Have you got academic strength? Intellectual curiosity? Leadership? Community mindedness? Emotional intelligence? Talents? Demonstrated interests? Do you have the right ‘fit’ for the campus and academic programme of your chosen university?

These are the questions you need to ask yourself if you are considering applying to an American university, according to the Director of UES Education, a company that helps UK and European students apply to universities all over the world.

On Monday, the Lower Sixth were invited to join a US and Global Universities Webinar which explained why and how to apply to American and other universities worldwide. The very comprehensive presentation, given by Jason, covered the types of higher education overseas and the locations of top-ranking universities. 

He concentrated on American universities, as it is fast becoming the most popular overseas destination for British students, with 23 per cent of the UK’s international applications this year being made to the USA. The top-ranking universities in the US are highly competitive and difficult to get in to. There are over 4,500 US colleges to choose from and applicants need to consider the campus culture, the financial fit, academic requirements, distance from home and climate – do you prefer hot or cool? Do you want mountains, beach or city location?

He explained that US colleges were often huge. Arizona State, for example, has 100,000 students. Jason spoke about the difference between UK and US universities, for example, US degrees take four years rather than three years and students study a Liberal Arts curriculum that covers a wide range of subjects and only start to specialise in their second year.

Students in the US have more hours in class and a lot more contact time. Some US colleges have particular sporting requirements and applicants must understand which colleges are likely to suit them best. The webinar covered what students need to do if they wish to apply overseas, explaining the US Common Application and testing system. The session ended with questions from students and left us all with a very clear and comprehensive understanding of what is involved in applying to study abroad.

If you would like any further information or help to apply for a university abroad, please reach out to Mrs Carter or Mr Ellmers.