In response to more of our clients asking us this question, we decided to immerse ourselves to learn more. By attending professional development sessions specific to universities within the United Kingdom, our college counselor, Tanja, had the privilege of being invited to spend two weeks on a “counselor fly-in”, visiting universities across the UK, meeting admissions teams, and hearing directly from US students currently studying abroad. What she saw confirmed why some US students should indeed consider exploring the UK as a viable alternative to the more traditional US college experience.
Why the UK Is Attracting US College Bound Students
College admissions has become more unpredictable over the past several admission cycles. The implementation of test optional policies, the rise in grade inflation, finances and political activity are just a few examples of how the landscape is being impacted. For students and families increasingly concerned with these complexities within the US application process, the UK offers a refreshingly straightforward alternative.
Two of the more attractive features of attending college in the UK are:
Simplicity of the Application Process.
• The UK’s UCAS application primarily focuses on one essay and one letter of recommendation. There are no supplemental essays, no activities list, and no concern for community service hours. Instead, the focus is on academic preparation and interest in your chosen field of study.
Finances.
• The time to complete a full undergraduate degree in England typically takes just three years (four in Scotland), compared to the standard four-years in the US. That can translate into not only a one-year savings on tuition and living expenses, but entering the workforce a year earlier to start earning and saving. In addition, some UK universities also offer merit scholarships to international students, and some even accept US federal aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Colleges in the UK Offer a Different Way to Learn
One of the biggest differences students should understand before applying to a UK university is how specialized the degrees are. When you apply, you apply to a specific course (what we’d call a major), and from day one you’ll dive into that subject with few to no general education requirements. Love politics but hate algebra? In many UK programs, you won’t have to take math if it’s not relevant to your degree.
This makes the UK a great fit for students who know what they want to study, and probably a tougher fit for those students who still need time to explore. If you are a driven student with a clear academic passion, this focused approach can be incredibly rewarding.
UK Universities Often Have a Level of Prestige Associated with Them
While we generally don’t like to focus too much on rankings, many UK universities rank higher than US colleges with far more name recognition at home. By way of example, below are the universities recently visited alongside similarly rated US institutions.
Sample Comparisons Between Colleges in the UK and US
| UK University | US University |
|---|---|
| Queen’s University Belfast | University of Maryland, College Park |
| University of Bristol | Carnegie Mellon University |
| Newcastle University | UNC Chapel Hill |
| Durham University | Boston University |
| University of York | Washington University St. Louis |
Going to College in the UK Is Not for Everyone
Throughout any list-building process, you must consider the fit of any college or university, especially when considering completing a degree abroad. Studying in the UK may not be the right fit for every student. There’s less emphasis on extracurriculars in admissions and more emphasis on test scores (especially AP exams). Additionally, there is a greater need for self-reliance and independence. If you’re a student who thrives in a liberal arts model, wants more time to try different subjects, or feels the pull to visit home more regularly, it may be best for you to stay stateside.
Some Similarities Between Attending School in the UK and US
The college experience in the UK versus the US isn’t all differences, there are also similarities (depending upon the school), including:
• Student housing
• Clubs and societies
• Student unions
• Strong support services
• Small and large classes
• Project-based learning and internships
• Research and mentorship opportunities
• And friendships and memory building abound.
Further Exploration
Whether you’re a student who dreams of studying psychology, marine biology, film, or another of the hundreds of majors that exist, there’s a UK university that might just fit your academic, social, emotional and financial needs.
Looking for help with the college search and application process? We help students and families through the entire college planning journey – from search, applications and essays to interview prep, financial aid consultation and final school selection.
Contact us at info@signaturecollegecounseling.com or by phone, 845.551.6946. We work with students through Zoom, over the phone and by email.
