Okay, Crazy Choice
I am not going to get into all of the details here because I am exhausted and it's been a long day - it took NYU (the picture of a text book "worse case scenario" grad school) to realize that I am better off at Madison. I just don't like the class structure, the size, and how impersonal NYU turned out to be. I found out that the MA is only three semesters - so again, I'd be force to dangle with this awkward period of time off (what I have and don't especially like) right now. Since the program is much shorter and the classes don't meet as frequently, I don't think I am going to get a very solid handle on anything. I sat in on a class tonight and I was unimpressed. There were a couple of articulate students, but more of them sat there blankly. I found Madison 1000x more personable, engaging, and more intellectually curious. I know that NYU made me an incredible offer financially, but considering that the award is not guaranteed and that Madison can provide a tuition waiver, a living stipend, and security, I feel like it is very clear. I understand that I don't get the cultural benefits of New York City in Madison, but I think the town has its own merits - the first of which being that I will leave there a very capable scholar, teacher, and then be able to go out and conquer the world. I am sending my acceptance to Madison tomorrow, my decision is final, I am going with a clean and confident conscience - I think I needed to have something to compare Madison against. And for my sake, I am glad that I was able to see that not all programs are like NYU.
I promise, this is the last time I change my mind. I think the NYU offer was very exciting and initially it seemed to counter act the one thing I don't like about Madison - that fact that it is 1500 miles away from everyone I love. But now that I've had a chance to go and look - I realize the only thing luring me into NYU was the NY part, and frankly, I am more interested in the
University part. Sending a few more emails and going to bed... I may have mentioned this earlier, but I am going to Boston tomorrow and staying for the weekend. I need it. I really need real life to continue after what has been - unquestionably, the hardest, strangest, manic, and "important" week I've had in the last 10 years, maybe in my whole life.
posted by lmjasinski at 2:30 AM
