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Category: Application Archives – The UK Study Expert

Crafting a UCAS Reference for US Students | UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

UCAS, the central application hub for UK universities, has introduced changes to its undergraduate reference requirements for the 2024 entry. In this blog post, we’ll delve into these changes and provide guidance on composing a compelling academic reference tailored to US students for UK universities.

 

The reference is a third critical component of a student’s application, helping universities assess whether you have the potential to thrive in their academic environment. Here’s why a reference can play a significant role in a student’s application:

 

  1. Ensuring the Right Fit: The reference assists admissions tutors in evaluating the alignment between the student and their chosen course(s). This ensures that your academic journey aligns seamlessly with the university’s offerings.

  2. Contextual Insights: Through the reference, universities gain valuable insights into a student’s academic background, including school performance, course selection, and any factors that may have affected their educational experience, such as changes in staff or other relevant events.

  3. Clarifying Academic Predictions: The reference also provides universities with information on how well you are doing in class, which could be explained by submitting your predicted grades (AP exams), as well as explanations for any disparities between your prior grades and predicted outcomes.

 

Not sure what predicted grade are? Read here.

 

Now, let’s explore each section of the reference in more detail:

Section 1: Overview of Your School

In this section, the referee will provide an overview of your school and educational context.

For US High Schools:

 

  • Describe your high school, highlighting academic performance, extracurricular activities, and any notable achievements.

  • Share your curriculum, including advanced courses or unique offerings. Emphasize your qualification offerings and any restrictions on course selection. If your school does not offer AP exams, this is where you should include this information. Mention if your school offers college level classes and if you will be taking them.

  • Discuss policies or processes related to grade predictions, including any differences from the typical US grading system.

Section 2: Extenuating Circumstances (If Applicable)

This section is optional but important if the students has faced any unique challenges that impacted their educational journey. Provide insights into factors such as disability, illness, bereavement, or personal circumstances. Additionally:

 

  • Explain any disparities between the student’s past academic performance and their predicted grades.

  • Describe any limitations on the student’s choice of subjects or course load.

  • Suggest support measures that the university should consider implementing to ensure your success (with the student’s consent).

  • For those with extensive backgrounds that exceed the 4,000-character limit, you can submit additional information via email to the relevant Admissions Team, mentioning this in Section 2 of the reference.

Section 3: Showcasing Your Achievements

This section allows you to provide a supporting statement and highlight additional information about the student’s achievements. Use a format that best conveys the information you wish to share:

 

  • Discuss the student’s preparedness for their chosen degree subject and how their previous coursework aligns with their future academic pursuits.

  • Highlight successes in subjects relevant to the student’s intended course.

  • Comment on the student’s learning competencies, including independent study skills and collaboration.

  • Validate claims made in the student’s personal statement, such as extracurricular achievements, competitions, or community contributions.

  • Confirm both academic and non-academic accomplishments.

  • Offer insights into how the student compares to their peers and the impact they’ve made within your educational community.

 

Share noteworthy contributions to your community or any outstanding personal attributes.

Include predicted grades if they haven’t been provided elsewhere in your UCAS application.

Last but not least, UCAS has character limits for each section. Below are the following for each section.

Character Limits:

Section 1: Up to 1,000 characters

Section 2: Up to 500 characters

Section 3: Up to 2,500 characters

How The UK Study Expert Can Help You

Looking to find your best match UK university? Lucky for you, the UK Study Expert has taken the guesswork out of figuring out what each university requires with our handy dandy search tool. Or you can find your best university by taking our free UK University Quiz Match.

 

Need to speak to an advisor about studying in the UK? Check our Services webpage to see what the best available options are for your needs. 

 

AP vs IB: Choosing the Best Curriculum | UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

When students face the decision of choosing between the Advanced Placement (AP) program and the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma to pursue higher education in the United Kingdom, they often seek guidance to select the curriculum that will give them the best chance of getting into their dream university. Both curricula offer rigorous academic programs, but is there a common misconception that using one curriculum provides a greater advantage in university admissions over the other? In this article, we will explore key considerations to help advise students on selecting the most suitable curriculum and address if one curriculum is favored over the other when it comes to university admissions in the UK.

