Differences Between US and UK Admissions

Differences Between US and UK Admissions

• The most notable difference between the US and UK application processes is that students applying to US undergraduate programmes must submit their applications directly to individual universities rather than via a centralised body like UCAS. Use of theCommon Application, an undergraduate admissions application used by over 600 universities, can streamline the process further as the member institutions all use the same core application. However, most institutions will request supplemental essays tailored to their university.

• Each university will set their own application deadlines and fees, as well as admissions requirements.Fortunately, most application forms will follow a similar format that you will allow you to re-use or adapt some of the materials that you prepare for each application.

• Another difference between US and UK university applications is that you are applying for admissions to the institution rather than to a specific department within a university. Consequently, the undergraduate admissions office, rather than faculty members of academic departments, will likely be responsible for admissions decisions. It is crucial that you keep this audience in mind when drafting your application materials.

• Offers (also known as admissions decisions) are not specifically conditional (for example you must get an AAA or your offer is withdrawn). However, universities expect you to perform at or very near to the level predicted when they admitted you. It has certainly happened that a student has had his/her offer withdrawn for poor performance in their A2s.