turned down Harvard for NYU this week. I’m not crazy right??? Or am I… 
Hope it’s free.
I don’t think you’re crazy. There are a bunch of good reasons to turn down Harvard for NYU, or for that matter any higher ranked school for a lower ranked one. Here’s a few: massive discrepancy in financial aid, a compelling personal reason to be in NYC during school (spouse or family), a very strong preference for one school over the other, career goals (maybe you don’t want to pursue prestigious employment) etc…
How much $$$ from NYU?
You idiot!
got a pretty substantial scholarship at NYU and sorta had to be in NY also. umm-maybe I dont want to pursue prestigious employment? you make it sound like you cant pursue prestigious employment from NYU.
Not at all what I was suggesting. People generally go to higher ranked schools because it gives them a better chance at more prestigious employment. If you don’t plan to pursue this type of employment, then you’ve eliminated one of the biggest reasons for attending a higher ranked school.
Why ask now? It is too late to change your mind. You made your decision. Move forward and don’t look back.
You are going to a T6 school while barely paying any tuition. Anyone who calls you an idiot should look in the mirror. You are fine, dude. Sure, Harvard opens doors to the elite of the elite positions and tracks. But unless that is absolute what you are shooting for, you will have TONS of opportunities coming out of a T6 school. And with so much of your tuition covered, you have zero pressure on you, PLUS you have the flexibility to take any type of position you want upon graduation. No need to take a biglaw job for the sole purpose of paying off loans. Sounds like a damn good decision.
true true. good advice i guess.
thanks man
Dude, I can’t even imagine being in your position. What wonderful options to have! While Havard is rarely (if ever) a bad desicion, NYU with $$$ is nothing to sneeze at. Besides, if you’re happy with your decision (and it sounds like you are) who gives a shit about what anyone else thinks. Enjoy NYU, and don’t look back. Think about how many people would kill to be in your position!
And when you are working at your big firm, with a Harvard guy in the next office, you can snicker when he complains about his loan payments. You will both have gotten to the exact same place, except you will have taken the less expensive route to the same destination.
thanks guys! I feel much better. I mean obviously I realize that I made the decision based on what I thought was best for me, and that its a great position to be in, but it’s still a tough decision to make.
I meant to be encouraging. I hope it sounded that way. Look forward to the future. 
Dw gotcha-that’s totally how I took it
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Agreed
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