Hey all. I’m a sophomore in HS currently and have been looking at schools for a while now. I go to a competitive private school in DC. Were I to go to college here, I would be looking at a top 25 university for sure (at least according to teachers, parents, what I would estimate from my own stats etc). However, the idea of doing a 3 year undergrad+1 year honors program at an Australian university is very appealing to me for a number of both personal and practical reasons (I can elaborate if it would help). Also, I plan to study physics, or if not, astronomy or computer science (definitely something in the sciences).
I have a 3.7 GPA and 2310 SAT and will give other stats if needed. I know places like U of Melbourne and Sydney are good, but I haven’t done a whole lot of research. With my stats, do you think I would be able to get into these places? And any advice or insight at all is appreciated. Thanks!
You have money for full pay? I suspect that is the real factor. Education is a major export product really, Melbourne ranks at 33 globally, is that going to be low for you? http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2014-15/world-ranking
Australia is an expensive place to be a student, in the US you would get some decent merit, Why not UK schools if you have the cash and stats? Is it about citizenship?
Lol. You can get into upper ivies with decent aid.
Why leave US?
Having 5 APs would be what matters most (you’d need calculus, preferably BC; 2 sciences; English; and another one of your choice).
Look into Irish and UK universities, too, if you like the specialized nature of their degrees - even though I understand it’s hard to beat coastal weather in Australia.
Note that universities in Australia are NOT undergraduate-focused so the experience would not be similar to attending your state flagship’s Honors program or a LAC or even a private research university.
Ooh I was not aware of the AP requirements, thanks. I will look in Europe as well but I am irrationally bothered by cold weather like you’ve mentioned. plus i know living in melbourne for example would be awesome. @Alfonsia , I fortunately do have money for full pay. and 33 is not low for me. @ISayHelloWorld lol I don’t have a good answer for this. lower tuition (not considering cost of living ofc), shorter time to get degree, the (perhaps false) impression that school is more laid back in aus, and adventurousness i suppose? part of me thinks this is a response to expectations to get into a highly ranked school here by saying fuck it and going to a different country lol
Well, the AP requirements will vary depending on universities but Australian universities will like them as a proof you’ve studied some subjects roughly at the same level they expect from their nationals.
Ah ok, that makes sense
Have you got some numbers to indicate the lower cost of tuition at melbourne as a foreigner? You cannot discount eh cost of living as it is so very significant. the numbers must include the money you need to just enter the country and the cost of visas etc, but the dollar will be going in your favour at least. The tuition cost savings for the inclusion of a masters won’t beat your chance at merit in a good US school. I doubt Melbourne would be superior to many schools you could access in the USA for almost free, leaving just your masters to pay for. Again, I think if you were talking Oxbridge or Imp college in the UK that math might make sense, but not Melbourne IMO.
I don’t have numbers I just meant tuition is cheaper than in the US (I’ve been told around 10k a year). but you’re right I have underestimated the costs of living and everything else.
tuition is cheaper for Australian nationals, but it’s not super cheap for internationals… check the websites, don’t rely on what people may tell you. This being said, US tuition costs are completely out of proportion and colleges almost anywhere you seem “cheap” in comparison 
It won’t be cheap for internationals, I think you could use the internet that to search that…Tuition is not cheap in comparison to any US school once you add in COL and extra expenses of living abroad.
yeah you are right, i looked up u melb’s tuition and it translates to about 30k a year
http://services.unimelb.edu.au/finaid/planning/cost_of_living/summary (OMG read it and weep LOL.)
https://www.immi.gov.au/students/student-visa-living-costs.htm#stud At least $18000 in your pocket just to get into the country.
haha oh god
Have u considered any Canadian colleges? Much closer.