Expensive Taste

October 28th, 2009

I’ve always had a love affair with designer clothes, bags, and shoes. And although that may not always be the best thing for my wallet, I can’t help but enjoy fabulous finds and purchases. But I recently realized that my love doesn’t stop there. Apparently, I have very expensive taste when it comes to selecting universities. This I found out for a fact (as if I couldn’t already guess) when I came upon CampusGrotto’s list of the Top 100 Most Expensive Colleges, just last week.

I wouldn’t say that I’m a snob. In fact, I don’t pick designer items based on their price or label. It’s actually more about the content — I try to never judge a book by its cover. So, then, how did I end up at number 2 and number 3 on this expensive list for undergrad and grad school, respectively? Let me tell you a bit about the journey to my college decision.

Twelve. That’s the official number of applications I filled out before I officially decided to attend New York University. And that number was one that I narrowed down from 22. I clearly was unsure of where I’d want to spend the next four years of my life, but when I finally visited the campus as an admitted student, I decided that NYU was the place for me.

And, after graduating and working full-time for two-and-a-half years, it was time to move on to grad school. But this time, I only filled out one application. You see, I decided a little late that I wanted to go to school again and I found a program that would be perfect for me. After being in contact with the admissions committee (and very persistent, I might add), I was admitted into the program of my choice at The George Washington University. I started my graduate education just this Fall and am certainly realizing that the cost is rather high.

Yet, I do not regret this one bit (at the present time, anyway). I know that I am investing in something that will further my education and move me on to the next chapter in my life. It’s important to see what you can afford, but it is also important to look at the reward of completing your education. For me, working was a good idea to experience before pursuing my master’s degree because I was able to put some money away to further my education.

I may not be able to purchase all I want these days, but I am pursuing a somewhat brand name education so that one day maybe I’ll be able to afford my dream pair of Christian Louboutins or Manolo Blahniks!

-Amanda Fornecker

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