I’m currently at Cardiff University, about to finish my CS Foundation year. Recently, I was offered a spot at Bocconi to study Finance.
On the surface, it sounds like I shouldn’t be worried about my future. But here’s the catch: if I go to Bocconi, I can’t come back to Cardiff - I’d lose my scholarship. And honestly, I don’t feel ready for Bocconi right now. I don’t speak Italian, and I’m not confident I could pull a high GPA there.
That’s the trade-off. Cardiff makes it easier to get strong grades, which matter most for master’s applications. Bocconi has the better reputation for a career in finance. So it comes down to: stay at Cardiff and graduate with a high GPA, or go to Bocconi and likely end up with a mediocre one.
There’s a third option - stay at Cardiff for another year to prepare myself and reapply to Bocconi later. But it would feel strange being a year behind everyone I currently know.
Ultimately, this is a decision about what sets me up best for a master’s. Tuition isn’t a factor - my government fully funds master’s or PhD studies abroad at any top institution, including the Ivies.
I’m still weighing it all, and honestly, I’d be glad to hear any advice.