I feel really lucky to have been accepted to both of these great programs! If money weren't an issue, I would choose NYU Stern, but I come from a nontraditional background and only have $5K in savings. Below are the pros and cons I have created, but I would love your thoughts!
NYU Stern Pros:+ NYC! I grew up near the city and have always wanted to live here. I plan on recruiting for positions here after graduation.
+ Stronger marketing department faculty and internship options due to the location.
+ Much more of an artsy vibe. I like musicals and arts shows, I'm not sure if that scene exists at Duke Fuqua.
+ Much larger alumni base due to their larger part-time programs.
+ I wouldn’t need a car. (Currently live in an East Coast city where I don't need one.)
+ No grade disclosure.
NYU Cons- Cost. HUGE. Especially due to my lack of savings and the fact that I am not going into banking or consulting. (Though I might consider consulting?)
- NYU is seen as a safety school for a lot of Ivy League programs. I don’t want to go to a program where people just *complain* about not having gotten into - Columbia/Harvard. I had this experience at my undergrad, and our alumni base just isn't as strong because of this.
- I have read mixed reviews on the alleged "commuter vibe." Is this a real thing?
- Less strong in tech recruiting.
Duke Pros+ COST. Huge, given that I got a 50% scholarship and Durham is so much cheaper.
+ Places well into tech and marketing. (Slight edge in tech over NYU)
+ People seem genuinely enthused to be there.
+ Alums have been friendly and a bit more responsive than NYU.
+ I’d be at the top of my class based on test scores and GPA.
Duke Cons- I would consider myself more of an ambivert and Duke's culture seems super extroverted. Also, I got lots of frat house/undergrad 2.0 vibes, which just isn't my scene.
- Grade disclosure.
- I would need a car, according to most students.
- Less strong in CPG brand management and less experiential classes.
- Recruiting for NYC positions seems to be more difficult.