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Study abroad: Which is better MBA or MS?

July 03, 2010 12:21 IST

How much does it cost to pursue undergrad studies in the US?

Where can you apply for an educational loan?

How should you prepare for the GRE or IELTS?

To answer these and many other study abroad related queries, Vineet Gupta, MD of Jamboree Education, hosted a chat on June 25.

For those of you who missed the chat, here's the unedited transcript:


 Vineet Gupta says, Hello!! We are ready to take questions now!


jhj asked, Hi, i just gave 12th in science. i want to do engg, but have not got a a good percentage. only 76. can i get admission in college in australia?

Vineet Gupta answers, 76% is fine. You will be able to get admission in Australian colleges. In addition to this, you will need to take IELTS exam, which is an english exam.


sam asked, hi, how expensive is undergrad study in US. my sister just gave her 10th and wants to study theatre, but not sure we can afford abroad.

Vineet Gupta answers, A bachelors degree in the US can cost anything between 15 lakhs to 30 lakhs per year. But US universities give a lot of scholarships. So,for a bright and hard-working student, the cost can be quite less.


nishta asked, hi sir, i want to study IT. i have not fared so well in 12th (72%) but got 92 in 10th. can u tell me wat are the fees for US colleges for IT. also what finanicall proofs are needed?

Vineet Gupta answers, Your academics are decent. If you get 1900+ in your SAT exam, you should be able to get admission and scholarships in US colleges.


tinu asked, wat are the finances u have to show for applying to US univ for undergrad studies? how many years visa do you need?

Vineet Gupta answers, A bachelors degree in the US can cost anything between 15 lakhs to 30 lakhs per year. But US universities give a lot of scholarships. So,for a bright and hard-working student, the cost can be quite less. The visa is usually for 5 years.


preet asked, sir, wat are the possibilities of an educational loan from India for US study. can u tell me which a good banks to apply to for such a loan. also, do they give the entire amount or a percecntage of total fees?

Vineet Gupta answers, Education loans are given by various India banks such as SBI, HDFC, etc. Usually, loan is given for 85% of the total expenses. But some banks like Credila gives loan upto 100% of the expenses.


Shounak asked, Hello Vineet... i wanna gv GRE in AUG...SHOULD I ENROL FOR ANY TEST SERIES...?M studyn 4 abt 4 hrs a day 4 GRE....

Vineet Gupta answers, Hi Sounak, test-series will add to your self-study. You should definitely do some test-series. Good luck for your GRE!


ukreturn asked, hi, wat is the procedure fr applying to Uk undergrad? is it similar to masters applications? what are the docs that are needed?

Vineet Gupta answers, For applying to UK colleges for bachelors degree, you would need to apply through the the common application platform - UCAS. The details of the documentation are given there.


heena asked, What is the best study abroad destination for MBA today?

Vineet Gupta answers, USA has some of the best B Schools in the world. However, if budget is a constraint, then Asian B schools provide very good ROI as well.


Akabr asked, Hi sir, i have just finished my 12 with 73% and want to do "business financial service" course in canada. What are the future prospects in that? can u plz help?

Vineet Gupta answers, It's very good. You would need to take IELTS exam for that. Good Luck!


Karan asked, Hi .. I have an admission in US university for MBA .. I need to leave at a very short notice of 5 days.. Well I am working in a MNC so if I say I resign in 2 days will that be ok ?

Vineet Gupta answers, That completely depends on your company.


suneel asked, hello Sir, I am planning to go for higher studies to the US, but my friends and teaches say Us not a favoured dest just now, can you pls advice

Vineet Gupta answers, I would disagree. The job situation is already improving. And, by the time you complete your degree, it will be even better.


Shounak asked, I have passed my graduation in 2010 from NIT NAGPUR with 7.12/10..oresently m working as a research fellow in an international project in IIT roorkee..My work will b published in a journal...in d meanwhile i'll gv GRE in AUG'10......Wat are my chances 2 make it 2 Berkeley?wat GRE score is needed for that?

