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Common App vs UCAS: Which Should US Students Use for UK Universities?

Posted on by Jackie Christopher
 

If you’re applying to universities in both the US and UK, you may find yourself deciding between two different application systems: Common App and UCAS.


Both can be used to apply to certain UK universities, but they weren’t designed for the same purpose. Common App is primarily used for college applications in the US, while UCAS is the centralized application system used across UK higher education.


So, if a UK university appears on Common App, should you apply there? Or should you use UCAS instead?


The best choice depends on how many UK universities you’re considering, whether the UK is a serious part of your university search, and which institutions are on your list.


Here’s what US students need to know.

Common App vs UCAS at a Glance

Common AppUCAS
Primarily designed forUS and international college applicationsUK higher education applications
UK university availabilitySelected participating UK universitiesBroad access to UK undergraduate universities
Number of choicesUp to 20 colleges overallUp to 5 university/course choices
Application feeIndividual colleges may charge their own application fees£34.50 for the 2027 cycle
Application writingCommon App structure; requirements vary by universityThree structured personal statement questions
Best fit forStudents primarily applying in the US with a small number of participating UK universitiesStudents seriously considering several UK universities
RequirementsVary by institutionVary by university and course

What Is UCAS?

UCAS is the centralized application system used to apply to undergraduate universities and courses across the UK.


For the 2027 admissions cycle, students can add up to five university or course choices to one UCAS application for a £34.50 application fee.


Unlike the US admissions process, you aren’t applying generally to a university and choosing your major later. In the UK, you typically apply directly to the specific degree you want to study.


That means your five UCAS choices could include five different universities offering the same or similar subject, or different courses within the options allowed by UCAS.


UCAS is designed specifically around the UK admissions system, so if you’re seriously considering studying in the UK, it will usually give you access to the widest range of university options.

What Is Common App?

Common App is a centralized application platform widely used by colleges and universities in the United States.


Students can add up to 20 colleges to their Common App account, although individual universities may have their own application fees and additional requirements.


Common App also includes universities outside the US, including a number of UK institutions.


For an American student who is already applying to US colleges, seeing a UK university appear in Common App can make applying overseas feel much simpler. You may be able to add that university without starting an entirely separate application process.


But convenience isn’t the only thing you should consider.

Can You Apply to UK Universities Through Common App?

Yes. A number of UK universities accept applications from US or international students through Common App.


For example, Common App currently lists universities including the University of Glasgow, University of St Andrews, University of Aberdeen, University of Dundee and University of Stirling among its participating UK institutions.


However, not every UK university participates in Common App, and participation can change from one admissions cycle to another.


If you’re considering several universities in the UK, don’t build your entire UK list around the universities you happen to see on Common App.


Start by identifying the universities and courses that best fit your academic profile and goals. Then look at which application routes those universities accept.

Common App UK Universities

A number of UK universities have offered applications through Common App, including:

Aberystwyth University

Anglia Ruskin University

Arts University Bournemouth

Brunel University London

Edinburgh Napier University

ESCP Business School

Swansea University

University of Aberdeen

University of Bradford

University of Dundee

University of East London

University of Glasgow

University of Plymouth

University of Roehampton

University of St Andrews

University of Stirling

University of the West of England, Bristol

University of West London

University of Worchester


Important: Common App participation can change. Always confirm that the university and course you’re interested in currently accept Common App applications before applying.


Where possible, you can also use The UK Study Expert’s university profiles to research US entry requirements and learn more about individual universities before building your final list.

Should You Use Common App or UCAS for UK Universities?

There isn’t one answer that works for every student.


Instead, think about where UK universities fit into your overall application strategy.


If You’re Primarily Applying to US Universities

If most of your university list is in the United States and you’re considering only one or two UK universities that participate in Common App, using Common App may make sense.


You’re already completing the platform for your US applications, and keeping those applications together can make the process easier to manage.


Before applying, however, confirm that your UK university accepts Common App applications for your specific situation and review any university-specific requirements.

If You’re Seriously Considering Several UK Universities

If studying in the UK is a serious option and you’re considering several British universities, UCAS will usually make more sense.


UCAS gives you much broader access to UK undergraduate universities and courses, rather than limiting your choices to the smaller number of UK institutions participating in Common App.


It also keeps your UK applications together within the system specifically designed for the UK admissions process.

