US or UK uni?

I'm in Year 11 at the moment and I'm starting to think about universities- yes I know I have a while!
At A-Level I'm taking Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry, French and Extended Project, and I'm planning to study either Maths or French and university, maybe a combination of the two!
I was just wondering, in your opinion, what are the issues and merits of studying at an American university (Ivy League) in comparison to a British university (Russell Group)?
Thanks!

Reply 1

username941859

18

US unis are REALLY REALLY expensive, more so than UK, more so in fact, that some US students see it as more profitable to do a degree here than in the US and cheaper.

Reply 2

L1000

7

You have to take in account that in US universities, you cannot specialise until the 2nd year therefore you will have to take maths, english etc. in your first year. Kind of a set back if you already know what you want to do and get on with it.

Also, agree with the last post that it is ridiculously expensive. Even with bursaries and student finance, the costs of living there, flights, accommodation etc. will really add up.
I think that spending a post graduate year in the US would be more productive.

Reply 3

roh

17

Original post by beaux1

I'm in Year 11 at the moment and I'm starting to think about universities- yes I know I have a while!
At A-Level I'm taking Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry, French and Extended Project, and I'm planning to study either Maths or French and university, maybe a combination of the two!
I was just wondering, in your opinion, what are the issues and merits of studying at an American university (Ivy League) in comparison to a British university (Russell Group)?
Thanks!

You need a lot of money for all but a handful. And even then they only fund tuition.

It's Liberal Arts so you have 2 years more general study prior to majoring. This could be good or bad depending on your view.

For the Ivy League, in particular HYP, you need some serious extra curriculars. You'd also need to spend time practising the SAT which could get in the way of your normal study.

It's a long way. I know this may seem blindingly obvious, but if you think you may want to visit home regularly whilst at uni then America may not be an option and you're more likely to get homesick as you adapt to the new culture as well as living away from home. Also, you can't drink in bars/go to clubs, which would hack me off.

However, it does have many advantages in terms of things like facilities, sport, the curriculum (if you like that style) etc. just think about it carefully.

Reply 4

Origami Bullets

19

The Fulbright Commission has lots of info on studying in the USA, and I believe the Sutton Trust has been trying to establish it as a recognised option for students from the UK who don't have minted parents!

Personally, I'd err towards the US if I didn't know what I wanted to study, but if I knew what subject I wanted to specialise in, then I'd stay in the UK.

Don't forget that you will still be able to go to the US for any postgrad courses, when you'll be older, wiser, less likely to get homesick and not missing out on UK student finance (and able to drink!)

Reply 5

maselg2

Original post by Calllu-m

US unis are REALLY REALLY expensive, more so than UK, more so in fact, that some US students see it as more profitable to do a degree here than in the US and cheaper.

I am looking at the UK for a degree because of how much cheeper it is. The US is four years and around hmm 15,000 pounds more than the UK. On the other hand. US education is much more broad and if you do not know what you want to do, I would say the US would be better. You cannot go wrong with either it just depends on what makes you happy and what you like more. :biggrin:

Reply 6

clungemagnet

7

Apparently, some employers in the UK insist on a 2.1, I hear. When we are young, we think it's cool to go abroad to study. When you return to your country to get a job 3/4 years later, you find that no employers accept your qualification. You end up becoming a management consultant. A few lucky ones get to work for really prestigious firms. But most end up in mundane jobs - jobs you could have gotten with a degree from a university in your town.

I am just telling you to be careful.

If you go abroad, go to a proper (recognised) university and study a proper (recognised) course.

Reply 7

username941859

18

Original post by maselg2

I am looking at the UK for a degree because of how much cheeper it is. The US is four years and around hmm 15,000 pounds more than the UK. On the other hand. US education is much more broad and if you do not know what you want to do, I would say the US would be better. You cannot go wrong with either it just depends on what makes you happy and what you like more. :biggrin:

Depends. Scottish Unis have a broad based curriculum to third year and unis like Durham, Exeter, Newcastle, UCL and more offer new degrees along the lines of "Combined Honours" or "Flexible Honours" and you can pick and choose your modules from a number of degree areas. I'd say the UK is better.

Reply 8

maselg2

Original post by Calllu-m

Depends. Scottish Unis have a broad based curriculum to third year and unis like Durham, Exeter, Newcastle, UCL and more offer new degrees along the lines of "Combined Honours" or "Flexible Honours" and you can pick and choose your modules from a number of degree areas. I'd say the UK is better.

I do not think you can say one system is better than the other. Both systems put out brilliant minds. The US educational system is based off the Scottish system though. The US schools are just much more expensive.

US or UK uni?

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