Hi all! Stressed out junior here trying to figure some things out. Lately I’ve been looking at schools overseas during my college search and have noticed the University of Edinburgh. Being an American student I’m curious as to whether the cost of living in Scotland and the tuition at Edinburgh would be worth it or if I should keep my search to the U.S. I’m also wondering about the quality of their veterinary science program as well as their other natural sciences programs such as zoology, evo bio, and ecology. Thanks!
“worth it” is so subjective that more info would be needed, even for superficial responses.
The Edinburgh website gives a good idea of costs- ime, they are pretty accurate.
Edi is solidly top 10 for vetsci (including on some international rankings), so no worries on quality.
If your goal is to be a vet in the US, be aware that Edi is an AVMA-Listed, Non-Accredited Veterinary College", which means that after you finish the program you take the Basic and Clinical Science Exam, followed by the Clinical Proficiency Exam. (more info here: https://www.avma.org/ProfessionalDevelopment/Education/Foreign/pages/default.aspx)
You will need 5s in Calc BC, Bio and Chem or Physics (and realistically either both, or a subject test in the other one). The listings for US students are lower, but those are minimums, and the VetSci program is very competitive, so assume the higher marks. You will want to have done some shadowing / volunteering / something.
Take a look at the year by year coursework, and spend some time learning about the differences between UK & US university experiences.
Worth it for what?
What goals do you have and how certain are you of them?
I guess by worth it I was wondering if the cost of the university was worth the education and experience. Obviously Edinburgh is a fantastic school but as an international student I know it would be rather expensive and they don’t give a lot of aid to foreign students.
What are you looking for in an education and experiences? What goals do you have and how certain are you of them?
I’m looking for a quality education in an academically focused environment. I hope to study zoology or another type on animal science. Lately I’ve been looking into the position of a wildlife veterinarian or a research zoologist at a non profit. I’m certain that I will be going into life sciences and am looking for a school in which I can focus and direct myself on the path I want to go. After looking into the vet sci program requirements Edinburgh has I realized I don’t meet enough and so I would probably not be let in for my freshman or undergrad year. As for experiences I’m looking for an environment where I can explore and learn a lot while enjoying my life.
You won’t have taken AP Bio & chem + Calculus by the end of senior year?
UEdinburgh is academically focused and lots of fun (capital city + lots of student ‘unions’ ie., Organizations). It is however very different from an American University: less hand holding, lots of independent work, and you start on veterinary science right away not after 4 years.
I will have bio under my belt at the end of this year, and maybe chem (I’m still finalizing my schedule). However I still have to take pre calc before I can take calculus. I can maybe see about taking pre calc over the summer, but I would still only be able to take Calc AB by the end of my senior year.
Calc by the end of senior year is fine. You do need AP Bio and AP chemistry (and/or AP physics).
My first reaction is that you can get a quality education at a lot of places (and quality undergrad education is only mildly correlated with any rankings). Also that there are many schools with academically focused environments. Also lots of environments where you can explore and possibly lots of environments where you can enjoy life (but I don’t see how anyone can tell you what those are unless you describe your ideal environment and life as what different people enjoy may differ a lot).
Ok, thank you all for the help! I’ll keep Edinburgh on the table, but maybe focus on it for post grad.
of course it is beneficial for your exposure!