Nowadays, students seem to select their study programme, as well as their university, more carefully than in the past.
Big name universities or programs are certainly more aspired for, hoping that the big name will support shaping a future career.
That trend is still continuing, but surprisingly, a parallel trend has emerged over the last years.
Home to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and one of the most gorgeous città d’arte (cities of art) in Tuscany, Pisa is a small and not particularly populous city. So let’s face it: studying here is not as much fun as studying say, in San Francisco. However, the whims of history have made Pisa one of the most vital junctions of student life around Europe.
In particular, this is due to the presence of the Scuola Normale Superiore (SNS), Italy’s most prestigious and selective university. La Scuola, as its students lovingly call it, has made its tiny scale its crucial strength.
For another side of the story, read medical student blogger Katie's defence of the admissions process.
A straight-A British student who was rejected before interviews to study medicine in the UK for a second year running is looking on the bright side as he reflects on his first months studying in Italy instead.