OVERSEAS UNIVERSITIES

There are many exciting options beyond the UK university market and a vast array of choices (in the USA alone there are over 3,000 colleges/universities – UCAS for UK-based universities and colleges numbers just over 130). With fees for students wishing to study at UK universities now averaging c. £9,000 p/a (back in 2012 it was a third of this price!), looking overseas is now growing in popularity, there being less of a distinction now in cost between UK-based universities and overseas ones; please ensure you check the tuition fees for each individual European university following Brexit. A key question to consider is where you should go to study and why there. There is no “correct” answer for this, since your needs/interests/learning style/sense of adventure etc. will be unique to you. There are an increasing number of subjects offered overseas in non-English speaking countries (e.g. Netherlands, Spain) which run courses taught and assessed in English, and recognised as commensurate with a similar English qualification, so do not be put off by its location. Those interested in studying overseas should make direct contact with Mr Alderson who will arrange an initial meeting and look to help coordinate your application.

A few good resources to use, which will also update you with useful events being organised (usually in London) are the following websites:

1. http://thestudentworld.com/ (this covers a number of EU countries, NZ/Australia,

USA, Canada and a few others, giving advice also on Finance/Travel as well) 2. http://www.fulbright.org.uk/ (this focuses specifically on studying in the USA, and a really useful point of contact for questions/timelines for applying etc.; you can sign up for the e-newsletter, which is useful). 3. https://www.prospects.ac.uk/postgraduate-study/study-abroad (this gives information about studying across many countries; how to apply, cost, universities in the country, advice about applications etc. – an excellent starting point). 4. http://astarfuture.co.uk/students.html (a site dedicated to advising about studying abroad; lists over 500 courses which are taught through English but outside of UK – with a useful subject search) 5. http://www.topuniversities.com/ (a site with links to universities sorted by continents; useful resources for advice; events; annual world ranking of universities) 6. For applications to Ireland – go to the Central Applications Office. http://www.cao.ie/index.php

Considering undergraduate degree study in the USA is becoming increasingly popular. The advantages are easy to identify:

• Experiencing a different culture and lifestyle. • Experiencing a broader education – normally two years of a broad range of subjects, followed by two years focusing in on a ‘major’. • Studying in the USA can be advantageous if you are considering working there later in life.

However, there are a number of possible disadvantages:

• Undergraduate courses usually last 4 years. • It can be very expensive for international students (top institutions charge around $30,000 per year; approximately $10,000 on accommodation and $1500 for books and insurance).

See www.internationalacac.org/scholar-program for information on scholarships. • You will need a visa to study and an additional visa to undertake paid work. • There is no NHS and health insurance is compulsory. • Legal alcohol consumption age is 21 in most states. • Law, Medicine and Dentistry are postgraduate courses.

The good universal source of information about USA university study is found at www.fulbright.co.uk.

Admission Criteria

As is the same in the UK, universities vary their selection criteria based upon reputation and popularity. Ivy League universities (top) usually look for an SAT score of 1310 and accept students from the top 10% nationally. Students who have a B/C profile at A Level should be eligible to compete for places at the universities that fall just below Ivy League status, but are still highly competitive. In addition, students should have achieved at least a B grade in Mathematics, English, a science, a foreign language and a humanities subject at GCSE.

There is no centralised admissions process in the USA, so an application will have to be made to each university individually, for which there will be a charge. Closing dates for applications will also vary according to each institution, but are usually one year in advance of the date of entry.

In addition to the application form, you will also usually need to submit: • A personal statement. • Examination certificates. • References and/or school reports. • Essays. • Certificate of financial responsibility.

SATs (Scholastic Assessment Tests)

SAT stands for Scholastic Assessment Test. These tests are designed to test aptitude rather than taught knowledge. Having said that, practice is essential: the tests are timed (3h45mins) and multiple choice. If you get answers wrong, you lose points, and many of the multiple choice answers are designed to trick you into answering incorrectly. For SAT I there are two sections Mathematics and Verbal. SAT II and ACT tests may also be required by more selective institutions. See www.collegeboard.com for more details and sample papers. You are advised to book test places well in advance at local centres, due to increasing interest in USA universities.