 

AP vs IB Curriculum

The International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) programs offer rigorous academic curricula, but they differ in structure, subject offerings, assessment methods, and global recognition. The IB diploma program is a comprehensive two-year curriculum that includes six subject areas, a theory of knowledge course, an extended essay, and engagement in creativity, activity, and service activities. In contrast, the AP program offers individual courses focused on specific subjects, allowing students to select courses based on their interests. The AP program primarily relies on exams administered by the College Board, while the IB diploma combines coursework, exams, and internal/external assessments. The IB diploma is recognized globally and emphasizes a holistic approach to education, while the AP program is widely recognized in the United States and increasingly internationally. Students should reflect on their preferred learning style, strengths, and ability to perform well under different assessment formats when making their curriculum choice.

 

University Admissions Perspective

But what does the university prefer when they review a student’s application? When it comes to university preferences, UK universities do not favor one curriculum over the other. To gain insight into this matter, we spoke with Roshan Walkerley, Deputy Head of Student Recruitment (International) at the University of Cambridge. According to Walkerley, “There is not one favored curriculum over the other as long as students specialize their tests in the related subject they want to study in.” Admissions officers evaluate applicants based on their academic potential, achievements, and suitability for the chosen course of study, regardless of whether they pursued AP courses or the IB diploma. Both curricula offer rigorous academic programs, and the university recognizes the academic rigor and skills developed through both pathways. Ultimately, the decision should be based on the individual student’s needs and aspirations.

 

University Requirements and Recognition

It is essential for students to research the entry requirements of their target universities and courses. While some universities may have preferences or prerequisites for specific subjects, most institutions recognize both AP and IB qualifications. It is crucial to ensure that the chosen curriculum fulfills the prerequisites for the desired degree program, including specific subject requirements.

 

Conclusion

Students pursuing the AP program or the IB diploma to apply and study in the UK need to consider the exams available, their academic interests, career goals, and personal learning style. Both curricula offer rigorous academic programs, but there is a common misconception that using one curriculum over the other provides a greater advantage in university admissions. Both curricula offer rigorous academic opportunities and are recognized by universities in the UK. Ultimately, students should choose a curriculum that aligns with their passions and provides them with the best platform to excel academically and achieve their long-term aspirations.

 

UK University Deadlines for 2024 Entry

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Applying for a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the UK? The following are important dates to consider for 2024 entry:

 

Undergraduate Application Deadlines:

Before you initiate your UK university undergraduate application, it is crucial to acquaint yourself with the essential deadlines. Certain universities such as Cambridge and Oxford (Oxbridge), along with specific courses like medicine, veterinary medicine, and dentistry, have considerably earlier deadlines. Being fully informed about these deadlines is vital for a successful application process.

 

Listed below are the key dates for the upcoming application cycle:

 

  • 16 May 2023: Undergraduate applications open for 2024 entry.

  • 5 September 2023: Completed undergraduate applications can be submitted.

  • 16 October 2023 (by 18:00 UK time) – Deadline for applications to all Cambridge and Oxford University courses, as well as most medicine, veterinary medicine, and dentistry courses at other institutions by 6pm UK time.

  • 31 January 2024 – Equal consideration deadline.

    Application deadline for the majority of undergraduate courses for both domestic and international students on an equal consideration basis.

  • 30 June 2024 – Final application deadline for all undergraduate courses.

 

If you miss the January 31st deadline, there’s no need to worry. The good news is that almost all UK universities accept international applications until June 30th.

 

Note: Any applications received after June 30th will be entered into UCAS Clearing.

 

Are you looking for UK university options? Take our UK University Quiz to find your best match universities!

? Need help with your UCAS application? Get our UCAS Guide for $27

Music Conservatories Application Deadlines:

 

  • 2 October 2023: Closing date for conservatoires music applications.

  • 31 January 2024: Closing date for most conservatoires dance/drama/musical theatre applications.