If the UK University You Want Isn’t on Common App

Then Common App won’t solve the problem.


You may need to apply through UCAS or, where available, directly to the university.


If you’re wondering how UCAS compares with applying directly to a UK university, read our guide to UCAS vs UK University Applications.

How Common App and UCAS Applications Differ

The number of universities you can apply to isn’t the only difference between the two platforms.


Number of University Choices

Common App: Students can add up to 20 colleges overall.

UCAS: Undergraduate applicants can add up to five choices.


Remember that a UCAS “choice” is connected to a specific university and course. Because UK students apply directly to their degree subject, your course selection is an important part of building your UCAS list.

Application Fees

With Common App, individual colleges may charge their own application fees, although some universities have no application fee.


For the 2027 UCAS cycle, the application fee is £34.50, which allows undergraduate students to add up to five choices.

Personal Statement and Application Writing

This is another area where the two application systems work differently.


Common App requirements vary by university. Some colleges require the Common App personal essay, while others do not, and individual institutions may have their own questions or additional requirements.


UCAS now uses three structured personal statement questions rather than the single long-form personal statement used in previous application cycles:

  1. Why do you want to study this course or subject?
  2. How have your qualifications and studies helped you prepare for this course or subject?
  3. What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?


The overall UCAS personal statement limit remains 4,000 characters across the three responses.


Because your UCAS application is sent to all of your choices, your responses should focus primarily on the subject you want to study, rather than writing separate essays about why you want to attend each individual university.

University-Specific Requirements

Don’t assume that applying to a UK university through Common App means you’ll have exactly the same requirements you see with your US colleges.


Requirements vary.


For example, some UK universities on Common App don’t require the standard Common App personal essay.


Always review the individual university’s requirements before submitting your application.

Planning to Apply Through UCAS?

If UCAS looks like the better fit for your UK university plans, our 2027 UCAS Guide walks you through the application step by step, from setting up your application to understanding what belongs in each section and what to check before you submit.

Get the 2027 UCAS Guide for $27 →

Can You Apply to UK Universities Through Both Common App and UCAS?

Students sometimes find themselves using both Common App and UCAS, especially when applying to universities in both the US and UK.


That doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve done anything wrong. You may use Common App for your US universities and UCAS for most of your UK choices.


Where you need to be careful is submitting applications to the same UK university through multiple systems.


Individual universities can have their own policies for how they handle Common App and UCAS applications.


Ashley Warmington, Senior International Officer from the University of Glasgow, previously explained how Glasgow handles the process behind the scenes:


“Behind the scenes, every Common App turns into a UCAS application during processing. If a student applies and accepts their offer on the Common App, the admissions team will transfer their information to UCAS. If they find that their UCAS is already full with universities, it becomes an issue.”


That insight is still important today.


The University of Glasgow’s current guidance specifically tells students not to submit a Common App application to Glasgow if they already have a live UCAS application, even if Glasgow isn’t one of their UCAS choices.


Glasgow explains that doing so can cause delays with student records, immigration documentation, accommodation access and enrollment.


Other universities may handle applications differently, which is why you shouldn’t assume the same rule applies everywhere.


Before applying to the same UK university through more than one application system, check that university’s current policy or ask its admissions team.

What If You’ve Already Applied Through Both Common App and UCAS?

Don’t panic, but don’t submit additional applications or make decisions about your offers without understanding how the university handles the two systems.


Start by looking at the admissions guidance for the UK university involved.


If the answer isn’t clear, contact the university’s admissions team and explain:

  • That you’ve submitted applications through both systems
  • Which universities you’ve selected through UCAS
  • Whether you’ve received or accepted any offers
  • Which application you’d like to move forward with


The university can tell you what, if anything, you need to do next.


This is much better than assuming the Common App and UCAS applications will sort themselves out behind the scenes.

UK University Entry Requirements

Choosing the right application platform is only part of the process.


You’ll also need to make sure you’re academically eligible for the UK universities and courses on your list.


UK universities evaluate US qualifications differently. Depending on the university and course, entry requirements may consider:

  • Your high school GPA
  • AP exams
  • SAT or ACT scores where applicable
  • College-level coursework
  • Subject-specific prerequisites
  • Other academic qualifications


You can use our Undergraduate University Search Tool to explore UK universities and see their US undergraduate entry requirements.

Search UK Universities →

So, Should You Use Common App or UCAS?

