Hey everybody. So I’ve been having a little trouble here with deciding where I should go for my undergrad.
When I mean the USA, I mean the top colleges like Stanford, Berkeley or Caltech. I’ve taken the SAT and have received quite high scores, and I think that I can make it into one of them. But I’m well aware that the fees for American universities are exorbitant compared to India. My parents say they can pay the fees, but I don’t want them spending money just for my satisfaction.
A lot of my relatives have told me to just do my undergrad in India and go to USA for my post-grad. Will starting out at the US as undergrad offer me any extra benefits other than a bit more of enjoyment?
Personally, I would much rather have the US college life and education system. But if it really doesn’t offer any benefits to undergrads, I don’t think it would be worth it.
tl;dr, Should I stay in USA for both under and post grad or just go to USA after completing my undergrad here?
US has both pros and cons.But as you say that your parents are willing to spend the money you should not feel guilty about spending such an amount for undergrad because after your undergrad you may work for 2-3 years if you wish and return all the money they spent back to them.
Also,Undergrad in the US will provide you with a better education (Of course) and will give you time to blend in with the american culture if you further plan to study/live there.
Also just so you know,high scores do not guarantee admissions to tier 1 colleges .
Good Luck.
What type of post grad school are you planning to attend? Law? Medical?
I think attending school in the US will give you more job options.
Why keep it hypothetical? A number of international students that I know who have weighed this decision solved it neatly by applying to uns in their home country and just the specific US unis that they believed would be worth the extra investment. So, in your case, apply to your preferred programs in India, and go ahead an apply to Stanford, UCB & Caltech. If and when you have acceptances in hand, then make the decision.
The experience will be totally different. Top Universities/ LACs are meant to be communities. That’s where you make friends and, ultimately, your network. That community shapes you. That’s why you need to look at fit (the relation between your personality and the college is, sort of) carefully and not just rankings - a good fit for Dartmouth or Washington and Lee is not a good fit for Brown or Wesleyan. Furthermore, colleges check that you understand their 'personality ’ (culture, fit). Do you understand the difference between Northwestern and UChicago in terms of who they want to attract?
Note that high scores are only a tiny portion of admission decisions at top 25 universities/LACs.
Look at acceptance rates - anything 20% and below is an automatic reach for everyone. In addition, divide the odds by three.
If your long term aim is to settle in the states then Undergrad is the best time to start your voyage.
Trust me, outside India its either IIT or any other college. Even BITS is considered into the latter category.
It is much easier to get into MIT, Stanford, or for that matter any top-tier college via SAT than first pursuing BTech from IIT, and then getting selected.
IIT-JEE is no joke. 2-3 years of dedication is required. Let alone be the fact that about 12 Lakh students apply for Mains every year.
In India, we have the Cut-off system. If your scores are below a certain score you are not eligible.
On the other hand, American Universities look for an all-rounded profile. They look out for the person behind those test scores. For that matter, even a killer SAT/ACT score doesn’t guarantee you an admission.
Need I say anything about the quality of education?
Co-ops are a big plus point. The exposure is much more.
The drop-out rates in IITs have increased. Also, this year the placement record has been the worst in the last 5 years.
There is a new wave of students who wish to pursue their Undergrad from the states, from India. So, it is not a maiden attempt.
@ChampBoy just gave you the solution for the money thing.
When Colleges inform me that, as an International Student, I am not eligible for Scholarship they do mention that I should be interested in that college because of the ‘excellent return’ on investment.
Plus, you will get accustomed to the US Lifestyle.
You can directly pursue Ph.D.( if interested) after Bachelors( Something not offered in India)
The route in India would be-
BTech—>MS—>PhD
The American System is flexible too. If I wish to take Biochemistry with CS, I will be allowed to do so. I need not strangulate my desires.
IITs are known to eat up students’ desires. Don’t trust me? Refer to Quora
You can finish your graduation early too. Again, something that is not a part of Indian Colleges’ curriculum.
PS: If at all you don’t get selected to any top-tier college, you have the option for MS. They will definitely give you an edge over an IITian, if you both apply for the same spot.( Other parameters like Research Projects, GPA etc being same)
If applying for CS, and money is a constraint apply to UWaterloo, Canada. Excellent for CS and Software Engineering.