Mr protagonist

Thanks all of you for some great advice. I more than likely will be rejecting the offer, because I just can't do that to myself -- as disappointed as I am to miss out on such an opportunity. But, I'm sure more doors will open, as they say. 

Thanks all -- really good advice. 

I was also told, by *every* faculty member I consulted, never to do an unfunded degree. I also have nearly $60,000 in undergraduate debt. So, realistically, I don't think I'll be taking the offer. I will think about it, but TDazzle, your points are very helpful. This also makes me skeptical of such an offer. And I am in contact with faculty in the department about funding opportunities, etc. 

arober6912 -- my areas of interest are international modernism, American post-modernism, theory, and linguistics.

shortstack51 -- your posts are very uplifting (much thanks), but I think our circumstances are different. However, I would think NYU would offer some student jobs, work study, etc.

This is tough! 

This thread is really helpful and totally comforting. I'm also on the implicit-rejection wagon, though I'm trying to trick myself into thinking if I haven't heard back, I still have a chance! Rejected from 2, waitlisted at 1, 4 more to go...

And on top of that, kidney stones! My god. I'll be occupying my time with Carl Sagan, The Walking Dead, and alcohol (probably not great for the stones).

This thread is really helpful and totally comforting. I'm also on the implicit-rejection wagon, though I'm trying to trick myself into thinking if I haven't heard back, I still have a chance! Rejected from 2, waitlisted at 1, 4 more to go...

And on top of that, kidney stones! My god. I'll be occupying my time with Carl Sagan, The Walking Dead, and alcohol (probably not great for the stones).