Here’s the simplest way to think about it.


Common App may make sense if:

  • You’re primarily applying to universities in the US
  • You’re considering only one or two UK universities
  • Those universities currently accept Common App applications
  • You want to manage most of your applications within one platform


UCAS may make more sense if:

  • Studying in the UK is a serious goal
  • You’re considering several UK universities
  • Some of your preferred universities aren’t on Common App
  • You want access to the broader UK university system
  • You’re building a focused UK application strategy around your course and academic profile


And remember: you don’t need to choose your university based on which application platform is easiest.


Choose the universities and courses that fit you first. Then determine the best way to apply.

Want Help Building the Right UK Application Strategy?

Choosing between Common App and UCAS is only one part of applying to university in the UK.


Your academic profile, university choices, course requirements, UCAS responses, reference and application details all need to work together.


With the UK Study Accelerator, you get expert support as you build and strengthen your UK university application. We can help you identify the universities that fit your profile, refine your application strategy and review your UCAS application before you submit.

Explore the UK Study Accelerator →

5 Things US Students Should Expect | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Not only is applying to university a big step but applying to a UK university is a larger one! You need to navigate the different admissions processes, obtain your visa and book a flight. Once you’ve hurdled all these steps and you’re done, what should you can you expect when you start this new, exciting life?

 

1. Flatmates vs. Roommates

Many UK universities offer students accommodation where they will have their own bedroom.  This means you do not have to worry whether or not you will vibe well with a roommate. Some university accommodations will even have an en-suite option where you will get your own bathroom with toilet and shower! That being said, instead of roommates you will have flatmates. Each flat may be compromised of 5-7 other students that you will share a kitchen and possible sitting room with. Therefore, it is important to understand boundaries and not make too much noise in the hallways.

 

2. Three Year Degrees

Most UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) courses are very subject focused, meaning that if you are studying a history degree you won’t be expected to take any math classes. Due to the lack of general education requirements UK degrees are only three years, rather than the 4 years you may be familiar with in the USA. If you wish to take classes outside of your chosen major many universities will have classes open for the public that students can take for free or at a reduced rate.

 

3. Takeaway, Meal Plans, Kitchens and More

You may be used to the concept of meal plans as many US universities require first year students to take out a meal plan. While available, they are not as common at UK universities. This is due to students having access to a kitchen in their accommodation. This allows you to start cook your own meals at your own time. If you don’t want to cook, no problem! The UK has a variety of places to order delivery, or takeaway, as it’s referred to here. Most universities will also have a variety of cafes, food halls or more to help ease the rumble in your stomach.

 

4. No Grades for Attendance

Academics works a bit different in the UK than it does in the US. For one, there are less things that you will be graded over. In the US you might expect to have 10% of your grade for attendance, 20% for participation, 20% for homework, 50% for exams or tests. In the UK many courses, or modules, will only grade you on your submitted work or seated exams. So, if you have 2 essays and one exam, your essays may be worth 25% each and your exam for 50% of your grade! While daunting, many departments will help to prepare you for each of your assignments and you will receive a personal tutor, similar to a US advisor, who can help answer any questions you may have.

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Another thing to prepare for is the grading scale. For an undergraduate course a failure is below 40% and below 50% for a postgraduate degree. You can then get an undergraduate degree that is labelled as a third-class degree (40-50%), 2.2 degree (50-60%), 2.1 degree (60-70%) or a first degree (anything over 70%).

 

5. Hundreds of Societies

Students in the UK are able to join a variety of societies that cater to their interests. This can range from sport societies, such as rugby, soccer and American football, to specific societies that relate to your course, hobbies, politics, beliefs and more! Most of these societies will allow you to go to the first meeting free of charge before you are expected to pay a smaller membership fee that goes to the students Union.

 

The students union is a common concept in the UK and is there to work or the student. They help to raise awareness of student issues at the university and work on improving student satisfaction. The students union will have a variety of student-elected full-time officers that serve as the student voice on campus. They may hold positions that focus on wellbeing, student opportunities, societies and more. The students union will also hold events on campus and hosts a variety of welcome activities during the first week of term to help introduce new students to student life.

 

Jackie Jarocki is a Regional Officer at Aberystwyth University. Jackie is a former international student from the USA who came to study in the UK in 2018 and never left! She has been working in the UK Higher Education in international student recruitment since 2019.