Vineet Gupta answers, It sounds like a good profile. One of our students with a similar profile got admission in UC Berkeley this year with 100% scholarship. He had a score of 1520. Good Luck!


eazy asked, How can sports activities help in getting scholarship/admission for us/uk under grad studies abroad my son has played squash at national/international level

Vineet Gupta answers, Yes, extra-curricular activities are given a lot of weightage in US and UK colleges.


Akabr asked, Hi sir, i have just finished my 12 with 73% and want to do "business financial service" course in canada. What are the future prospects in that? can u plz help? For this other then IELTS what exam is needed? and what are the future prospects after this course?

Vineet Gupta answers, As mentioned earlier, future prospects are good. In addition to IELTS, admissions criteria include academic scores, letters of recommendation, application essays, extra curricular activities, etc.


GoodStudent asked, HI! I want to prepare for GRE. I want a serious and sound coaching. Can you please suggest one?

Vineet Gupta answers, If you are from Delhi, Bangalore, Gurgaon, Chennai, Mumbai, Jaipur, Chandigarh,Dubai or Gujarat, you can check out Jamboree (www.jamboreeindia.com)


jitu asked, hi sir planning to go for MBA to USA .Can you guide me on this ?

Vineet Gupta answers, Sure. I would request you to drop your profile at www.jamboreeindia.com so that I can do a profile analysis for you.


Sumeet asked, Good Afternoon, I would like to know about any degree courses for derivatives (financial markets) in the US. I intend to do this after my CFA and CMT gets over. Thank you

Vineet Gupta answers, You can look at programs like Financial Engeering, Computational Finance, Financial Markets, etc.


Shounak asked, HEY VINEET THANX!!! CAN U SUGGEST ANY NAME WHERE I SHOULD ENROL 4 D TEST SERIES? I have around 60 days wid me now

Vineet Gupta answers, If you are from Delhi, Bangalore, Gurgaon, Chennai, Mumbai, Jaipur, Chandigarh,Dubai or Gujarat, you can check out Jamboree (www.jamboreeindia.com)


aswinraghu asked, hi sir, i'm offered MS(Systems and Project management) in NTU , singapore.. What are the future job prospects for the course ? plz reply me ..!

Vineet Gupta answers, NTU is a very prestigious college. The job prospects will be definitely good. Go ahead and take up the offer. Good Luck!


chirag asked, hello sir i want to do postgraduation in architecture in UK...are there any scoralships?.

Vineet Gupta answers, Scholarships in UK are rare. To know more about scholarships in the UK colleges, check out the British Council website.


jojo asked, Hi Vineet,I am B.E (computers)working in IT -software for past 12 and 1/2 years.I would like to study abroad.should i opt for an MBA or MS with my background of working in IT?how earlier should i appear for GRE?GMAT this year to get admissions in US universities in around June-July 2011?

Vineet Gupta answers, You are eligible for both MBA and MS. It actually depends on your long term career goals. You need to take GRE/GMAT by October/November 2010.


PIZZABOY asked, Hello Vineet Gupta. How is University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for Aerospace Engineering? In general, how is the university?

Vineet Gupta answers, It is one of the best colleges in the world.


Sundar Shankar asked, I wish to pursue a PG course in aerodynamics/motorsport. Please advise me about the living costs and job opportunities in the UK

Vineet Gupta answers, Living expenses range from 600-1500 GBP per month. Bigger cities are more expensive.


ravi2 asked, Wen should i take my GRE?

Vineet Gupta answers, Oct/Nov 2010 if you want to join the universities next year.


rohit asked, hello sir ,,,,i m a graduate in commerce ,,,,i want to study furthur ? is doin an ms beneficial ? or i shld opt fot mba

Vineet Gupta answers, You are eligible for both MBA and MS. It actually depends on your long term career goals. You need to take GRE/GMAT by October/November 2010.


