Rutgers Food Science- Should I defer and apply elsewhere?

[meowmix27]

Hi all,

 

I got into Rutgers PhD Food Science program for Fall 2014- with no funding. From my conversations with Rutgers alum and faculty, it seems like they are hesitant to give out funding to first-semester students as they like to assess their performance. Usually (considering you're a stellar student) students have more access to funding opportunities after their first semester.

 

My dilemma is should I accept and defer to Spring 2015/ Fall 2015 and in the meantime apply to other institutions (I am considering Cornell, UMass, UCLA) and then weigh out my options? Due to certain constraints I was only able to apply to Rutgers for Fall and that too after their financial aid deadline. I can afford to support myself for one semester but not sure if Rutgers Food Science program is worth it...

 

Any advice welcomed and appreciated

[PavitraK]

Hey, any luck, whats the status of application/ admission?