U.S Education, Responsibility and the Youth

[Ian84 0]

Hey all,

This post was inspired by a conversation I had with my aunt who lives in Virginia and has 2 kids in school there. We were talking about the US education system because my brother wishes to attend university there, starting next year.

Several things about this worry me slightly. During the conversation my aunt said she felt that school in the US was easy and often oriented more around the kids having a good time than anything else. She also said that her 15 year old son does not get homework, which is a bit of a shock to me having gone through the Irish education system!

When the subject turned to university she told me that the first 1-2 years of university in the US would generally lead to a student being at the same level as someone just about to leave school back home (Ireland).

The subject came up again when a friend of mine declined the chance to study for free in California for a year. This was because had he attended there he would have had to take US post graduate courses in order to make up the credit for what should be a 3rd year undergrad degree.

So, my main questions are:

1. Is it worth my brother spending 10's of thousands of dollars on an education that wont really challenge him and which he could get for free at home?

2. Is my impression of school in the states way off?

Cheers,
Ian.

[warpedskydiver 0]

It depends on the school I suppose

[Nightingale 0]

He should save the money, get the free education, and then come to the US on holiday.

[kallend 2,151]

Quote

He should save the money, get the free education, and then come to the US on holiday.

Agreed, except I suggest he could use the money for his masters or PhD in the US. They are as rigorous as European. It's just the bachelors that is behind.

I know not much about the Irish system, but assuming it's similar to the UK, "A" levels with good grades in things like math, chemistry and physics will count for college credit at most US universities.

Should add that taking AP classes at US high schools will also get you credit at most US universities.

If you're the kind of kid who takes "A" levels, you would probably be doing AP in the US.

I think the US high school system gives more opportunity for goofing off.

...

The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one.

[Tink1717 2]

Get the BS at home for free. Come to the US as a grad student.

Skydivers don't knock on Death's door. They ring the bell and runaway... It really pisses him off.
-The World Famous Tink. (I never heard of you either!!)
AA #2069 ASA#33 POPS#8808 Swooo 1717

[racer42 0]

It really depends on the school. Most of the "baby Ivy's" Trinity in San Antonio, Austin College in Sherman , Tx, the Claremont Colleges in California, University of Richmond, Amherst, Rodes etc. , often have graduate level studies for their BA and BS level graduates.
These schools are not cheap by any stretch. I work at Trinity Unversity in San Antonio and we are currently around $32,000/year. We are the bargain of the lot.
We have produced Rhodes, McArthur and Truman scholars. Many of our students graduate published in prestigous academic journals.

These types of schools are very keen on overseas students and have a large financial resource bases. They will challenge any student from anywhere, but the student will have to rise to the occasion.

FYI http://www.trinity.edu/

L.A.S.T. #24
Co-Founder Biscuit Brothers Freefly Team
Electric Toaster #3
Co-Founder Team Non Sequitor
Co-Founder Team Happy Sock

[Ian84 0]

Wow, that does sound like an awesome school!

Thanks for the input everyone

• Quote

[racer42 0]

Not to mention there is a great DZ less than an hour away. I'll drive.

L.A.S.T. #24
Co-Founder Biscuit Brothers Freefly Team
Electric Toaster #3
Co-Founder Team Non Sequitor
Co-Founder Team Happy Sock

[mnealtx 0]

Quote

Not to mention there is a great DZ less than an hour away. I'll drive.

And surfing on St. Mary's whenever downtown floods!!

Mike
I love you, Shannon and Jim.
POPS 9708 , SCR 14706