USA

USA

The one-stop website for everything you need to know about studying in the US is the Fulbright Commission.  The Fulbright Commission is a UK-US partnership offering advice to UK citizens on applying to study in the US:


The Fulbright commission offers all the advice and information you should need to start thinking about applying to the US.  There are a few main differences between applying for and studying at an American College compared to a UK university:

  • Universities in the USA are concerned with your academic ability, but they put a much heavier weighting on who you are as an individual and what attributes you will bring. Your pe
  • Studying in the US is much more expensive than the UK. Careful consideration over funding studies in the USA needs to be made before applying (See below under Fees and Funding)
  • Universities in the US are often called 'colleges', and should be confused with UK further education colleges
  • In the US, you choose a 'major' which you specialise in and is written on your degree certificate, although there are flexible options to take electives in other subjects too.  Ensure your college of choice offers a major in your preferred area.
  • You need to sit entrance exams (SATs or ACTs) along with your application for consideration.  These can be taken  in the UK but you should check with the college (on their website or through collegeboard.com) to see which exams you need to sit. Some will accept predicted A-level grades in place of SATs.

Choosing a University

You should start looking at options as soon as you can, as there is a lot of choice! The College Board website is the best place to start looking for courses - there is a great filter tool on there to help you choose a university which is the best fit for you.  Click on 'college search' at the top to start.

Generally, you should choose 6-8 institutions to apply to, to give you a good chance of receiving a place. Ivy League universities are the most competitive and the most expensive to attend, and have excellent sporting reputations.

When you apply, you'll be applying to be admitted to the university, not to a department.  You will choose a subject to major in, so make sure you check whether your preferred university has the programme you are looking to study.  You enrol on a major and choose other programmes of study within your first weeks of arriving.

In the US, it is compulsory to take minor courses outside of your major. This gives you a holistic and well-rounded education.

Applying

Applications are usually submitted using the Common Application.  The Common Application enables you to complete one application which is sent to your chosen universities.  

Around 700 US universities accept the Common Application -  see their website for further details:

The Common Application website will give you all the information you need on preparing for your chosen university, their deadlines and what their requirements are.

Typically,  a pupil will require the following during an application process:

  • A completed application form
  • Application fee ($50-100 per university)
  • Admissions test scores
  • 2-3 essays
  • Academic transcript (provided by the school)
  • 2-3 letters of recommendation or references
  • An interview (for some universities, possible online)

    • Essays

    The Essays submitted for application to US universities are not the same as the personal statement for UCAS.  The main essay submitted (personal essay), will be written in response to your choice of a number of 'prompts' or essay titles, and will be .  The Essay is informal and personal to you - it is not a demonstration of academic flair but an opportunity for the student to really express themselves and talk about something personal to them.  

    Universities in the US are very interested in admitting students who are the right 'fit' for the university.  They want to know about you; your background, interests and your personality!

    The other essays you may be required to submit are also personal essays, on topics of your choice.

    Admissions tests

    US colleges require admissions tests to be taken before application, and scores sent directly to them during the process of applying.  Most colleges accept either SATs or ACTs.

    The more competitive universities will require 2-3 SAT Subject Tests as well as the SAT Reasoning Test.  There is also an optional essay exam at the end of the reasoning test - some universities will stipulate that this is also submitted, and others leave it as optional. 

    Information and registration for entrance exams in the UK is through College Board:

    Admissions tests should be ideally taken in the Spring of LVI to allow for resits if necessary.  The results will usually be submitted to your chosen colleges in October of the year before intended study, when you apply (e.g. October 2016 for 2017 entry)

    Fees & Funding

    Study in the USA is not covered by UK student loans and needs to be privately funded. 


    Financial aid for international students is available from different institutions, mostly the large private institutions which are in a better positions to support students financially, e.g. Harvard University.  Check on each universities website for further details and how to apply for aid.  


    It is important to not make the mistake of applying and gaining a place, but being unable to fund your studies - you will need to show evidence of available funding for your first year of study to be eligible for a visa - whetehr through private funding or through financial aid.  See the Fulbright guidance on gaining a visa here: http://www.fulbright.org.uk/pre-departure/visas/overview.