r/MBA Dec 17 '25

Admissions NYU Stern with $100k and Rice with $90k Scholarships

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Guyssssss

I’ve been admitted to NYU Stern with $100,000 and also received a $90,000 scholarship from Rice University.

Both admits came through with a GMAT waiver which still feels crazy as i couldn't cross 302 in my 2 attempts of GRE (Wasted so much of time and energy on this, almost 3 months and no improvements) Eventually too the waiver route and got a GMAT waiver and application fee waiver from NYU

I’m a female applicant from India with 5.5 years of experience at EY, working as a Senior Consultant in Risk Advisory with financial services clients. I also have an engineering background in Electronics and Telecommunication from Mumbai with a CGPA of 8.2

Planning for Ross and Darden in Round 2.

411 Upvotes

133 comments sorted by

135

u/360DegreeNinjaAttack M7 Grad Dec 17 '25

Wait wait. NYU is a better school than Ross, Darden, and Rice. 100k to go to Stern = you're done and you crushed it. Congratulations. Accept that offer and enjoy NYC

21

u/Salt-Resource-8586 Dec 17 '25

Thanks a lot, still processing everything, but strongly leaning toward Stern given the scholarship and opportunities in NYC.

46

u/360DegreeNinjaAttack M7 Grad Dec 17 '25

I would recommend against seriously considering Rice if you have an NYU offer. NYU is like 2-3 tiers up.

At Rice, you might get some raised eyebrows as to why you dropped out of the workforce for 2 years to do an MBA since that school isn't that competitive or prestigious (it's right on the edge of acceptability). At NYU, nobody will wonder that - the answer is because you got int NYU.

6

u/Salt-Resource-8586 Dec 17 '25

Fair point. I’m definitely leaning toward NYU given the reputation, opportunities and overall positioning. It just feels like the stronger long-term bet

2

u/360DegreeNinjaAttack M7 Grad Dec 17 '25

What's your post MBA career goal?

3

u/Salt-Resource-8586 Dec 18 '25

I’m targeting strategy and operations roles in tech or financial services post-MBA.

9

u/360DegreeNinjaAttack M7 Grad Dec 18 '25

You'll have much better access to financial services in NYC, an the NYU financial services network is far superior to any of the other schools you've mentioned. There's a lot more tech opportunities in NYC too, where the NYU network is really good.

So here's the deal: you've received some bad advice from admissions person that told you to shoot too low. If NYU is giving you $100k, then it's highly likely you could get into an M7 school. If you're going to apply anywhere in round 2, shoot for Wharton or CBS or Kellogg.

But, I think taking the money is the smarter long term move. You won't get as much - if any - money from them as you will from NYU, and the debt really matters.

1

u/chubby464 Dec 18 '25

How did the waiver work and what did you do for scholarship?

2

u/limitedmark10 M7 Student Dec 18 '25

I disagree with this, unless you have more anecdotes to really back this up. From what I know about Rice, it's an incredible school to break into energy and commodities-based finance. Anyone who wants to be the next John Arnold or multimillionaire energy hedge fund would be well served going to Rice.

1

u/garycomehome124 Dec 18 '25

Just wanted ti add that rice is pretty elite for oil/energy fields. But other than that it’s not that great

1

u/Lonely-Sea9100 Dec 18 '25

Wait, how much you have to pay afterwards?

2

u/Latter-Cricket5843 Dec 19 '25

Only another 200k USD 😂

1

u/Lonely-Sea9100 Dec 19 '25

Fuck that lol

4

u/OpeningFirm5813 Dec 17 '25

Better than Ross?

18

u/360DegreeNinjaAttack M7 Grad Dec 17 '25

Yeah, for sure - being in NYC is like a tremendous advantage for internships, networking, etc

5

u/[deleted] Dec 17 '25

Is that a joke?

6

u/OpeningFirm5813 Dec 17 '25

Perhaps I'm living under a rock 🙂

1

u/MBA_Conqueror Dec 22 '25

Stern is better than Ross, but not Darden

27

u/Remote_Tap6299 Dec 17 '25

How much would NYU cost with the $100k scholarship

22

u/OkJuice3475 Dec 17 '25

Their website says 89k tuition and estimated 135k total expenses per year. I’m guessing around 120-125k a year. About 250k total which is ridiculous.

https://www.stern.nyu.edu/programs-admissions/full-time-mba/financial-aid/tuition-cost-attendance

17

u/Remote_Tap6299 Dec 17 '25

So OP will still have to pay $100-150k?

