Differences between applying to US and UK universities

If you are deciding to apply to US colleges or UK universities, you need to be aware of the main differences. Although they may share some similarities, it is worth knowing how each country handles applications so that you do not get caught out and miss out on a place.

In the US and the UK, many colleges allow applicants to apply through one streamlined portal. To streamline the college application in the US, students applying to undergraduate institutions can use the Common Application, a tool that allows students to submit multiple applications from one website. Similarly, in the UK, there is the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), a centralized organization that oversees the application process to all undergraduate and postgraduate programs

The main difference is that applications to US grad programs are typically submitted through individual institutions' websites.

There's no official limit to how many colleges US students can apply to, but UK students can only apply to up to five universities. In contrast, there's theoretically no limit to how many colleges you can apply to in the US. Some people might apply to five, while others might send out 20 applications.

US college applications are more holistic than UK applications. In the US, it's important to be a "well-rounded" applicant. Good grades and high-test scores aren't enough to set you apart from the crowd. Colleges also look at extracurricular activities, from drama to sports, as well as community service projects. For UK applications, academic performance is the primary benchmark.

There are various types of qualifying exams that students in the UK can take before applying to university. A-levels, aka advanced-level qualifications, are subject-based exams. British students can take at least three A-levels over two years. Other exams range from Scottish Highers, which are required for entrance to higher education institutions in Scotland, to Cambridge Pre-Us, a newer qualification that consists of studying four subjects over two years.

Additionally, Baccalaureate Exams combine skill and knowledge-based learning. The International Baccalaureate program is offered throughout the world, including the US.

Unlike US standardized tests, A-levels or equivalent qualifications are necessary for completing secondary education in the UK. For some courses of study, such as law or medicine, individual universities issue entrance exams.

In the UK, students select a course of study before they even apply to universities. After completing their General Certificate of Secondary Education exams at age 16, they can begin specializing in certain subject areas. The next step is to take A-levels in those subjects and then apply to courses, also known as university programs, in a specific discipline. As opposed to the UK, students in the US aren't required to choose a major until they get to campus.

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