<p>I'm a Canadian high school student (in grade eleven). I am starting to consider university because I have to apply this October/November/December. I've done quite a bit of research on Canadian universities and with my marks and everything, I'm pretty much guaranteed entry to any program at any university that I want. Thing is, I don't know if I want to challenge myself more. There are several universities in the US that are very, very prestigious - more so that Canadian ones, despite the fact that there are indeed some very good Canadian universities. However in order to apply to the US, I'll have to take the SATs.</p>
<p>I don't know if it's worth it to do so. Not only will it take up a lot of time (studying) but also will cost money to take them and also to apply to these American universities (roughly $50-$75 an application). In addition, there isn't that much financial aid available to international students so that's another issue. University in the US will cost around $60,000/year depending on where you go. It might be a little more for international students. Compare this price to Canadian universities, where the cost is less than $20,000/year with everything included. Also, there are several scholarships available to Canadian students, especially those with statistics (grades, volunteer hours, extra curriculars, etc) that I have. I could potentially get at LEAST half of that paid for, which would put me in a pretty good position.</p>
<p>There are several scholarships that I qualify for. I have compiled a rather large list of available scholarships and if I play my cards right and things go my way, I could land a scholarship that could potentially pay for my entire undergraduate career. I plan to go to graduate school or law school, if that makes a difference. There are several good Canadian universities but they just don't compare to those in the US. Besides, going to the US would look extremely good on me and people would be really impressed. I don't know. Thing is, it doesn't matter where you go for your undergraduate degree, provided that you maintain a high GPA and everything. If you go to graduate schools, that's the only thing that matters - not where you get your undergraduate degree.</p>