(cinema/film studies MA) NYU vs WUSTL

[sweetchai]

Hi I'm an international student and I recently got into a master's program for NYU and WUSTL.

I know at a first glance NYU seems much more superior,

but I have a few issues that bugs me.

 

One is obviously the money.

WUSTL offered a full tuition remission for one year

( not sure about my 2nd year, they didn't say anything in the letter about extending the offer to my second year)

 

NYU offered about 20k off from tuition for one year.

They did say this offer is contingent in my second year,

so I need to hold a good academic standing in my first year.

It's also obvious that NYC is notorious for expensive rents and other fees.

 

I know NYU is one of the top universities in relation to film,

and NYC itself is full of resources and opportunities for film-related work,

but the money is a bit of a worry for me.

Also, although I've lived my life in a big city for +15 years,

I don't think I'm such a city person based on past experiences,

so I'm worried whether I'll be able to get used to the environment.

I really don't need the extra stress.

 

All this seems to aim at going to WUSTL, but my other problem is that

I haven't really decided for certain whether I want to get into PhD after my master's for now,

since I ultimately aim to work as a film programmer rather than teaching academically.

 

If I was certain about getting into PhD, I probably would choose go to WUSTL,

since I have another chance of applying for PhDs in the future.

But since I may just finish my studies with a Master's degree, it just increases my uncertainty about going to WUSTL Master's Program.

 

 

I did also get into UCLA and UT Austin Master's as well,

but they didn't offer any funding or tuition remission,

so I'm only considering NYU and WUSTL right now.

 

I've been stressing over this for days, but I just can't make up my mind.

 

Any advice would be really helpful.

[rising_star]

Have you directly asked WUSTL about funding for your second year?

[sweetchai]

@rising_star I actually only found out yesterday that my full tuition remission only applied to first year,

since they didn't really specify the conditions in a direct way, unlike NYU.

I only found out after I looked at the tuition page out of curiosity yesterday.

I should have looked into it sooner...;(

I did email them, but I haven't received any reply yet.

 

[sweetchai]

@rising_star if it were you, would you accept WUSTL

if their offer was subject to change in my second year, like NYU's offer?

WUSTL's tuition for a year is $52400, which is actually more expensive than NYU even without funding....

 

This decision-making really is driving me crazy.

 

[EmilyEmily]

Hey I am also an international student!

I am lucky enough to be admitted in USC , UCLA for Cinema and Media Studies and Chapman Film Studies. (all without funding)
And I chose to attend UCLA due to the lower costs and the better living environment.
My opinion is that since we have to stay there for at least 2 years, not only the school itself but also living conditions matter. (especially girl)
Safety, costs, convenience and atmosphere...etc.
So maybe you can think about these and figure out which city you want to stay more.

Good luck!

[rising_star]

On 4/2/2018 at 11:24 AM, sweetchai said:

@rising_star if it were you, would you accept WUSTL

if their offer was subject to change in my second year, like NYU's offer?

WUSTL's tuition for a year is $52400, which is actually more expensive than NYU even without funding....

WUSTL tuition may be higher but NYC cost of living is going to be much higher than living in St. Louis. That's something you'll want to factor in as you decide.