[pastarnokas]

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.

I thought I would get into a different universities in US, but quite unfortunately, I did not, so now the decision comes to:

1) Smith College

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. Still it includes accommodation and food.

2) UCL - University College London (Arts and Sciences course)

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).


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. International prestige is important as well - I do not know where I want to live afterwards, but if I came to US, I think UCL, being one of the best unis in Europe would sound much better than Smith. Do you think it's the same internationally?


I can't believe what it came to now is UK vs. US! Please give your opinions - what do you think?

[earthmother65]

Those are two pretty different choices! Think about: primarily women's college vs. co-ed; small town vs. urban setting; American culture vs. more int'l/UK...and an even bigger one...is the money worth it?! As an American myself, I struggle to justify the incredibly high cost of colleges over there. And as someone who left grad school with a little bit of student debt, I'd only recommend to try to avoid as much as possible, especially undergraduate debt, since you might want to go on to grad school and would also need loans there. Sort those out and then maybe the choice will be easier.

[Andre93]

If I got both offers, I would take UCL without a second thought.