01-05-2014, 01:00 AM
I looked at this three or four years ago and tried to reflect on when I was applying to University. I believe I would have potentially been faced with going to Cambridge and amassing debts in excess of £30,000 or going to Texas and possibly making a profit. I suspect as an eighteen year old I wouldn't have appreciated the opportunities that the States offered, but with the benefit of experience the States are very attractive.
I would love to see a British junior get a chess scholarship to a US university, because it could have a big impact on how chess is viewed within key demographic groupings. Basically, we are talking about reaching 2500 standard at 18 being worth £40,000 (if you wish to pursue an academic path with chess continuing to be an important element).
There are lots of issues to mull over here, but I would say if you are a really good 12 or 13 year old player it is worth understanding the opportunities that exist and the sacrifices that you might need to make to achieve these objectives.
I would love to see a British junior get a chess scholarship to a US university, because it could have a big impact on how chess is viewed within key demographic groupings. Basically, we are talking about reaching 2500 standard at 18 being worth £40,000 (if you wish to pursue an academic path with chess continuing to be an important element).
There are lots of issues to mull over here, but I would say if you are a really good 12 or 13 year old player it is worth understanding the opportunities that exist and the sacrifices that you might need to make to achieve these objectives.