 

 

Graduate Application Deadlines:

Graduate degrees in the UK are on a rolling basis, meaning there is no fixed deadline for all postgraduate degree applications. This flexible system allows you to apply at various times throughout the year.


Take Our Quiz! Find Your Best UK University Matches

Dual Offers Dilemma: US vs UK Choice | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

 

As a US student faced with the dilemma of accepting an offer from a US university for May 1 or meeting the conditional offer from a UK university in June, careful consideration and planning are crucial. Here are some professional suggestions on how to navigate this situation and make an informed decision.

 

 

  1. Consider Accepting the US Offer: Given the May 1 deadline commonly set by US universities, it may be wise to accept the US offer and secure a spot. This allows for certainty in the short term, while also providing the opportunity to explore options with the UK offer.

  2. Evaluate the Conditional Offer: US students should carefully review the conditions attached to the UK offer. Assess the likelihood of meeting these conditions, such as achieving specific grades or fulfilling other requirements, by the stipulated deadline in June. You may be able to ask your UK university if this is a hard conditional requirement. If you are just short of meeting the requirement, the US recruitment officer may be able to speak on your behalf to admissions. If you don’t meet their requirements, you can also rely on your insurance university choice as a back-up or the university may be able to provide another option, such as a Foundation Year.

  3. Explore Deferral Options: If feeling torn between the two offers, US students may want to consider deferring one of them. Some US and UK universities may offer deferral options, allowing students to postpone their admission for a year. This can provide additional time to make an informed decision and meet the conditions of the UK offer.

  4. Communicate with Universities: It’s important to keep communication lines open with both US and UK universities. Inform them about your decision, inquire about deferral options, and seek clarifications on any queries or concerns you may have. Professional and timely communication can help navigate the process smoothly.

  5. Evaluate Priorities and Goals: Reflect on your priorities and long-term goals. Consider factors such as academic programs, university reputation, location, career opportunities, and cost of education. Carefully weigh the pros and cons of studying in the US versus the UK, and how each aligns with your personal and professional aspirations.

  6. Consider Financial Implications: Evaluate the financial aspects of both offers, including tuition fees, living expenses, and available financial aid options. Factor in potential currency exchange rates and cost of living in the UK. Develop a budget and assess the financial impact of each option.

 

In conclusion, US students facing the decision of accepting offers from both US and UK universities should approach it strategically. By carefully considering the conditional offer, exploring deferral options, communicating with universities, and evaluating priorities and financial implications, students can make an informed decision that aligns with their academic and career goals.

 

How The UK Study Expert Search Tool and Quiz Can Help You

 

Lucky for you, the UK Study Expert has taken the guesswork out of figuring out what each university requires with our handy dandy search tool. Or you can find your best university by taking our free UK University Quiz Match.

 

Need to speak to an advisor about studying in the UK? Check our Services webpage to see what the best available options are for your needs. 

 

 

Harmful Impact of Mandatory AP Exams | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Over the past few years, there have been significant changes in US higher education trends. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many universities no longer require standardized testing, like the ACT and SAT, for admission. As a result, top universities have seen a surge in applications, making admissions even more competitive. Meanwhile, other universities that were once considered target options are now more selective than ever before.

 

UK universities can capitalize on this by highlighting their own admission processes, which are less reliant on additional factors (supplemental essays, work experience, volunteer experience, leadership experience, academic rigor), and can focus more on the student’s academic profile.

 

Even though this information presents itself as a positive opportunity, US students are faced with challenges from UK university admissions requiring standardized testing (specifically AP exams) poses a significant barrier to entry for US students.

 

To prepare for AP exams, students need to plan their coursework starting in 10th grade. Students who didn’t have the opportunity to plan for AP exams previously had the opportunity to take the SAT II Subject Tests as a substitute to fulfill the university’s AP exam requirement. Since the elimination of SAT II Subject Tests in January 2021, this has made UK study more difficult for students to consider.