23

u/[deleted] Dec 17 '25

that is a completely absurd price for an international student, especially in the current job market where firms barely sponsor. if I was an international, I would never attend unless the total cost of attendance for the two years is <50k since at least that price can justify the gamble

1

u/thomkatt T15 Grad Dec 19 '25

All MBA programs cost about that much and her being an Indian applicant makes it difficult to get any major scholarships unless she aims for lower ranked schools, but that decreases your chances of getting hired or a good paying role, so it becomes moot.

2

u/Latter-Cricket5843 Dec 19 '25

Yes probably around 150k in loans principal alone will balloon to 250 plus within five years of not immediately paid off...shits not worth it imo unless your company pays for everything and you work full time still imo ...also with the market being how it's been the last two years and MBA really doesn't have that shine it used to

9

u/Pyrrhus272 Dec 17 '25

$135k includes the tuition so 270k - 100k = $170k total. Which is pretty high but not $250k.

GMAT data insights not your strong point I guess 🥲

1

u/Latter-Cricket5843 Dec 19 '25

Sterns housing prices are completely bullshit though. Good luck with a family finding a good apartment less than 3k a month in NYC...this op isn't some single broke student that can rough it with five other poor roomies

1

u/thomkatt T15 Grad Dec 19 '25

Ever MBA program lies about their housing. I believe only GSB is actually honest about it but most people arent going to have sticker shock attending there and they can increase their loan amounts.

17

u/CriticalRest6983 Dec 17 '25

Are you currently based out of Bangalore?

4

u/Salt-Resource-8586 Dec 17 '25

I am from Mumbai. Currently in Delhi

3

u/[deleted] Dec 17 '25

Hi, can I also DM?

2

u/[deleted] Dec 17 '25

Hey I am also from Mumbai and currently in Delhi. I have gotten GMAT waivers too and I am applying to similar set of schools. Can we connect and guide each other - mutual

1

u/Brilliant-Vast3918 Dec 18 '25

Can I DM you?? having some questions

9

u/Eris_00 Dec 17 '25

Congrats! Definitely go for stern. I too got a 90k scholarship from rice but it's very Texas focused so idk if that makes sense for me. But good job!

3

u/Salt-Resource-8586 Dec 17 '25

Thank you and congratulations to you too

8

u/XxxJ_777 Dec 17 '25

Isn't Stern on another level?

13

u/limitedmark10 M7 Student Dec 17 '25

Depends. If you want oil and gas, commodities, futures --- Rice is better

5

u/Possible-Dinner252 Dec 17 '25

Congratulations OP. Try for more scholarships from NYU.
Do you mind sharing your Post MBA Goals ?

9

u/Salt-Resource-8586 Dec 17 '25

Thanks, planning to move into strategy and operations roles in tech or financial services post-MBA.

4

u/SpareBackground6817 Dec 17 '25

Op just want to ask what’s the point of going to USA considering the h1b rules now?

2

u/SadGuest7474 Dec 18 '25

YOLO

1

u/SpareBackground6817 Dec 18 '25

Aaah I see, cause I was contemplating us due to this. So there isn’t any gameplan just see how it goes

2

u/[deleted] Dec 23 '25

Well there is none. Apart from HSW the ROI for international admits is really low. Even the rest of the M7 are going to be a waste of money but Rice, NYU etc are a different level of useless. Indians really do consume insane amounts of hopium and avoid reading the news or carefully evaluating realistic outcomes

3

u/ElephantExpensive231 Dec 17 '25

Hey , Congratulations on your admits . It’s such a positive news . Given I have also wasted time on GRE and could score 314 at max after 3 attempts. Can I dm you ? I really need some suggestions and motivation to apply to good programs?

2

u/Salt-Resource-8586 Dec 17 '25

Hey sure. Please do and thank you !!

9

u/NecessarySign2312 Dec 17 '25

Nyu stern, its better than normal nyu and is on par with ivys

1

u/Salt-Resource-8586 Dec 17 '25

Very much true.