Top 5 Reasons to Study in the UK | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

When I first announced my plans to come to the UK for university, the general consensus from my family and friends in the US was that they were supportive, but also confused. The idea of me going so far away for school shocked people for many reasons, and I found myself getting the question “but why England?” constantly. Despite the mixed reactions I received, I wouldn’t change anything about my decision to come to University of Sheffield, and here’s why.

 

1. It’s cheaper! (I’m not kidding)

If you’re reading this from the US, especially if you’re a high school student, you know how expensive university in the US can really be. When you think about people who go abroad for school, generally you think about how expensive it must be, but I chose University of Sheffield partially because of how affordable it is! The length of a normal bachelors course in the UK is 3 years, rather than 4 which is a whole year less of tuition! In addition, my tuition in the UK is £19,000/year ($21,000 USD). I ended up getting a merit scholarship from the school so I am only paying £8,800/year ($12,000 USD) for 3 years, which, in my opinion, is incredible considering that going out of state for university in the US generally costs more than $12,000/year.

 

2. You study what you want and ONLY what you want

One of the most refreshing things about the UK education system was that I was finally free from required subjects. Now, of course, there are still mandatory classes within the departments, but the days of taking math, science, and history when all I wanted to do was study philosophy and politics were finally over!

Being at a UK university really allowed me to immerse myself in my selected subjects. While I watched my friends struggle in their required university level physics and algebra classes, I was enjoying the classes I picked for myself, none of which included ANY equations.

 

3. Central location and international community

The UK, being a small island, is an amazing port of travel into Europe and other surrounding areas. Opportunities for travel, and a global perspective were the things that initially prompted me to look abroad for college, and the UK does travel and public transport very well. The train system in the UK is a breath of fresh air for someone who has no interest in driving in England. In addition, domestic and international flights can be found dirt cheap (compared to US prices) and the amazing community of international students allows for meaningful connections and exchanges which ultimately help broaden horizons and build trust and a global community.

 

4. The *aesthetic*

I wouldn’t be true to myself if I didn’t admit that part of why I chose England was the scenery. As a girl from the New Mexico desert, home was a place where greenery was rare and exciting, and rain was almost nonexistent. Because of this, when I arrived in the UK, even small things like seeing fog, forests, moss, etc. made me happy. The whole experience of being a student in England feels like I am permanently living in a cozy autumn movie, which I LOVE. And the green trees, gray skies, and rainy days are all part of that experience.

 

5. A new perspective

There’s nothing like picking up your life and moving to another country where you know no one to give you a new perspective on life. First off, it forces you out of your comfort zone. Everything is a new experience, from grocery shopping to school to trying to understand the man with a thick Yorkshire accent who just said something you couldn’t quite make out. If there’s one thing you can be sure of, choosing to study and/or complete your degree in another country will definitely change you for the better. Your plane ticket comes with a one way ticket to a new lease on life and a new understanding of the world, in my opinion, it’s 100% worth it.

 

Charlotte Flores is a current student at University of Sheffield originally from Las Cruces, New Mexico. She is currently studying BA Politics and Philosophy and plans to graduate in 2022.

 

 

UK and US College Essay Differences

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Your college application essay, what the UK call the “personal statement”, can be a crucial component to being admitted into university. The US college essay and the UK personal statement are very different from each other. It’s important to understand the differences and and what to look out for before submitting your application.

 

Most US college essays require you to select a topic that may be structured around you as a person. From what I’ve seen, most US students tend to submit a creative writing piece of their life that’s emotive and how they overcame a particular situation. It can sometimes be triggering and very dramatic to grab the reader’s attention. In addition, students may be required to write supplemental essays about why you want to study at that school or academic field. Universities may use creative questions which allows the reader to understand their ability to think and engage. If you are applying to a large sum of colleges/universities, this can be very stressful and time consuming.

 

Creating a personal statement for a UK university is a very easy and straightforward process. What they are requiring is not a creative writing piece but more so of an understanding and clear idea of who you are, your academic skills, knowledge of the subject, why you chose the subject you want to study, and why you want to study in the UK.

 

If you are applying through UCAS, you are required to submit one essay with a limit of 4,000 characters, which roughly estimates to a few paragraphs. That’s right… one! This one essay will be sent to each individual university you are applying to, therefore, it’s very important to avoid listing the universities by name. You want to make the essay generalized so it applies to all the courses and universities.

