@realspades Well the taxpayers of NJ are not going to pay 50K salaries for advisors to have only a couple students to care for. I think you’ll find it about the same with regards to advisors. Usually internationals do their BS then OPT then do their grad school then OPT. If you need the money for grad school that can also be a factor for undergraduate school choice.
Thank you all so much for your replies!
I’ve talked to the cousin (aka, the close family I have) and while he seems to think UMass is the better school, Rutgers might be a better choice for me, considering the Indian kid population. Also, one thing that is definitely going for Rutgers is the residential college that seems to have advantages like personal advising, alumni connections and other small college perks that seem extremely attractive to me. Keeping that in mind, how is the advising at UMass? Because as an international student, I definitely need all the help I can get (and I do agree about the 40K, however I want to know if the aforementioned advantages at Rutgers are really worth it or not for the price).
At UMass, I think I’d feel more comfortable (in general) because to the area compared to Rutgers, but my cousin told me that New Brunswick isn’t actually that bad? I think I need a little more information on this.
Another issue is the course, but that is something I can only answer with myself.
Thank you all so much for your replies!
I’ve talked to the cousin (aka, the close family I have) and while he seems to think UMass is the better school, Rutgers might be a better choice for me, considering the Indian kid population. Also, one thing that is definitely going for Rutgers is the residential college that seems to have advantages like personal advising, alumni connections and other small college perks that seem extremely attractive to me. Keeping that in mind, how is the advising at UMass? Because as an international student, I definitely need all the help I can get (and I do agree about the 40K, however I want to know if the aforementioned advantages at Rutgers are really worth it or not for the price).
At UMass, I think I’d feel more comfortable (in general) because to the area compared to Rutgers, but my cousin told me that New Brunswick isn’t actually that bad? I think I need a little more information on this.
Another issue is the course, but that is something I can only answer with myself.
@realspades I think you are really confused about this personal advising bit. A state flagship doesn’t hire personal advisors just for you. Advising will be the same most likely at both. There is well over a thousand undergrad Indian students at UMass and 400 grad students. What size population do you need? Not surprisingly, the Indian population is pretty high around the Boston Tech corridor.
And the cost difference for “everything else the residential college at Rutgers offers” is not $50. It is $10,050 which is your yearly cost difference. But you are confused that you will get your own advisor just for you.
Okay, so quick update since you all have been so helpful to me! I paid my enrollment deposit to UMass Amherst today and it’s so great to have this weight finally lifted off my chest! I figured that if I really do find a problem at UMass and it becomes absolutely unbearable (which I highly doubt it will, but anyway), I can always transfer to either Rutgers or any other equally priced university!
Once again, thank you all @gearmom @privatebanker @NJWrestlingmom @TTG @me29034 for your valuable advice- it made my decision making process much easier!
Awesome. You will love it. Try to live in Sylvan or Central residential areas if you prefer quiet as you are such a focused student. Also the Indian students group might let you know if there is a particular dorm area they have a group.
Congratulations! Good luck!
Congratulations
You’re welcome!
Congratulations on making a decision! You’ll love UMass and the Happy Valley. Buy a bike and ride the bike path into Northampton; don’t miss Bub’s Barbeque; climb Mount Sugar Loaf. You’ll have a great four years there.
If mikes west view cafe is still there tell them i think of them every Friday around 4pm 