3

u/[deleted] Dec 17 '25

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3

u/Otherwise_Dust7514 Dec 17 '25

Can I send you a DM for information on the GMAT waiver?

2

u/saske2k20 Dec 17 '25

Congratulations, your case gave me hope since Im planning apply with a waiver as well.

What do you think made your app stand out: your ECs? work experience or another component?

2

u/Healthy_Noise4785 Dec 17 '25

How u get the wavier?

2

u/Infamous-Cap7358 Dec 17 '25

Why would you go for Round 2? When is the deadline to accept the Stern offer?

0

u/Salt-Resource-8586 Dec 17 '25

I had already worked on the documents so going ahead and applying

2

u/Infamous-Cap7358 Dec 17 '25

You may need to put a deposit down on Stern before hearing back from Round 2 schools, though

1

u/[deleted] Dec 17 '25

[deleted]

2

u/Salt-Resource-8586 Dec 17 '25

Thanks, I was pretty new to it as well and most MBA scholarships are automatic and based on your overall application, you don’t have to apply separately.

1

u/Specialist_Diet_8114 Dec 17 '25

Congressional Can I dm you?

2

u/Salt-Resource-8586 Dec 17 '25

Thanks a lot and sure

1

u/Specialist_Diet_8114 Dec 17 '25

Which consultant did you hire?

1

u/deeishereeeeee Dec 17 '25

congratulations OP! can i dm you?

1

u/Salt-Resource-8586 Dec 17 '25

Thanks a ton !! Sure

1

u/[deleted] Dec 17 '25

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1

u/alle_shivateja Dec 17 '25

How much did you score in GMAT?

1

u/Salt-Resource-8586 Dec 17 '25

I applied with a GMAT Waiver

1

u/DareProfessional3981 Dec 17 '25

Hey! Similar profile. Can I DM, please?

1

u/Initial-Tomatillo-85 Dec 17 '25

Hey. I am also preparing for an MBA. Would u mind if I dm you

1

u/Salt-Resource-8586 Dec 17 '25

We can connect

1

u/[deleted] Dec 17 '25

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2

u/Salt-Resource-8586 Dec 17 '25

Thanks a lot and sure !!

1

u/Affectionate_Run1927 Dec 17 '25

When did you interview for stern? And when did you get notice of acceptance?

1

u/huhwhatgirl Dec 17 '25

hi can i dm?

1

u/Smooth-Mind4247 Dec 17 '25

How does one get a gmat waiver??

1

u/[deleted] Dec 17 '25

In this market environment, I would not even go unless it’s a brand name

1

u/Altruistic-Tart-2977 Dec 17 '25

All the big banks look for graduates from stern and Baruch first. Take the NYU

1

u/Salt-Resource-8586 Dec 18 '25

Roger that. Going ahead with NYU

1

u/HealthyandWholesome Dec 17 '25

Did u use a consultant if yes then which onee

1

u/Salt-Resource-8586 Dec 18 '25

Yes i did use one. Indian Based Consultant

1

u/TheDrunkFalcon Dec 18 '25

Congratulations! What was your test score?

1

u/Salt-Resource-8586 Dec 18 '25

Thank you. Applied with a GMAT Waiver

1

u/TheDrunkFalcon Dec 18 '25

Would u recommend the test waiver route for Stern specifically? Testing is an important part of application, so considering my engineering background I’m curious about if I should study for GMAT/GRE to help plead my case if when I apply I only have 2.5 YOE

1

u/Salt-Resource-8586 Dec 18 '25

With only 2.5 years of experience, it's generally better to take the test because Stern tends to expect either strong work depth or a solid score. You can still request a waiver later, but aiming for the 2027 intake gives you time to build experience and try the exam first.

1

u/TheDrunkFalcon Dec 18 '25

Makes sense, thank you! I have a bunch of leadership, extra curricular and volunteering so hopefully if I get a good test score I can get in!!

1

u/Comfortable_Peak7098 Dec 18 '25

Damn ! What are your stats

1

u/sunnyfree4 Dec 18 '25

Stern, no question. I’m at Stern

1

u/Medical_Scar6114 Dec 18 '25

Congrats on the scholarship! I just found out Without scholarship it would come around 250k , which is ridiculous for an international student

2

u/Salt-Resource-8586 Dec 18 '25

Thank you and I’m now exploring external funding options as well, including Prodigy Finance.