 

Moreover, many elite private schools in the US have abolished or are considering abolishing AP exams from their curricula. A recent study done by ACCIS (Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools) in July 2022 collected 163 responses from private school counselors across the US. 62% of counselors reported that their students expressed interest in UK universities, however, 41.8% of private schools do not offer AP classes or exams. If a student doesn’t have access to take AP exams at their school, they could register to take the exam at another school, if that school will offer spots available to outside students. Schools have the option to accept or deny students outside of their classroom if they wish. In addition, students would need to register for the exam several months in advance. This can cause many barriers for the student and the counselor, especially if the student needs to take a specific AP exam to meet a course requirement.

 

 

Over 47% of counselors stated that the UK’s testing requirements were a significant deterrent to student interest, and 16% reported that their students did not apply due to the UK’s standardized testing requirements.

 

 

 

 

These findings suggest that the requirement for AP exams poses a significant barrier to entry for US students. UK universities could receive more applicants and enrollments, particularly from private high-achieving high schools, by adapting their admission requirements to meet the changing needs of the market and capitalize on this opportunity to increase enrollment of US students. This may include highlighting the unique benefits of studying in the UK and offering tailored information on their admission process to provide guidance to prospective students.

 

In conclusion, UK universities must re-evaluate their admission requirements for US students and consider the detrimental effects of requiring AP exams. By adapting their admission process to meet the changing needs of the market, UK universities can attract more US students and increase their enrollment numbers, ultimately enhancing their global reputation and diversifying their student population.

 

School Counselor Feedback from Report:

 

  • Please be willing to consider course levels and grades received when evaluating our applicants. We always provide a school profile and are happy to provide more information and context to help you understand our students, their scholastic attainment, and their potential for success at your schools.

  • The number of SAT/ACT testing sites, especially  here on the West Coast, is staggeringly low. Kids just can’t find a seat to take an SAT or ACT.

  • US applicants without access to good counseling around applications won’t know the requirements to apply to the UK. They won’t plan early enough, and may not have access to AP exams.

  • Allow submission of graded work in lieu of tests, if assessments in your own programs are not standardized assessments.

  • A test flexible approach, allowing SAT, ACT, AP or others might be helpful.

  • Conditional offers based on AP tests that are still to be taken during senior year are very challenging for a family to consider given the mismatch in timing with US May reply date for US-based schools.

  • Kids are on to how completely ridiculous SAT/ACT tests are. When you require it, they see that as you 1) putting the test before their health, 2) ignoring all the data about how biased the tests are and 3) being a school that isn’t student-centered.

  • Schools often limit enrollment in AP classes and then  received  significant pushback from families who want their students to take every AP in our school; adding in UK admissions pressure will make it seem like students will only be successful if they are in AP courses.

  • My school is heavy on APs in STEM but not nearly as many in the humanities. I have students each year who are very strong students with excellent grades who just do not test well when timed and become anxious when they know the scores may keep them from being able to attend a college. UK Universities might consider GPA standards instead of testing.

  • My school made a deliberate choice to move away from AP several years ago and we have no wish to return to offering the courses or the exams. Do UK universities fully understand that in asking students to take certain tests, they are asking our schools to adopt a certain curriculum and adhere to a schedule for testing that is developed by an organization in which we have very little say?

 

Acknowledgement:

A special thank you to Moira McKinnon, Director of College Counseling at Berwick Academy for providing the ACCIS data.

 

Findings from the article are from the following report:

Christopher, Jackie. ‘Exploring the Opportunities and Impact of the Study UK Campaign in the US.’ British Council, 2023.

 

US & UK University Offers and Options | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Deciding where to pursue higher education is a crucial decision for students, especially when they have offers from universities in different countries. For US students who have received offers from both US and UK universities, it’s important to carefully weigh their options and make an informed decision. One of the key considerations is whether to put a deposit down and accept their US university offer for May 1, while also accepting an offer from a UK university with a conditional offer that they would need to meet in June. Let’s explore the best approach for US students facing this situation.

 

Understand the UK Conditional Offer System

 

In the UK, universities often make conditional offers to students, which means that their offer is contingent upon meeting specific conditions, such as achieving certain grades in their final exams. For US students, this may be different from what they are accustomed to, as US universities typically provide unconditional offers, meaning that students are admitted without any conditions attached.

