When I talk to people who are interested in going abroad, the same universities pop up. Spoiler alert, if UVA is too preppy or Dartmouth is too isolated for your tastes, you’re not going to like St. Andrews.
Still, there are some that I feel that everyone sleeps on.
Well, by everyone, I mean Americans.
Some of them will probably get some scoffs, and but I feel pretty strongly that if you’re interested in going abroad, but haven’t looked beyond Oxbridge or St. Andrews (which isn’t all that bad!), you should start here. And just because you haven’t heard of them doesn’t mean that your future employers haven’t.
Also, because I have to give you all something to argue about in the comments, I’ll include which American university each reminds me of; feel free to argue, as these are solely based on me either throwing darts at a map of the US (or, you know, years of gut feelings – your pick).
Edinburgh
I love Edinburgh. It’s a top 20 global university that, as long as you can convince them that you’re a good fit for them, loves to see American students. For some things, they are epic. Interested in astrobiology? They’ve got the UK’s premier center for the study of it. Not sure what you want to study? Like most Scottish universities, they offer some flexibility in that. The only real downside is the cost; because it’s a Scottish university, you’re looking at 4 years of tuition rather than 3.
Edinburgh reminds me of UChicago; it’s in a second city, it’s academically excellent, and feels that it is too good to have to argue with those universities to the south.
Manchester
This could have just as easily been named Birmingham, Liverpool, or Warwick, but there’s something about those big Russell Group universities. Manchester gives me strong Michigan vibes. They are almost always in the top half of the Russell Group rankings, and rightfully so. Also, Manchester is much more affordable than London, so there’s that too.
Durham
Want to have the Oxbridge College experience without the 5s on your AP exams? Then look at Durham. It is relatively old, a fair distance away from major cities, and has incredible academics. In reality, it’s the second choice for a lot of Oxbridge applicants who didn’t quite make the cut, but never forget how close they came to that, and are willing to work incredibly hard to make up for that chip on their shoulder.
As a William & Mary alum, the only thing that makes me feel not at home here is the lack of an ampersand. Oh, and Durham is ranked higher.
SOAS
Think that the Bay Area isn’t liberal enough for your politics? Do you think Marx deserves more respect?
Or maybe you just have an interest in Asia, Africa, or the Middle East? Then look no further than SOAS, the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London. They are the UK’s best at understanding humanities and social science everywhere that doesn’t speak a European language. Spoiler alert, I also studied here, and while a lot of American grad students end up here, not a lot of undergrads do, and that’s something that the administration is trying to change.
There’s no real cognate to SOAS in the US, unless you’re considering just the political views of the student body, then it’s definitely UC Berkeley. In terms of academics, it is hard to place, given how specialized the place is.
Bocconi, IE, or Esade
Shifting away from the UK, these next three universities are incredible if you want to study business. Is it fair to group them together? No, because Bocconi, IE, and Esade are completely different places. However, they are all incredibly strong business programs.
I get it, business isn’t as attractive as CS, at least for now. However, at the end of the day, if you’re thinking with your wallet, there’s significant bang for your buck at these places. Top consulting and investment banks actively recruit from these three universities, and while it’s not insanely competitive, each is definitely a great option for those who want the LSE vibe but don’t want to have quite as competitive of an admissions process (they are all still competitive, however). In short, these three are similar to Wharton.
Toronto
There’s a big disclaimer on Toronto. First, it can be pretty affordable, and switches spots with McGill and UBC as the best university in Canada every few years. With an acceptance rate around 50%, it looks like a great option.
But there’s that but. For those of you on the CS track, it’s incredibly competitive at U of T. Rightly or wrongly, that’s up to you. However, for anything outside of CS, there’s some real potential here. In that, it’s a lot like another UT, but without the bad decision to join the SEC.
Also, Toronto is still cheaper than Austin.
Oxford and Cambridge (But Only If…)
Yes, I’ve said over years’ worth of posts that Oxford and Cambridge have higher admissions rates than their American competitors. However, a lot of that is admittedly because the two only allow you to apply to one or the other, and only for one degree program. We can agree to disagree on whether that is a better system, but if you are a gifted organist, then you’re in luck.
Concert-level organists can apply to both Oxford and Cambridge, and get help in paying for room and board.
Yes, you have to be insanely talented, and the organ is not quite as common of an extracurricular as, say, basketball. But if you are talented, then it is a way to get serious attention from Oxford or Cambridge.
How much attention?
Colleges will fight over you, almost like you were a top football or basketball recruit in the US.
Yes, you’ll be expected to make a major contribution to the musical life of your chosen college. However, if you’re already into all that, then it can be a great way to save money and get extra tutoring in a passion.
Anyway, if there are more questions, I’m more than happy to help out.