Current High-School Senior Considering UK For Undergrad in (International) Politics/Relations

[nyxelestia]

(n00b poster is noob, so forgive any glaring idiocy or posting errors)

I am interested in the general field of law and politics, with a dash of economics and an international emphasis - though admittedly I'm still looking into a career as a politician \o/ *sells soul to the dark side* in America. I would like to study abroad, at least for my

Comments

[rhipowered]

I don't know most of these answers, though looking at the academic requirements for US American undergrads at my postgrad university (Birmingham), you...could really go either way. They really do focus on grades, perhaps moreso than US schools do. I would say that you should narrow down your list and contact the International Students Office at some of the universities you really like. They'd be able to help you a bit more specifically with what they're looking for from someone from the US, or point you to an admissions officer who's specifically focused on international students.

I do know a few things regarding the political and economic situation here at the moment. Here are a few points you might want to consider:
- Applying this late in the game could be an issue if you're accepted and need to get your visa in time. If I recall correctly, the California consulate always is particularly swamped, though going in person would make that much easier.
- With regards to cost, many UK universities are raising UK/EU student fees here going forward in a year or two. That likely means that non-EU foreign student fees will likely skyrocket from their already appalling levels. While the pound isn't super-strong against the dollar at the moment, it could very well go up in the future, so that adds to your cost.
- Visa costs are also going up, seemingly by the day. They've gone up twice in the last six months.
- Avoid London/the Home Counties if you'd like somewhere where your cost of living will be relatively low. Looking at your list, both Abers (Aberystwyth and Aberdeen) are okay; as someone in Scotland, I know COL in Aberdeen isn't bad, and someone on here's studying in Aberystwyth, so she might be more helpful there.
- Be aware that undergraduate degrees in Scotland take four years, and elsewhere three.

I'm really sorry I can't give you more specific yes or no answers. I do know that someone I knew on Study Abroad in Glasgow liked it so well that she transferred from her US liberal arts college to finish there, so transferring in is a possibility if you do well as an undergraduate!

[rhipowered]

ETA: And I need to do my research....I see you're located in LA, which would be beneficial towards going to the consulate for a visa in person. It's on the northeast end of Wilshire Boulevard in Brentwood.