Shounak asked, Vineet,I hope u dont mind me calling by your name! Wats ur say on NUS AND NTU..In fact some of the NTU profs visited IIT roorkee few days bak...I had a decent interaction wid them...Is there a work permit there?n hws d scenario f scholarships dere...is it lik US?

Vineet Gupta answers, Hey Shounak, you can call me by my name :) NUS and NTU are good colleges but you are already from an IIT. Try to get into an MIT, Stanford type of college.


sabroad asked, Hi, In the present economic situation globally would you suggest higher studies in US or other places. If yes which is better MS or MBA? I have got 3 years of experience as a SWE in telecom sector. Are marks counted in graduation.Iam a BE E&C.Which is better Spring or Fall for MS. I did appreciate if yo could give some inputs. Thanks in advance.

Vineet Gupta answers, The economic scenario will be changed by the time you complete your degree. So, you should not let that affect your study abroad decision. As for MS Vs MBA, it totally depends on what you want to do, what your career goals are. Yes, Bachelor degree marks are taken into consideration for admission. Both Spring and Fall are equally good. Some colleges might not take students in Spring though.


kunal asked, Hi Vineet, Am an MBA aspirant planning to do my post ggrad from abroad universities. Currently, I am into financial consulting firm as a Business Analyst. I am undecided about the region that I should choose for my PG studies. I got to choose between best schools in USA or in UK. Can you please help me with by puting forth your insights on these regions in terms of job opportunites, cost of education etc.

Vineet Gupta answers, If your work-experience is less than 5 years, look at US colleges. There, the MBAs are for two years- with an internship. The internship helps international students get jobs.


de_raghabv asked, what is main difference bewteen MS(Finance) n MBA(finance)?

Vineet Gupta answers, MS Finance is a purely academic degree focussing on finance theories and fundamentals. MBA Finance deals with how to manage budgets and finances of an organization.


Shounak asked,  Vineet,m not from IIT..i have done my Btech from NIT....nw m doin research work in IIT! Bt with my profile can i get into stanford or berkeley WITH FULL SCHOLARSHIP..wat GRE score u think should b OK 4 it!

Vineet Gupta answers, Can you email me your CV? Include details of your projects, papers, presentations, etc. I will be in a better position to give you an estimate.


de_raghabv asked, hello sir, i am in my final year of B.COm(hons) from SRCC, Univeristy of Delhi. I want to do my post graduation abroad Please advice me whether i should go for work ex or join MS immediatley after my graduation!

Vineet Gupta answers, Work ex is not required for doing MS.


Jayant asked, Hi Vineet. I want to study for a masters degree in signal processing at a university in US/Canada/Europe. I have a first class degree in ECE, and 4+ years of relevant work experience in well known companies in the field. But I do not have any research experience. i am planning to publish a paper independently in a month or two. Does relevant work experience add any weight to the application?

Vineet Gupta answers, Yes, relevant work experience adds to your profile.


kunal kohli asked, i desire to study engineering in cnanada next year ater my 12th. Kinldy adivse

Vineet Gupta answers, That's great! Focus on your studies and get atleast 60%. Also, take IELTS this year.


Anand asked, Sir, I am into my final yr B.E Mechanical Engineering. I want to do M.S abroad.I have confusions over doing in U.S or Germany. I need assistance from you in this regard..Suggest me a way(even meeting in person is not a problem if its chennai)

Vineet Gupta answers, Both Germany and US are good for Mechanical engineering. But college options are a lot more in the US. You can call at 044-42137083, 9840127099 if you want to talk to someone in Chennai.


scorpio811 asked, AFTER be in electronics and communication which is the best branch to do MS

Vineet Gupta answers, You can go for MS Electrical Engineering or MS Computer Engineering depending on your interests.


bdas asked, I am now studying BE engineering chemical in 3rd year , I want to study MBA in good university in singapore. What is the university who will offer me mba study with scholarship or work with study , or after study work contract. I have obtained 89% both ICSE (X) and 90% CBSE (XII) and my present CGP in college is arounf 88%. Where can I apply to get chance with scholarship full?

