Is studying abroad right for me?

I live in the US, but I am an EU citizen, which means I could go to college practically for free in most countries in the EU. I think I would have to be a little crazy not to take advantage of this, right? But there are still a lot of things that are making me hesitant, the main one being I would have to move halfway across the world. That’s a long way. It would take me at least 9 hours to see my parents, whom I get along with (I’m not one of those kids just waiting to escape her parents). However, I would be significantly closer to Germany, where a lot of my other relatives live, along with friends. Any advice will be greatly appreciated! And if you are familiar with colleges in Scotland or the UK, advice for colleges for academically driven, biology major students would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Actually, you may not have quite the free ride that you think you have: tuition status is not based on citizenship, it is based on tax-residency. If you / your family have not been paying taxes in the EU for 3 of the last 5 years, you are an international student for fee purposes.

That said, some countries have extremely low fees even for international students, and it is still an advantage to have an EU passport- no visa required.

Point of clarification: Scotland is part of the UK (and there was just a very big referendum confirming that!)

For both Scotland and England admissions is largely based on standardized testing- from the US that means SATs (ACT is just starting to get traction), APs and SAT subject tests. Although the Scottish unis have more flexibility than the English, in both places you study one subject (no gen ed, no major/minor), and your course selection is much more limited.

For example, to get into Biological Sciences at the University of Edinburgh (in Scotland), you would need an SAT of 1800 + 4s on 2 APs / 650s on 2 SATIIs, which must be in Biology and one of Physics, Chemistry or Math.

In your first year you would take: Origin and Diversity of Life Molecules 1, Genes and Cells 1, and your choice of 4 of the following courses: Quantification in the Life Sciences 1; Biology, Ecology & Environment 1; Medical Biology 1; Biological Chemistry 1A, Biological Chemistry 1B, and Introductory Chemistry for Biologists.

To get into Biological Sciences at Durham University (in England), you would need 5s on 3 APs / 650 on SATIIs, to include Biology and another science or math (this is being reviewed this summer for 2016 admissions, so it may change).

In your first year you would take: evolution, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, physiology, and an overview of the diversity of organisms, plus a special biology study skills module.

As you can see, two top universities, same course yet very different. Fortunately, all UK universities have an amazing amount of information online (all of the above, and much, much more).

Applications are through UCAS (a handful are on the Common App as well). UCAS is great: you can apply to 5 courses (all in one uni, though that is a dicey tactic, or the same course in 5 unis,or whatever combo). You write one Personal Statement (essay) in which you talk about why you are a good candidate for the course- why you want to do it, what you do beyond school work that shows your interest and aptitude, etc. Your GC writes a rec. You pay one fee. That’s it! all your schools see the same essay and rec. And lots of the UK unis treat US apps on a rolling basis, so you can have an answer really early.

If you are Oxbridge driven, though, say so: they are a different kettle of fish!

Years ago, a cousin of mine, a German national, lived abroad as an expat all her life. She was admitted to LSE in London but was surprised to find that bcs of her family’s long-time expatriation, she didn’t qualify for EU tuition rates. She ended up going to university in Canada

I’d check the EU citizen requirements very, very carefully.

9 hours to travel to see your parents is no big deal. We live overseas, and it takes us 3X as long. 9 hours is the “short” flight segment of our multi-segment flight itinerary.

Thank you so much for all this very helpful info!