RoyHalladay wrote:
Some of the top schools generate millions just from app fees, not to mention the insane tuition costs.
The application process is expensive as it is for those of us here in the US...I can only imagine how tough it is for international students. For some applicants a few thousand spent on apps, prep material, exams, essay fees, travel, etc isn't a big deal. But I imagine for some, especially international applicants, this is a HUGE investment.
Out of curiosity, my question for international applicants, especially from India, how are you able to afford the entire process--including financing your education? US $2,000 is over INR 100,000. From what I know, this is a significant amount of money for the average person in India.
It's like another poster said: you save, save and save.
Also, INR 100, 000 is really not that big a deal. Now, it's not everyone's monthly salary but you're not exactly selling the family jewels either.
It's hard for most students based out of India, sure, but the way I figure it: if you can't pony up for USD 2K, the average tuition of USD 100K will break your back!
Like you correctly said, we view it as an investment. You put in some(or a lot, depending on perspective) now, you get a lot later. Risk-adjusted, of course...