Seriously considering withdrawal/reapply

[STG]

I got into Rutgers, and at the moment, am going. But I am a nervous wreck. Terrified. $36,000 for two semesters. I'm panicked. That's unreal. That won't even be the whole degree.

My parents are excited, and are spreading the news around to everyone. My sister is planning a visit.

The only person not excited is me.

I think I bit of more then I can chew. I applied only to high priced, out of state schools. I ignored a safer, cheaper option (Southern Connecticut) I wanted to go to a "name" school. But I don't think it matters in MLIS.

I want to withdraw, I really do. And reapply to URI and SCSU. I can pay instate in CT (Mass residents can for MLIS) and less then out of state for URI for Spring '13

I don't know what to tell my parents. I'm afraid.

[lydibird]

First of all, breathe. Easier said than done, I know.

Next, have you contacted your program to see if pulling out this late is even possible? There may some sort of penalty to pay. It sounds like at this point you'd be willing, but are you?

You need to think really hard about why you're doing this. It's hard to believe that while you were applying the issue of cost never occurred to you. When did it become such a big issue, and why? You chose Rutgers for a reason. How do the less expensive programs compare to those reasons? Does a lower price-tag completely overcome the differences?

It's true that with MLIS programs prestige is less important than in many other programs, but depending on what you want to do it may still play a role. For example, if you want to be a public librarian in your hometown it might not matter, but if you want to be an academic librarian in at a well known university it probably will, at least at first. Are you willing to work harder to overcome that if it applies?

If you've really thought this through and know withdrawing is the right decision your parents will understand. Sure, they're excited that you've being accepted to widely recognized, highly ranked school. They're proud of you and everything you've done to make yourself qualified to get there. But they want what's best for you. Let them know about your concerns and how you've decided to face them. Maybe they'll be disappointed that you won't get to live out your dream of a "brand name" school. I doubt they'll be disappointed in you; they'll be disappointed for you.

Keep your options open. If possible, defer admission rather than completely withdrawing, if not, reapply to Rutgers when you apply elsewhere. Take the extra months or year to play with finances and look for funding options. Make yourself more competitive for these opportunities.

Last year I was in much the same position. The out of state tuition costs were ridiculous, I was scared, and a lot of the research I pulled up on paying for an MLIS was from newly minted librarians shouting out words of caution.

In the end I deferred admission, found a couple of jobs, saved money, and researched and applied for scholarships, grants, interest free loans, and really thought out my decision. Things worked out and I'm thrilled to be starting my MLIS a year behind schedule. I managed to figure out that while it was expensive, I was willing to live however I needed to to pay off loans because I knew librarianship was the right career and my chosen program was the best program for me. The extra experiences I gained in the year off helped me secure the funding I needed to feel comfortable making the leap.

Sometimes time can give you much needed perspective, and it sounds like you need it. If your parents have any sense (and they raised you so they must) they'll understand and support you. If you really don't know what to tell them, say that you need more time to make such a big decision. Make sure they understand all your concerns. Ask for their advice and seriously consider it. But in the end make the decision that you think will make you the most happy in the end.

Edited July 10, 2012 by lydibird