<p>As my name suggests, I am international from a small European country in a big dilemma and thus would appreciate any relevant (or not so much) thoughts you guys may have.</p>
<p>I thought I would get into a different universities in US, but quite unfortunately, I did not, so now the decision comes to:</p>
<p>1) Smith College</p>
<p>2000$ a year parent contribution (A lot, especially considering that they make under 15000$ and we are 3 kids in the family) + 3000 a year loan (which is expected to increase, too! (perhaps anyone knows how much?)) to be repaid in 10 years, no matter if and where I find a job (I have no clue how I would repay if I come back to my home country) + study-work.</p>
<p>2) UCL - University College London (Arts and Sciences course)</p>
<p>9000 pounds a year, however they are paid only by small chunks in a very long period of time in a way that they almost would not hurt at all. However, I would have to work to support myself and do not know how realistic it is to handle the course at UCL and earn enough for accommodation there (even if I manage, I suppose, I'd be eating only potatoes and rice). </p>
<p>Overall, I think I'd prefer Smith location and classes/environment, but I believe the people would be smarter at UCL (perhaps I am wrong?), and it is very important to me to be around people who are exceptionally intelligent. Probably I have an over-boosted self-confidence.</p>
<p>I can't believe what it came to now is UK vs. US! What do you think?</p>
<p>It looks like 9000 pounds at UCL is only for your tuition and fees, not for your meals and housing. Where will you get the money for your meals, housing, books, etc.? At today’s exchange rate, 9000 pounds is equivalent to $14,295. Where are you going to get that kind of money each year? That is almost as much as your family’s annual income! </p>
<p>Right now Smith is significantly less expensive for you. Whether you can afford Smith is another story. What would it cost for you to study in your home country?</p>
<p>The prototype former Smith student who comes to mind for me is Hillary Clinton. I don’t think you’d be disappointed in the intellectual level there.</p>
<p>happymomof1, these UCL’s 27000 pounds (3 years) are to be paid only by a small percentage when I make over 20000 pounds a year, which makes it affordable - anyone can study and if you don’t make enough, you will never pay back the whole loan. And if you’re not done by 40 something, it is written off. So it would be playing safer. However, if I find a good paying job afterwords, the idea of being done faster (4-5 years in the best scenario) really appeals to me. </p>
<p>As for living costs in UCL, I’d have to work part-time also. And probably much harder. Still, to go to London from my country is around 20 dollars, while to go to Northampton is around 500 dollars. </p>
<p>It looks to me like you prefer UCL. If you are able to make enough money to pay for your living expenses while studying there, it probably is the best option for you. If you won’t be able to make enough money to cover those expenses, then you need to look for a better option in another European university where the costs will be lower.</p>
<p>Observations are interesting because actually, at the moment I think I prefer Smith. Because I would much rather live in campus, have small classes with more opportunities to explore. And I love travelling, thus I’d hope to that more in US (where I have not been yet).</p>
<p>The only thing that somehow stops me is the ‘prestige’ and the academic quality of student body. This year I studied in the best university in my country (which is completely free), but I was disappointed by how little is required from students, how easy it is, how detached professors are and how so little people actually care about learning and just want to get by. So I would not like to go from bad to worse…</p>
<p>Smith would not be going from bad to worse, although the experience will be quite different from that of a European university. Will any of your credits transfer? If so, you might be able to finish in less than four years, and save yourself a bit of money. I’d suggest that you send a PM to b@r!um who transferred to another women’s college after a year studying in her home country in Europe. She will have ideas for you.</p>
<p>You also need to be thinking about your long-term goals. Where do you hope to make your career? Will you need to go to grad school? Which of these two universities is more likely to help you achieve your goals?</p>
<p>Actually, I am not thinking of grad school. I am however thinking of transfering to Ivy league level university next year if I manage a good GPA (because my SATs are very high and so are my high school grades). Do you think that would be easier to do from Smith than from UCL? Same system after all. </p>
<p>Also, could I manage to try and get outside scholarship for Smith? Or is it not possible and that would reduce need aid (I am getting around 50000 of it)??</p>
<p>The idea of travelling in US during college also appeals a lot, however, I can not imagine staying here for long term, I’d probably come back to Europe…</p>
<p>Smith is Ivy level. It is one of the oldest and best of the women’s colleges. Of that group, only Wellesley (and then only for some fields of study) would be possibly in a “higher” category. If you didn’t get into an Ivy this year, a year at Smith is not likely to make much difference. If you didn’t apply to any of the Ivies, and you really would prefer that to Smith, then take a gap year and apply. You may be able to defer your enrollment to Smith and/or UCL and do that.</p>
<p>I don’t know about Smith’s policy about outside scholarships, you would need to ask their financial aid department. If you are thinking about travelling during school breaks, you will need to work that expense into your plans for your budget. Would it make sense for you to stay in the US during long breaks? You may be able to come up with a paid summer job or internship. Ask the international student office and the career center at Smith about the best ways to use your CPT and OPT time.</p>
<p>One thing that you should take into consideration is whether or not a Smith degree (or other US degree) will make it easy for you find a job in your home country after graduation (or in another country where you have work permission). Even though the UCL degree would be more expensive, it may lead more easily to employment. There are strict limits on post-college work permits for the US, and it is very hard to find employers who are willing to go through the process to get a work visa (H1B) for an employee.</p>
<p>My two cents. I am a Smith alum and once there, you will have no desire to transfer.</p>
<p>Not all departments are equal in faculty and resources but a Smith degree is a reputable one. Smith pioneered engineering for women’s colleges. The English and Gov majors particularly are well known. The junior year abroad is fantastic (you could even go to London!) Northampton is a safe and pleasant community, within walking distance.</p>
<p>The best thing about Smith however is the quality of life. It is made to help young women thrive. Internships, arts, faculty interaction – Smith has it all. The food is exceptional and thehousing system is unique. There is an acceptance of women’s leadership and diverse ways of life and the international presence is outstanding.</p>
<p>It is an Ivy League experience made for women.</p>
<p>Yes Smith is Ivy level. After all Ivy League is actual a sports designation, and not actually the only rigorous colleges in the US. I love Smith, but not actually sure that the $2K is doable based on what you wrote. I think I might go to UCL if I was in your place.</p>
<p>Smith is a top school in the US, but if you are returning to Europe, UCL may carry more prestige and recognition. US travel will be expensive, so factor that in as well. Airfare from Europe now is running closer to 800+ roundtrip.</p>
<p>Thanks guys. What do you think about academics? Where would it be more “challenging” and beneficial for the future, not just fun. Of course, it is hard to compare with having gone to those schools, but I’d be happy to hear your opinion…</p>