Vineet Gupta answers, The good colleges in Singapore would need 2-3 years of work experience.


anshumanawad asked, hi Vinnet; anshuman here. what would be the minimum budget for a full time residential course in B-school from top 30 US college?

Vineet Gupta answers, If you do not get any scholarship, you should have a budget of ATLEAST 30 lakhs. But the good news is that most of the top B schools in the US give 100% loans and at very low interest rates.


rajinder asked, i have admission to a master of public policy at a school in berlin which is one of the top schools in germany. my bachelors is from iit and i have 2 years exp and my salary is really good. i have not got any scholarships so i have to quit my job, take loans and then go for studies. is this a good decision to quit a high paying job(as per indian standards), take huge loans and go for studies, which is not an mba so i can't expect my salary to be high after i pass out. please guide me... i am not happy with my job, as i am not learning much, but my co-workers are really great. secondly, this is the second time in my life when i have got a admission to a master program abroad, so this time, i don't want to be in a feeling that even at my second time selection i didn't join.. very confused

Vineet Gupta answers, Hi Rajinder, this is a very personal decision.


jaspinder asked, I did my undergrad from a top tier us university in film and economics in 2007..I am now working at a tv production company.I intend to do my mba from top us b school in a yr or 2 to switch careers.Will my unusual work background be helpful or harmful and is my us undergrad degree beneficial or not ?

Vineet Gupta answers, Actually, your unusual background is helpful since it adds to the diversity factor! Good Luck!


parag asked, hi,my name is parag and working in IT firm. Can i opt for executive mba of 1year in finance..please advise

Vineet Gupta answers, If you have more than 5 years of full-time work experience, then you can.


..... asked, HI THERE..i am still in my second year doing economics hons..i aspire to do MBA from colleges like INSEAD or STANFORD but getting there is impossible without a work ex ..so i am planning to sit for cat in the third year and if i get a good college i might ass well go and otherwise i ll start with some job for work ex..what do you suggest

Vineet Gupta answers, A few colleges like Yale and Chicago have MBA programs for freshers. Check them out.


jaspinder asked, what about having your your undergraduate degree from the us...does it help for mba admissions ?

Vineet Gupta answers, Yes, it does.


vv asked, Am an MBA aspirant planning to do my post ggrad from abroad universities.... I am undecided about the region that I should choose for my PG studies. I got to choose between best schools in USA or in UK. Can you please help me with by puting forth your insights on these regions in terms of job opportunites, cost of education et

Vineet Gupta answers, In terms of college and job options, US is a better destination.


bibhu asked, vineet, i have just graduated & has been placed in a IT company. Want to do an mba. After 3 yrs experience i am planning to apply for unversities in the USA. academics are average. does my profile will land me in good colleges in usa??

Vineet Gupta answers, Will it be possible for you to email me your detailed CV at jamboreeindia@jamboreeindia.com?


Dharmesh asked, Hi. Which one is the best country to appear travel and tourism course?

Vineet Gupta answers, Australia and New Zealand.


Mitesh604 asked, im interested in doin mba in finance recomend me the best institute

Vineet Gupta answers, All the top colleges such as Harvard, Wharton, Chicago, etc. are good for MBA Finance.


devraj asked, Hiee I'm an engineering graduate with 4 yrs of experience. I'm going to UK for my MBA from University of Sheffield (Sep'2010 intake). I would like to know how is the university in terms of MBA and whats the jobs situation there in UK. Will i get a better job? Also i've heard about certain universities signing a bond from students regarding returning back to their home country after completion of the course. How true is that? ?

Vineet Gupta answers, Sheffield is quite good. And, no, the bond thing is not true!


Vineet Gupta says, Guys, we have run out of time! Thanks for participating in this chat. I apologise to those whose queries I could not address due to time constraint. Please email me at jamboreeindia@jamboreeindia.com with your queries and I will get back to you. Good luck! Cheers!