NYU Journalism

[siennaann]

I was accepted to NYU Journalism in the magazine concentration and I'm having some difficulty in deciding. I was also accepted to several law schools...which I know is the safer, more stable route, but journalism is my real love. Has anyone had experience with the NYU program or any advice? Is it worth it?

[coastalvintagechic]

Hi siennaan,

Wow I can't believe anybody hasn't even spoke up yet considering how busy this forum was a few weeks ago. I think everyone is already moving into their programs and no longer wants to give advice? (I posted for advice in the topic before this and nobody replied.)

I was in the same situation as you just until about an hour ago about whether to go to NYU or to Syracuse. Ultimately I decided on Syracuse because they offered the better tuition package (Full tuition remission) and I know that their program is one of the top-ranked (if not the top-ranked) within the journalism industry. And while it pained me (this past week has been agonizing, I cannot even tell you in words) to give up my dream school of NYU--I worried too much that the shakiness of this industry was not worth taking out a nearly $50-60k loan for something that may not even be guaranteed when I graduate. I realized, after making my decision today, that if I worried so much about finances and security in just this past week about ultimately attending NYU--how would my experience there actually be if that worrying continued? It really just plagued me too much to know that while I would have my Masters from my dream school, I just couldn't fathom having to agonize and worry everyday about whether or not I'd be able to even make the payments. And while I'm sure I would have made great contacts, it is ultimately me that would have to pay that loan--not them.

However don't get me wrong, if I had the money or ease of mind about making those payments, I would have stuck by NYU. But I needed to be sensible and realize what an amazing opportunity Syracuse was offering and the freedom it would allow me post-graduation to go explore and do something that I wanted to do rather than what I would have to force myself or struggle to do. NYC will always be there and my goal has always been to be in NYC--so I know I'll get there, it just won't be for 12 months. But in the process I get a Masters from a top-notch school without having to worry about paying for it in the end.

Ah, rant rant rant sorry! NYU is still my dream and I hope I can go there after (hopefully funded) for another Masters in Political Science possibly. But given the instability of not only journalism (especially) but all of the employment market, there was a no-brainer that clicked in me and said, "Take this opportunity and make the most of all the amazing resources that you'll have there." Again it may not be Vogue or Vanity Fair that I'll have right next door, but I can go enjoy the facility of being able to do those things without having to worry if I'll be able to pay my rent, much less a $600-$700 payment. I can't really give you advice because I love NYU and I think their program is amazing as well--it just depends on what your situation is I guess And in Journalism, mostly from what I've heard, it's not necessarily about where you go but rather what you do with your work.

Feel free to PM me or if you'd like I can put you in contact with an NYU alum who really did wonders and was so kind to speak to me for an hour or so about the program and their experience post-NYU.

Good luck! I hope you were able to make a decision

Edited April 19, 2012 by coastalvintagechic