 

Before making a decision, it’s important for US students to thoroughly understand the UK conditional offer system and carefully review the conditions set by the UK university. They should consider factors such as the likelihood of meeting the conditions and the potential consequences if they fail to meet them.

 

Consider Your Priorities and Goals

 

US students should reflect on their priorities and goals when making a decision between a US and UK university offer. Factors such as academic programs, reputation of the universities, location, career opportunities, and cost of education should be considered.

 

US universities are known for their strong programs in various fields and may offer specialized programs that align with a student’s career goals. On the other hand, UK universities are renowned for their academic excellence and may offer a different educational experience, with a focus on a more specialized curriculum in a shorter time frame.

 

Students should also consider the location of the universities and their preferences for living abroad. Studying in the UK may offer a unique cultural experience and an opportunity to travel and explore Europe, while studying in the US may offer a different lifestyle and cultural experience.

 

Evaluate Financial Considerations

 

Financial considerations play a significant role in decision-making for many students. US and UK universities have different tuition fees, living expenses, and financial aid options. US universities tend to have higher tuition fees and living expenses compared to UK universities. However, financial aid options may vary between universities and students should carefully review the cost of attendance for each university, including tuition, housing, transportation, and other expenses, as well as the availability of scholarships, grants, and loans.

 

US students should also consider the potential impact of currency exchange rates and the cost of living in the UK, as it may fluctuate during their years of study. Creating a budget and evaluating the financial implications of studying in the US versus the UK is crucial in making an informed decision.

 

Manage Deadlines and Keep Communication Open

 

US students who have received offers from both US and UK universities should be mindful of the deadlines for accepting and declining offers. The May 1 deadline is common for US universities, and students should ensure that they submit their acceptance or decline by the designated deadline to secure their spot.

 

For UK universities, the conditional offer typically requires meeting certain conditions by a specified deadline, which is often in June or July. US students should carefully review the conditions and ensure that they can fulfill them on time. It’s crucial to keep communication lines open with both US and UK universities, and inform them about your decision as soon as possible to avoid any misunderstandings or complications.

 

Consider a Strategic Plan

 

If a US student is torn between accepting an offer from a US university for May 1 and meeting the conditional offer from a UK university in June, they may consider deferring their offer or accepting the US offer for May 1 to insure the student meets the UK’s conditional offer. More information on this information is listed here. determining if the student meets the conditions for the UK offer. Some US universities and UK universities may allow students to defer their admission for a year, which gives them more time to make an informed decision and meet the conditions. More information on this can be found here: Dual Offers Dilemma: Strategic Decision-making for US and UK University Offers.

 

UCAS: No Changes to Personal Statement | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

UCAS, the organization responsible for managing university applications in the UK, has announced that there will be no changes to the personal statement for the 2024-2025 application cycle. In a recent statement, UCAS stated that they are still in the process of evaluating and assessing potential changes to the personal statement, and will not make any updates until they have completed this process.

 

The personal statement is an important part of the university application process, allowing applicants to showcase their achievements, interests, and suitability for their chosen course. While some have called for changes to the personal statement format, including limiting the number of characters or introducing more structured prompts, UCAS has decided to hold off on making any updates for the time being.

 

In their statement, UCAS explained that they are committed to ensuring that the personal statement remains a fair and effective tool for assessing applicants, and that any changes they make will be thoroughly evaluated to ensure that they do not disadvantage any groups of applicants.

 

While some may be disappointed by the lack of changes to the personal statement, it is important to remember that the statement remains a valuable opportunity for applicants to demonstrate their strengths and suitability for their chosen course. By focusing on presenting a clear and compelling narrative about their experiences and goals, applicants can make the most of this opportunity to impress admissions teams.

 

As UCAS continues to evaluate potential changes to the personal statement, it is important for applicants to stay up-to-date with any updates or announcements. However, for now, the personal statement will remain a key part of the application process, and applicants should focus on presenting their best selves in their statement to stand out to admissions teams.

