Useful advice if you're a Pinoy student going to the US, Part 1
Here are some more tips that I think would be useful for other students who have just arrived in the land of the free (check out the above link for numbers 1-5):
6. When it comes to buying textbooks, check out the sell-it-back price on Amazon first. It may be cheaper to buy a book and sell it back when your class is done. You will really benefit from this when it comes to newly released books -- for instance, there's this Accounting book (released last January) that I'll be needing later this year. It now costs $170, but I can sell it back to Amazon for $152. End result? I'll be able to use the book for only $18.
7. Compare textbook prices across different websites through Slugbooks.com.
8. Those really cheap textbooks on AbeBooks.com may be international editions with different section questions than the US editions. Just be aware of this if ever you decide to buy via that route.
9. Renting textbooks may turn out to be more expensive. If ever you're reduced to desperate measures, you may want to try a rental site I've used before: CampusBookRentals. What I like about this company is that they provide excellent customer service, free shipping and discounts during certain times of the year (usually before classes start in the fall or spring). And they usually have cheaper prices than Chegg.
10. Well, it always pays to ask around -- second-years may be selling their first-year books, or some of your classmates may have taken that elective in a previous term. Your library may also have electronic or print copies of the book you're looking for.
As you might have noticed, this post is very much textbook-related.
I think it has something to do with the fact that I've gone through the list of textbooks I might need this fall semester, and have been thinking of ways not to spend so much on them. If you're from the Philippines, you will definitely experience sticker shock when you find out how much the textbooks over here cost.
I'll be wrapping up my internship this week, and heading back to campus. Good news: my internship savings will be enough to pay off my second year's tuition fees! Yes! Hopefully, my part-time job in the library will help to cover living expenses.
By any chance, did you also consider applying to UK schools? Does it have less competition in terms of admissions? Also, how are the interviews being administered, considering that I would be in the Philippines during the application process? What round of application do you recommend me to apply fr better chances of getting in? I'm really curious how the competition will be? I mean do we have better chances being from a third world country, or being a contributor of the "diversity" of cultures that they call. Or does it just depend on the story that I wiil present on the application. I can definitely work that out, but I tend to fail on the interview side. Is it different or just similar to the usual interview process?
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DeleteBy any chance, did you also consider applying to UK schools? -- No
Does it have less competition in terms of admissions? -- No idea, sorry
Also, how are the interviews being administered, considering that I would be in the Philippines during the application process? -- They could call you on the phone, they could call you via Skype, they could arrange for alumni in the Philippines to interview you
What round of application do you recommend me to apply fr better chances of getting in? -- If you're concerned about the scholarship, the earlier the better. That said, the best time to apply is when you're most prepared. No sense applying early when your essays are too rushed.
I'm really curious how the competition will be? I mean do we have better chances being from a third world country, or being a contributor of the "diversity" of cultures that they call. Or does it just depend on the story that I wiil present on the application. I can definitely work that out, but I tend to fail on the interview side. -- The competition depends on the school. I think you can play up the international diversity factor in schools that are not as high-ranking as the top 15, but ultimately you have to convince the admissions team that you belong to the school, that you're the right "fit." Also, don't underestimate Filipinos' skill in English.
Is it different or just similar to the usual interview process? -- I guess it's similar to any job interview. Prepare your stories (in the format of context-action-results), sell yourself, and know what to answer when they ask, "Why this school?" As a hint, it always pays to reach out to alumni/current students of the school, and mention that during the interview.
Thank you very much. Reading through my questions, I really sounded like I wanted to be spoonfed. I appreciate that you answered all of my queries. It's just that I'm excited, anxious, I don't even know the right term, and it's still too early. I will hopefully finish my undergrad in 2 years, boards, and job hunt. I still have a lot of time to prepare. I just want everything to be perfect. Anyways, your blog really helps me (and people like me) who want to make it big and somehow put up our nation's flag. Thanks again and good luck.
DeleteHey, no problem! I'm happy to answer all reasonable questions as well as I can. It's better to ask now than find out too late. Focus on what you're doing now, and do your best!
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