<p>First of all, let me apologize for my incompetent command of english language, for I only started learning english from secondary school in China, where english class is conducted in Chinese most of the time. </p>
<p>I’m a currently studying in SMU, doing a single degree in economics with a minor in quantitative finance. I received a scholarship thanks to my slightly above average SAT score of 2120, and I regard this financial assistance as the main factor that attracts me here. </p>
<p>After following through the threads of the discussions I’m rather amused by the frankness you guys illustrated, and it is the type of discussion I prefer. </p>
<p>If you view from the perspective of undergrad study, SMU is unlikely to be an academic oriented Univeristy. Although in long term non-research Uni seldom prospers since academic research is instrumental in qualifying the institution as an University rather than a professional school. </p>
<p>Truth to be told, I seldom find anybody in my campus who is really interested in having a meaningful discussion about economics, and I suspect I would face embarrassment if I tell someone I enjoy pondering over the rationale behind those principles and curves. And besides the very few times I discussed with a philosophy professor about issues like inherent ambiguity in arbitrary definitions, likeliness of our world being a matrix like the one in movie, etc… I don’t think I’m walking around a place that is supposed to be enlivened by profound minds. </p>
<p>However, to say SMU is rubbish, or to say there is no intellectual challenge at all, is unlikely to be true. Because everything is relative. Whether you should choose SMU or go to a better school depends on your budget constraints in terms of finance, intellect, and other factors. And so called adding-value is largely a matter of personal thing, how much value could I add to myself if I get into Harvard and fool around doing noting all day long? </p>
<p>For me, the primary concern is whether my unsuccessful artist mother is able to finance my education, so this scholarship simply puts me on a higher indifference curve, and with no hesitance, I accept the offer. </p>
<p>My suggestion for international students is simple, if you’re truely good, try to get in Ivy college, if you’re good and rich, get yourself a portable degree in U.S. burning your own money, if you’re good and not rich, come to Singapore and take the offer while planning for further moves. </p>
<p>Anyways, I like to hear different voices.</p>