Guide: UK Graduate Application Deadline | UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

If you are thinking of applying for your graduate degree in the UK, you may be surprised to know that master’s degrees are 12 months in length, PhD’s are 3 year’s in length, and neither require the GRE’s for admission! The UK application process tends to be very straightforward and easy to understand compared to most undergraduate application processes (remember those?). In this article, we have listed what you need to know when applying to graduate degrees in the UK.

 

? Need help with your UCAS application? Get our UCAS Guide for $39

 

How to Apply

For most courses, you will make your application directly to the University you wish to study at. To check, we recommend reading the university’s “Apply Now” page to see which application method they prefer students to use. They may direct you to UCAS, since they now offer graduate applications, or the university will direct you to their direct online application.

 

 

Deadlines

Universities may have deadlines for their MBA, Business, and Medical degrees but most UK graduate degrees do not have deadlines. It is common for universities to set their own internal deadlines and processes, so it’s recommended to check each course before applying.

 

Applications typically open each September/October for courses starting in the next academic year. Each university and college will make their decisions at different times, meaning you might hear back from them at different times.

 

Tip: Even though most postgraduate degrees in the UK offer rolling admissions, it’s important to remember that once a student has an offer, it may takes a few months to gather your financial evidence and begin your visa application. The sooner you apply, the better you can prepare for the journey!

 

 

Admissions Tests

As mentioned earlier, the GRE’s are not required to apply to UK universities. If you are applying for professional degrees or an MBA, you may need to take additional tests such as the MCAT or GMAT. If it is a research degree, you may also need to submit a research proposal. Make sure to double check their entry requirements if they require any additional documents or tests.

 

 

Application Documents

The following is a standard list of what the university requires from US students to apply to UK graduate degrees:

 

  • Official University Transcript

  • Personal Statement/Essay (learn how to write a UK graduate essay)

  • 2 Recommendations Letters – you should have at least one reference written by an academic who has taught a subject related to the degree you are applying to. If the academic hasn’t studied the subject you are applying to, make sure there’s a valid reason why they would be writing your reference. If you have been out of school for over two years, two work references should suffice, however, we recommend checking with the university just in case.

  • Copy of your passport (optional)

 

University Search

If you are looking at university options, check out our UK graduate university search engine by inputting your GPA and subject interest. You may be surprised which universities you are matched with!

 

If you are ever confused and wish to speak to a UK university representative who assists with US students, you can contact a representative directly on our university webpages. Click the “contact university” on the red button on the university page and your message will be sent directly to them.

 

 

 

If you want to ensure that you are making the right decision in the application process, our advisors can support you throughout the process and help you get into your dream UK university!

 

 

Need help figuring out your UCAS application? Check out our step-by-step UCAS Guide! Get the UCAS Guide for $39

Pilot Program for Non-AP Exam Takers | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Lancaster University, ranked among the top 15 in the UK (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022) and top 150 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2023), has recently announced a new 2 year AP exam pilot admissions program for American students who have not had the opportunity to take 3 AP exams. Applicable only to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences courses.

 

New Entry Requirements:

 

Courses within the program will consider applicants substituting honors/college level classes in place of the AP scores on a case-by-case basis.

 

We look for grades of A or B in honors/ college-level courses* on your high school record.

 

*We would expect College level courses to be three units/credits or one semester in length and in an academic subject.

 

As part of the application process you may be asked for:

 

  • Evidence of high school achievements to date

  • Details of current studies and pending achievements

  • A copy of curriculum for any honors/advanced or college-level classes

  • A copy of your School Profile

  • An example piece of written work and attend an online interview

 

The departments participating include: Linguistics and English Language, English and Creative Writing, History, Lancaster Institute of Creative Arts, Politics, Philosophy and Religion.

 

How long is the pilot program in duration for?

 

The pilot program is a 2 year trial. It will be running for the 2023 and 2024 entry years.

 

Is this in effect now?

 

Yes! If you or your students are interested in applying to the social sciences or the arts, students can apply now!

 

Who can I contact if I have questions?

 

Please reach out to the Lancaster University’s Regional Manager, Kirsten Mingins: [email protected].

