There are many reasons to consider hopping across the pond for a world-class education in the United Kingdom. Let’s dive into what makes UK universities different and what you need to know to be successful in the application process.
KEY DIFFERENCES
Focused Programs and Shorter Time to Degree Completion
U.S. students are conditioned to believe that a college degree takes four years to complete. However, in the UK (except for Scotland), undergraduate degrees are completed in only three years. This is because UK universities do not have distribution requirements. Instead, students apply to a specific degree program or subject area, and they spend their three years in university focused solely on this academic discipline. This is a great option for a student who wants to dive into their academic field immediately and has clarity on their career goals. Additionally, the shorter time to degree completion means that the cost of attendance at UK universities is significantly lower (on average about $25,000/year according to the British Council, though fees and costs can vary widely depending on your program or location).
Transparent Entry Requirements (Though Testing Matters!)
For families trying to make sense of the holistic admissions process in the U.S., applying to a university in the UK will feel like a breath of fresh air. Each school details the entry requirements for every program they offer, spelling out clearly what the testing requirements are to gain admission. This transparency allows students to choose programs strategically, knowing which ones they will be able to enter, and which ones are out of reach. However, with this transparency comes a more test-focused climate. UK universities rely on testing benchmarks for admissions, so even as some U.S. universities remain test optional or test blind, it’s important to sit for tests (AP, IB, ACT, SAT, etc.) if you plan to apply to a university in the UK.
For example, to meet the minimum entry requirements at the University of Edinburgh, a minimum of three test scores in different subjects must be completed in addition to the U.S. High School Diploma. The minimum entry requirements can be achieved in different combinations, but you must achieve one of the below combinations to be considered:
- Three AP scores at 4+;
- ACT score of 27 (in a single sitting) plus two AP scores at 4+;
- SAT score of 1290+ (650+ in Evidence Based Reading and Writing and 620+ in Math) plus two AP scores at 4+
Some UK universities are moving towards accepting high school grades to fulfill entry requirements (Edinburgh, for instance, is offering a new entry route this year for students without access to AP testing), but the most competitive schools still rely on your testing performance.
The Application
If you choose to apply to universities in the UK, you will likely be filling out the UCAS application. While some schools are on the Common Application or have their own institutional application, the vast majority of students apply through the UCAS application. While UCAS shares some similarities with the Common Application, there are some key differences:
- You can only select 5 programs (be selective): Unlike the Common Application, which allows you to select up to 20 colleges, the UCAS application only allows you to apply to five courses. Keep in mind that applying to two different courses (or majors) at one school, still counts as two applications, instead of one. You want to make sure you have investigated entry requirements for each course and that you have a balanced list to ensure you have solid options.
- You don’t submit a transcript (but do send testing): Almost all U.S. universities require you to submit an official transcript and/or detail your entire high school course load. However, UCAS universities will rarely request your transcript, and they will notify you after you apply if they need it. You will have to send in any official testing that you reported on your application, however.
- You do not report activities: Because U.S. universities tend to have a more holistic admissions process, the activities section of the Common Application allows you to list up to ten activities that don’t necessarily relate to your major. UCAS doesn’t have this section on their application. Instead, you should discuss any extracurriculars that are related to your course selection within your personal statement.
- Personal statement: Finally, while the Common Application gives you seven different essay options (including one that is a “topic of your choice”), the UCAS personal statement should be directly focused on why you are applying to the specific course you chose. You can include your motivation, your experience (in the classroom and beyond), and any achievements you have in this area. UCAS provides a great resource on how to write this essay.
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UK UNIVERSITIES: INTANGIBLES
Students studying in the UK have the advantage of being able to travel around Europe easily and inexpensively, which is appealing to many American students. However, there are other positive intangibles in attending a UK university. For example, universities in the UK tend to have higher international diversity, allowing students to interact with students from around the world. Additionally, students can work up to 20 hours a week while they are a student and are eligible to work in the UK for two years after graduation on a “post-study work visa.”
UK UNIVERSITIES: FINAL THOUGHTS
Choosing to apply to a university in the UK will require you to submit a different application and become familiar with entry requirements and program specifics. However, the lower cost of attendance, shorter time to degree, and ability to travel easily in Europe make it a very appealing option.
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