Need info about NYU Wagner from accepted students

[lanetobia]

For months, due to a mistake in my original application (LOR was late) I have just assumed that I would be attending Rutgers-Newark and was happy with my decision. But today, I heard from NYU and was offered admission. Of course there's no money involved, but Rutgers didn't offer any either....as such, and being that I'm going to be considered out of state the first year (even though I spent 23 of my 26 years as a NJ resident), NYU's COA only exceeds Rutgers by about 2k. Then on top of it, I look into it and learn that Rutgers has NO merit scholarships for MPA students in SPAA. Then, on top of that, I placed out of the PER at Wagner, further lessening the number of credits needed to graduate. Finally, I have to be honest: the curriculum at Rutgers is traditional in the sense that it is geared towards the management of public organizations solely (administrative morality, governance, etc.) and separates policy comepletely between the MPA and MPP programs....whereas at NYU, I will be able to blend a little bit more and feel like the curriculum is much more innovative and contemporary.

SO herein lies my dilemma - my plans in moving cross country and living in Jersey City won't have to change (my girlfriend is also attending grad school in the fall, at a NJ state school) the total loans I'd have to take out are almost identical....and merit scholarships in year 2 are much more likely at NYU then Rutgers.

My career goal is to work in the policy reform sector, at an organization similar to something like the Drug Policy Alliance (where I also have a lead on an internship). I believe NYU offers a degree that is more tied to the combination of public management and policy analysis, whereas at Rutgers I would have to make that happen myself.

I am basically looking for any information, thoughts, etc. from those of you out there who either decided on another school or will be attending Wagner in the fall. Please help me as I try to make this decision in the next few weeks!

[clementine]

For months, due to a mistake in my original application (LOR was late) I have just assumed that I would be attending Rutgers-Newark and was happy with my decision. But today, I heard from NYU and was offered admission. Of course there's no money involved, but Rutgers didn't offer any either....as such, and being that I'm going to be considered out of state the first year (even though I spent 23 of my 26 years as a NJ resident), NYU's COA only exceeds Rutgers by about 2k. Then on top of it, I look into it and learn that Rutgers has NO merit scholarships for MPA students in SPAA. Then, on top of that, I placed out of the PER at Wagner, further lessening the number of credits needed to graduate. Finally, I have to be honest: the curriculum at Rutgers is traditional in the sense that it is geared towards the management of public organizations solely (administrative morality, governance, etc.) and separates policy comepletely between the MPA and MPP programs....whereas at NYU, I will be able to blend a little bit more and feel like the curriculum is much more innovative and contemporary.

SO herein lies my dilemma - my plans in moving cross country and living in Jersey City won't have to change (my girlfriend is also attending grad school in the fall, at a NJ state school) the total loans I'd have to take out are almost identical....and merit scholarships in year 2 are much more likely at NYU then Rutgers.

My career goal is to work in the policy reform sector, at an organization similar to something like the Drug Policy Alliance (where I also have a lead on an internship). I believe NYU offers a degree that is more tied to the combination of public management and policy analysis, whereas at Rutgers I would have to make that happen myself.

I am basically looking for any information, thoughts, etc. from those of you out there who either decided on another school or will be attending Wagner in the fall. Please help me as I try to make this decision in the next few weeks!

Hello!

I currently attend Wagner and can hopefully provide you with some insight into the program.

Unfortunately, PER is not taken for credit, so you still need 60 credits to graduate.

Also, you seem to have had a not-so-great experience applying to the program. I had a similar issue during the application process, but have found the Wagner administration to be both effective and efficient at addressing my concerns.

I can’t speak to the Rutgers program, but what I love about Wagner is the sense of community among students. Despite being at a school with 40,000 individuals, Wagner staff and students know who you are.

In terms of your career goals, I am sure there are professors at Wagner who can aid you in finding your niche within Drug Policy Reform. Professors are fairly approachable and can put you in contact with other professionals within the field. The connections are limitless.

For example, I regularly receive private job posts from professors who are in contact with heads of nonprofits and government agencies looking for Wagner students (or students from other well known MPA programs).

Also, there are so many classes offered at NYU that you should consider taking classes at Steinhardt, Stern and the Law School. I think this goes back to your point about the Wagner degree being more contemporary and tied to your interests.

While I have enjoyed my experience at Wagner so far, there are definitely some aspects of the program I would change.

NYU is notorious for its lack of financial aid, so getting aid during your second year is not guaranteed. This is coupled with the general expenses you will accrue by attending school in NYC, specifically the village.

Furthermore, despite my overall positive experience with classes, there are definitely some professors and classes I wish I reconsidered taking. Some professors are clearly at NYU because of their research, not because they are great professors. To avoid these situations, I strongly suggest using the course evaluations offered by the school. Also, there is a lack of flexibility in the courses you can take your first year due to capstone requirements.

Finally, I am assuming due to financial constraints, the school accepted numerous students who have little relevant work experience. I find this to be somewhat frustrating, especially when classes require you to reflect on past jobs. Being able to link theories learned to current or past work experience is a must.

Hope this helps.

Edited May 22, 2010 by clementine

[lanetobia]

what you seem to describe as the pros and cons of the program are things I have heard repeated, but the degree of detail you provided is really helpful. In the end, I cant ignore the fact that NYU is NYU, and the resources available to me will be much greater than at other programs. I think thats why despite the idiosyncrasies of the application process I didn't have to think twice about putting my deposit down. The alumni network and general feeling of the school is second to none, or at least on par with the best. So thank you for your message, and I will definitely use the course descriptions when signing up for classes. I didn't realize until yesterday that it is a 60 credit program, as opposed to a 40 something credit program at rutgers and similar schools. Not that its entirely a bad thing, but it will certainly take longer and make it more likely i'll go full time throughout.

i also dont have to change any of my original plans in regard to moving (my girlfriend and I just signed a lease in Jersey city by the PATH) and so the immediate nature of their contacting me and asking for a decision within 2 weeks wasn't really a big deal. and the fact I dont have to do the PER, although not for credit anyway, will at least alleviate some time constraints and open up the possibility to work more.

the financial concerns are valid and I think its part of the experience at a school like NYU (I have a friend going to SIPA who will likely end up dropping close to 80 or 90k), but the way I look at it, even if i have to go with loans almost entirely the federal public service loan programs make me feel a little bit better. in the end i had to decide - is the extra 15k or so over rutgers (very little financial aid available there as well) going to come back to me over the course of my career? (alumni, prestige, etc.) the answer, I think, is yes. On top of it, I've heard such amazing things about the atmosphere and student camaraderie that its a done deal. what nailed it for me was that in the first year, rutgers tuition would be about 21k...only about 5 k less than NYU.

If you don't mind me asking, What degree/specialization are you pursuing?

[clementine]

Yea, students have complained about the number of credits needed at Wagner compared to comparable programs. Part of this is due to classes being 4 credits as opposed to 3 at most other schools.

I am currently completing the MPA- Management specialization

[pea-jay]

I think you are correct for giving Wagner serious consideration. I turned down an offer to attend Wagner for a state school largely for financial reasons. But if I were in your position, NYU seems more appealing than Rutgers.