 

New UCAS Reference 2024 Guidelines | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Big Announcement!

 

UCAS has recently made major changes to the reference section that may be a culture shock for US counselors. If you’re a college counselor who has worked with students applying to UK universities, you’re probably familiar with UCAS, the centralized application system. UCAS handles the application process for almost all undergraduate degree courses in the UK. In this article, we’ll explain what those changes are and what they mean for US students who are considering applying to universities in the UK.

 

First, let’s explain what the UCAS reference is. The reference is a letter written by a teacher or other academic advisor that is submitted along with the student’s application. Currently, the UCAS reference was written as a single letter from one academic or teacher that would be sent to each individual university that the student was applying to. It provides an evaluation of the student’s academic performance, character, and potential. It is an important part of the application process and still remains to be so.

 

Starting this May 2023, the reference section will no longer be a single letter, but rather be split into 3 sections for the referee to complete (see below). Referees can?only use up to 4,000 characters (including spaces, headings and line breaks) or 47 lines of text total, whichever comes first, between all three sections. This will be implemented into the UCAS application for the 2024 entry applicants:

 


SECTION 1 (if the student has linked their application to a UCAS centre):

 

The first section is to provide information regarding your school. This is a great place to explain your school’s rankings, if it is a private or public school, general overview of your school’s curriculum (i.e. if your school offers AP exams), etc. This section is mandatory for schools registered as a UCAS centre.

 

If you are worried about copying and pasting this section for each student, the good news is that your school profile template can be saved in the system ONLY if your school is registered as a UCAS centre.

 

(How to link your school to your UCAS application)

 

SECTION 1 (if the student has NOT linked their application to a UCAS centre):

 

For applicants who apply independently, and not link their application to a school or college, the referee would provide an overview of their relationship to the applicant.

 

SECTION 2 (This section is optional)

 

You should only add information into this section if the applicant has extenuating circumstances that may have affected their grades or will affect their grades. Another example is if you believe this student is doing far better this year than previous years, etc.

 

SECTION 3 (This section is also optional):

 

This section is useful to inform the universities if the student has any circumstances that the university should be aware of. Some examples of this could be the student needing academic support, or the student is currently transitioning, etc.

 

For Sections 2 & 3: It is accepted that most references will not contain any information. If you do not provide information, referees will need to tick ‘no information to enter for this section’ or the reference section won’t be completed or submitted. Ticking this box allows universities and colleges to know that no information has been supplied under these headings.

 

CONCLUSION

 

As you have noticed, there’s NO opportunity for the counselor or teacher to provide an evaluation of the student’s academic performance, character, and potential. Why? Because the student has already provided adequate information about their academics and should have explained their achievements and knowledge in their personal statement.

 

As an American and being in the industry for over 10 years, this was a big culture shock to me. A teacher or counselor not bragging about how high-achieving the student is? How absurd!

 

But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. It allows the university to pinpoint information from a reference that is sometimes the most important. This will better support the university to determine if a student is the right fit. Not only will this be easier to read for the university, but it will also be easier and less work for the counselor or teacher to complete.

 

UCAS have announced that they are still fine tweaking these new processes and will provide a Q&A with more information. Stay tuned for more information!

 

We’d love to know your thoughts about the new changes. Comment below to share your thoughts and ideas!

 

New UK ETA Travel Authorization 2024 | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

The introduction of the new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme in the United Kingdom will have an impact on US students visiting UK universities and likely students studying abroad for less than 6 months.

 

The ETA is a digital travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers visiting the United Kingdom, which will be required for boarding a plane for travel to the country. This new scheme is designed to strengthen the control and compliance of UK borders, and the ETA application process is expected to take less than 15 minutes with a decision provided within 78 hours.

 

For US students and families interested in visiting UK universities, this means that they will need to apply for an ETA before traveling to the United Kingdom. This additional step in the travel process may cause some inconvenience, but it is not expected to significantly impact the number of US students visiting the country. The ETA is similar to the ESTA in the United States, which US citizens are already familiar with. Overall, the ETA scheme is a measure to enhance border security and compliance, but it will not be a significant hindrance for US student visits.

