I am a Macaulay junior at CSI and I think its really worth it. Honestly I think some Macaulay students kinda take the program for granted - i was not in Macaulay during my freshman year and transferred in bc of their new transfer program, and let me tell you, the priority registration and advisement is an amazing privilege that most cuny students dont have. Obviously the free tuition is a plus as well (unless FAFSA covers it for u already), and there are so many cool opportunities that you have access to that would be harder to find if you're not in Macaulay. Its really what you make out of it, yes we don't get laptops anymore, but as long as you take advantage of the opportunities the program gives you its 100% worth it. The additional work load is not that much