<p>Hey there. I'm from India and I'm gonna start 11th in a few months. I had this dream of going to the US for my undergrad studies. But my parents disagree with me. They think I should apply for Indian colleges like IIT, etc.
But the thing is, if I want to have any hope of getting into IIT, I'll have to take coaching classes for the JEE (the entrance exam for IIT). Invariably, my grades will fall, affecting my GPA. And with an extremely low GPA, I'll have no hope of getting into any US universities.
So here is my question: do you think I should concentrate all my efforts on an Indian college (BITS, IIT) with a tiny acceptance rate, or a US one with need-blind aid? (MIT, Princeton)
Both are equally tough to get into.</p>
<p>I think it really comes down to personal preferrence. </p>
<p>But as a warning, if you're serious about studying in the US, make sure you have a few back-ups as well. Some that offer generous aid to internationals would include Ohio Wesleyan, University of Rochester, ASU, Oberlin, Trinity College, etc.</p>
<p>Well of course I'd prefer studying in the US (due to better facilities, etc.), but then if I don't get admission into any US univ. that offers financial aid, I'm dead. I won't be able to pass the JEE, and I won't be able to pursue computer engineering.
To get into a good US univ, I have to concentrate alot on extracurriculars and my grades (both are ignored by Indian colleges).
In short, I don't know whether it's worth the risk. US or broke?</p>
<p>How much can your family contribute anuualy for your education in the US ?</p>
<p>Around $15000 annually, I think.</p>
<p>Then I'd suggest you go with an Indian Engineering school, and go to grad school in the US.
(Trust me on this, I spent nearly 6 months thinking about the same, and asking every adult I met :D)</p>
<p>Add me on MSN if you need any more help ..</p>
<p>Thanks for raising this question. Turning the question around, would you advise an American student to go through the process of international student application to an Indian university?</p>
<p>Oh dear no way, tokenadult! That would be...criminal and blasphemous, to say the least...</p>
<p>I don't wanna start bashing Indian universities like I always en up doing, so I think it'd be better if I just stopped here....Ajay, you may take over. :D</p>
<p>And 20LEGEND - 15000 is comparatively a pretty good amount to be able to contribute. Why not give the US a shot?</p>
<p>Not worth it IMO.</p>
<p>~$3-4k every year would be misc expenses.
~$1k to and fro India.</p>
<p>Which leaves him with around ~$10000. Not good enough if you ask me. He'll probably end up at a tier 2 LAC; unless of course, he has amazing stats and walk into a Harvard or Williams ...</p>
<p>Which city are you in dormenritis?</p>
<p>I live in New Delhi. Thing is, I don't want cost to be the reason why I wouldn't go to a US university. I can apply to one offering financial aid. See, years from now I don't want to regret my decision. That's the only thing I fear, that I might say "I wish I'd done this...".</p>
<p>If your parents can contribute about $25k p.a., then that changes quite a bit; but I'd really suggest you to try cracking the IITJEE, else get into a good place like DCE or Jaypee and then go on to the US for grad school.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. Much appreciated. Before taking a final decision I'll wait and see what everyone else says.</p>
<p>What are your school grades and ECs like btw?</p>
<p>The American schools with need blind financial aid are harder to get into than IIT if you need that much aid.</p>
<p>If you are not truly exceptional in India with national awards, your chances at top American schools with aid are bad. </p>
<p>So assess your situation. The only reason to shoot for the US is if you have near a 2400, are at the very top of your class and you have national level awards most probably in math/science. You don't need to be well rounded and have lots of ECs, but most getting in have done serious research.</p>
<p>The schools are going out through Asia with messeges that apply only to full paying internationals but they never openly say that.</p>
<p>Grad school is a better opportunity for most.</p>
<p>Hmm. Let's see...
Aggregate-92%
Extracurriculars- Head of Programming (in my school's Computer Club)
I've won a few interschool/state-level competitions, no national level awards though.
And uhm.. I'm a freelance programmer in my free time.
That's about it though. I'm ultra-immersed in computers. It's all I care about, actually.
Maybe I should stick with an Indian college.
EDIT: Oh ya, I'm studying for a CompTIA A+ and Security+ certification.</p>