 

When will this come into effect?

 

The scheme is set out into three separate phases. The first phase will be starting in 2023, however the US will probably be affected in 2024 as it will be phased in over time. The Home Office claims that the scheme will be completed and live for all visa-exempt travelers by the end of 2024. The UK Study Expert will be monitoring this information.

 

How will this affect study abroad students?

 

US study abroad students who are studying a semester for less than 6 months and aren’t required to apply for a visa, may be affected if starting their studies after September 2024.

 

How Much Does it Cost to apply for the UK ETA?

 

Full details of the British Home Office have not been released yet, but travel and immigration experts have determined it will likely cost between $5 and $20 USD for US citizens based on similar schemes in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and what non citizens pay for an ESTA to visit the US.

 

Resources below:

Executive Traveller

Gov.uk Website

 

UK Personal Statement: Student Guide | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

American students are used to writing personal statements (a.k.a. college essays) that are full of narrative and personal hardships. This is a common theme in US college essays due to the competitiveness of US university admissions, as it helps students stand out from the pool of applicants. Sometimes, students are even encouraged to write an essay that will make an admissions board get emotional or even cry. Oh, the drama of it all!

 

Well, the UK admissions system and their personal statements couldn’t be more different! The UK admissions system primarily focuses on your academics, and your knowledge in the subject you are applying to, rather than you being a well-rounded student flourishing in academics, clubs, extra-curriculars, etc. That’s why UK personal statements are centered around showing why you are a good fit for the program, much like a professional cover letter to a job opening. UK statements are to the point, clear, concise and focus on the subject and factual information, such as your accomplishments. You might find writing a UK personal statement to be a little dry – which surprisingly means you’re doing it right!

 

? Need help with your UCAS application? Get our UCAS Guide for $27

 

Outline for your Personal Statement (aka College Essay)

There is no ‘one way’ to write a personal statement, but to begin, you want the focus to be around the subject you are interested in pursuing to study and why. NOT the university or universities, specifically. It’s important to inform the reader of your ambition, interests, and intellect in the field. If you are applying to different subjects that aren’t related, you want to make sure that you incorporate the subjects into the essay cohesively.

 

Here is a general outline that might help:

 

  • Intro: Talk about what you are applying for, why you want to study that subject, and what inspires you about the subject.

  • 2nd Paragraph: Talk about your academic history and any classes/projects you undertook that are related to the subject you’re applying for. How are you as a student? What makes you ready to study the subject at university level?

  • 3rd Paragraph: Talk about any work experience, internships, or volunteering you’ve done that is related to the subject you’re applying for.

  • 4th paragraph: Explain why you want to study this subject in the UK. Why do you want to attend university in the UK?

  • Conclusion: Talk about your future educational and career goals.

 

It’s important to note that if you are applying to an English literature program, for example, you might bring up authors that inspire you. Or, if you are wanting to study mathematics, who are your favorite mathematicians?

Play around with the outline above, but remember to keep it centered on the subject you are applying for, while also showcasing your personal accomplishments.

 

 

How Many Personal Statements Do I Have to Write? 

Students can only apply to up to 5 UK universities but only one personal statement can be submitted. Your personal statement will be sent directly to each university you have applied to, via the UCAS application. Therefore, it’s best to apply to the same program at all universities (or, at least, similar programs).

 

 

How Long Does the Personal Statement Need to Be? 

You’ll be applying through UCAS, so there is a character limit you must abide by. Your statement cannot exceed 4,000 characters with spaces.

 

Further Information on Statements

Undergrad students can visit the UCAS website for more info on what’s needed in your statement, and even use some of the statement builder tools provided there.

 

Need help figuring out your UCAS application? Check out our step-by-step UCAS Guide! Get the UCAS Guide for $27

 

About the Author:

Ashley Jeanson is an international education expert with over 9 years of experience in the field. She’s worked for a mixture of study abroad providers, universities in the US and the UK, and third-party providers, mostly specializing in helping American students attend UK universities. In her spare time, she travels the globe and is eternally in search of the best cup of coffee.