Even literature and history graduates from top schools like Cambridge can go on to become top bankers and management consultants. (just using lit and hist as examples).

I would go Cambridge and try to transfer to a higher profile degree programme like Econs. Even if I fail to transfer, a Cambridge degree still has a lot of tangible and intangible benefits. Remember that 2 of our past and present Prime Ministers are from Cambridge.

Cornell is reputable but too expensive. SMU is just a local university in a little red dot. The world is your oyster.

Do undergrad in SMU and go to MS in US or UK . U can work parttime to support ur studies. That way u wont have student loans to pay. For me, I dont attach too much value to a paid foreign degree. If u r in the top in ur own country, foreign univs will take u for MS or so.

Good luck

i beg to differ; we all know it's much more difficult to get into a bachelors program at a top university vs a masters program simply due to competition

AND a degree from oxbridge and HYPWS are not just any 'paid foreign degree'

i'd say take a loan from your parents and pay them after graduation. do not study in singapore--unless it'll really put your family in major financial difficulties

Somebody said in another thread along the lines of a Bach in an oxbridge/ivy institute is fought over and only the best get in but the institutes themselves have to beg for post-grad students.

I agree. Its definitely more prestigious to do a Bach at a prestigious institute vs doing postgrad. Its not tough to get into top institutes for postgrad esp in less prominent courses.

I thought you can only apply into cambridge management studies after 2 or 3 years in another course?

Undergraduate Admissions: Cambridge Admissions Office - Management Studies

Is Cambridge really a good school for business? With the weakening of western economies, you might want more of an asian approach.

I would like you to note that the rich kids from China are probably going to be sent to Singapore rather than Cambridge now. It may be a good idea to build contacts/networks with your future business partners now than drinking buddies in Cambridge.

Financially, it will not be a burden to your parents. Also, you won't have to pay for your study loans for the first 5 years of work. Can you imagine being loan-free the moment you start working? It will give you the privilege of choice between jobs as some jobs may not be enjoyable but you'll have to stick to them due to loan constraints.

You'll get to keep meeting your friends and family often. While you may to meet more foreign friends, somehow I believe that your closest friends won't be non-Singaporean.

Ultimately, the decision is yours and you have to be responsible for your choice.

Always consider the course first before the school. An SMU law graduate will in all likelihood beat a Cambridge history graduate hands down in lifetime earnings.

We always like to hear of fairy tale success stories but they are the exceptions rather than the norm.

No doubt "Even literature and history graduates from top schools like Cambridge can go on to become top bankers and management consultants" but the fact remains that most literarture and history graduates from top schools like Cambridge end up as school teachers.

Of course if it is between an SMU law degree and a Cambridge law degree, then the choice is obvious.

the most misinformed post i've seen in this thread. Career opps for graduates from top-tier schools have never been limited by their field(s) of study.

You should choose SMU over Cornell/Cambridge only if you value a job that is strictly based in Sg.

Sorry but this is also rubbish. Numerous schools in the US and UK simply outrank NUS/NTU/SMU. I dont give a s*** about THES/QS and whatever nonsense. Social capital is the single most important factor in the society today and a simple comparison of the alumni from the respective schools will shed light on how deluded some Singaporeans are about the prestige of the local schools.

In fact, some of my friends from the States have never heard about NUS before, much less NTU and the lesser known SMU.

If you intend to settle down/work/live in Sg go ahead and matriculate into SMU. It wont guarantee higher earnings but certainly a sense of belonging and subscription to herd mentality. Otherwise, Cambridge/Cornell is your best choice.

Take this time to see the world kid.