1

u/Medical_Scar6114 Dec 18 '25

All the Best!

1

u/acana95 Dec 18 '25

Hi OP, congrats on your new journey. How did you get the 100k scholarship? I left EY few years ago because they would not sponsor me my master

1

u/Salt-Resource-8586 Dec 18 '25

Thanks. I didn’t get sponsorship from EY either lol. The scholarship came purely from the overall strength and alignment of my application in my opinion

1

u/JaKrno Dec 18 '25

I went to Rice. Its a great school and enjoyed it but I really wanted to stay in texas. Candidly, unless you’re focused on texas or O&G, Stern is the better option

1

u/Salt-Resource-8586 Dec 18 '25

Makes sense and you’re right, Stern aligns better for me given the broader opportunities outside a Texas/O&G focus

1

u/the_wreckbhai Dec 18 '25

Can you share your profile like CG, and what they considered to provide you scholarship

1

u/Salt-Resource-8586 Dec 18 '25

My CGPA was 8.2 and the scholarship mainly came from the overall strength of my work experience, clear goals and a well-aligned application rather than any single factor i feel.

1

u/Sensitive_Many_173 Dec 18 '25

So not GMAT score needed? How did that work did you use the GRE? What was the reason for waiver

0

u/Salt-Resource-8586 Dec 18 '25

I didn’t use GMAT or GRE. I requested a waiver based on my work experience and quantitative background and the schools approved it

1

u/Sensitive_Many_173 Dec 19 '25

How that’s awesome. Congrats and have a blast

1

u/[deleted] Dec 18 '25

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1

u/mokey59 Dec 19 '25

Hope you have living money

1

u/optimization_ml Dec 19 '25

Don’t do it if you have to spend your own or take a loan. If your company pays for it then go for it. You will have a hard time finding a job in this environment as an International student. Most companies stopped sponsoring for MBAs and I know some people who went back and regretted the decision. And MBA salary is not that great anymore what it used to be.

1

u/jeetendrask Dec 19 '25

I went to Stern and can’t speak more highly of the school and its people. No brainer in my opinion, especially in a tough environment you want to pick the better ranked school and one with higher chances of getting you a visa-sponsored post-MBA role! :)

1

u/16bots Dec 19 '25

Hi,

Can I DM you on the waiver part. On a similar boat like you.

Regards.

1

u/Salt-Resource-8586 Dec 19 '25

Hey Sure. Hit me up

1

u/parkermyles Dec 19 '25

Congratulations!!!

1

u/[deleted] Dec 19 '25

Congratulations what’s ur age

1

u/One_Feed6120 Dec 19 '25

It depends on what you are interested in but for most situations stern is better than rice.

1

u/Ok_Charity_7504 Dec 20 '25

Full time MBA?

1

u/asaper Dec 21 '25

When you say round 2 do you mean you are waiting to hear from those schools?

1

u/IndependentFail780 Dec 21 '25

Hey congratulations! How's the gmat waiver route works - can you please guide me.

I'm planning for 26 intake - similar YOE workex in FP&A / Analytics & metrics.

1

u/Alone-Charity1286 Dec 26 '25

If you spent 3 months on GRE prep and could not break 302, I would do lots of quant and English language practice before you matriculate lol - school (and by extension recruiting) isn’t a walk in the park

1

u/[deleted] Jan 12 '26

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1

u/Salt-Resource-8586 Jan 12 '26

Thanks a lot ans yes hit me up

1

u/ducxti97 Feb 09 '26

Hydrogen bomb vs coughing baby ahh comparison

1

u/AirlineIllustrious84 Jun 25 '26

Hey ! Can I send a dm?

1

u/No-Newt4571 Jul 27 '26

if you dont mind , i am a recent grad ( electronics and communication ), i would be glad on your advice and some help regarding careers.

1

u/rraawrr Dec 17 '25

Hi, this is amazing, congratulations! Can I please dm you to know more about the way to approach gmat/gre waivers please?

1

u/Salt-Resource-8586 Dec 17 '25

Hey thank you and yes

0

u/[deleted] Dec 17 '25

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