Jyotika...It would have been really helpful if you were forthcoming about your Major. If you have a general idea of what your major is going to be, I would be able to help you better. If you are thinking of social science major, I would go for University A. If you are thinking of science or engineering major (I think this is what you are looking for as you mentioned R&D) I would go for University B. As you are looking for higher education at this point, forget the college ranking. That doesnt come in very handy after some point. Go for the university that specializes in your field. This is what you said: 1.World Famous for that Particular Subject; It would be famous for a reason..right? And higher student number indicates that this university is good at teaching this. From what you have said about studying abroad..I am sure you have gathered good experience by attending different schools and living in different cities. Honestly, I think now its time you concentrate on your field of study and choose an university that might not make the cut for the most picture perfect universities. In this case, University B looks like a good choice. I went to something similar to your univ. A myself and loved every minute of it. But transferred to univ. B for junior year...then went to yet another university similar to B for my Masters. You can consider doing something similar too. As I know that these made-for-you universities provide much better education on your foundation courses...but limited on big scale research..which will come in handy when you start looking for jobs. Hope this helps!