 

Another difference is that they do not require different essay topics to choose from nor do they require supplemental essays. This should save you time when planning out to submit your application.

 

If you’re having a difficult time on how to write the essay, I always give these resources to help them through their journey. UCAS provides so many helpful personal statement resources. These are my favorites below:

 

UCAS Personal Statement Mind Map

UCAS Personal Statement Worksheet*

 

*Two important questions that are missing from this sheet is: ‘Why do you want to study in the UK? Why do you want to be an international student rather than study in your home country? Don’t forget to add these in as this is an essential part of who you are.

 

UCAS also has more helpful resources and inspiration that is worth checking out.

 

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. 

Why Employers Value UK Degrees | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Sipping tea at a quaint little English village cafe all morning or museum hopping for an afternoon in London are absolutely pivotal experiences when studying a degree in the UK, but are these the elements you want to highlight on your resume or talk about in interviews? Of course not! So let’s discuss four different reasons why employers admire Americans earning a degree in the UK:

 

#1: Personal and Language Skills

 

Even though you’re studying in a predominantly English speaking area of the world, that doesn’t mean it’s exclusively English. Major cities in the United Kingdom are massively multi-cultural and diverse and offer a unique opportunity to explore different languages and dialects.

 

Beyond learning a foreign language abroad, developing and improving your language skills also includes oral presentations, written communications such as essays, papers and emails as well as cross-cultural communication.

 

Cross-cultural communication is extra valuable to US employers as many American companies need to market and attract customers from all around the world and prefer employees who understand how to communicate with people from different cultural backgrounds.

 

Gaining international experience shows employers you’re adaptable and independent. According to the Erasmus Impact Study, 64 percent of employers consider study abroad experience to be important, and 92 percent of employers look for transferable skills that are typically gained from the experience, such as flexibility to new challenges.

 

#2: Expanding your Network

 

Pushing your boundaries physically leads to pushing your boundaries socially. If you read my story, you know I studied my master’s in London, England where I didn’t know a single soul. Being an international student in a big city, I had to push myself to meet people, get out of my comfort zone and connect with those around me more authentically than in previous academic experiences.

 

To this day, I talk and text with folks around the world I met from my time abroad. Be comfortable being uncomfortable- put yourself out there, meet people and build relationships when you study abroad. You never know when or how those relationships will evolve and could potentially turn into professional opportunities.

 

#3: Confidence 

 

As a full-time career coach, I work with many students who say their number one challenge to landing a job is a lack of confidence. Often, applicants meet the basic and preferred job qualifications on paper but when they get into an interview, they are shy, soft-spoken and lack the confidence to clearly and articulately advocate for themselves.

 

International experience can be overwhelming at times, but through this adversity, you grow and develop your confidence. An interview I did with HR recruiter Allison Walke explained “I’ll be more inclined to move forward with a candidate who has stronger soft skills. International experience can definitely be valuable in improving these soft skills”.

 

My very first study abroad was a summer program in Greece. I was the student that was 100% there for the beautiful beaches and crystal blue waters. I didn’t speak a word of Greek. Surviving in Athens for a summer in 2006 with no wifi and a guidebook I picked up at a Border’s Books (RIP big chain bookstores) was a challenge to say the least. I gained such confidence during my international experience, when I returned back to the US, I was already busy planning my next trip abroad.

 

#4: International Opportunities 

 

Employers always seek applicants who have international experience. Whether you’re in a field like international business and communications or engineering and education, studying abroad sets you apart from other applicants and might be the difference between getting or not getting an interview.

 

A NAFSA survey found nearly 40 percent of companies missed out on international business opportunities due to a lack of personnel with international experience. Employees with previous abroad experience are much more likely to be asked or assigned to international clients and projects because of their comfortability with travel and different cultures and languages. These are very beneficial qualities to bring up in interviews and a great way to show your value to potential employers.

 

Parting Words… 

 

I would highly encourage you to consider your professional goals before starting your study abroad in the UK. Think about what you’re trying to achieve with your degree from a professional standpoint and make a plan to get there. I went into my master’s with a very clear goal of networking in the international education industry in order to obtain a full-time job in study abroad when I returned to the US- and I did.

 

Be intentional with your time whilst abroad, because it’ll go by so quick. Gain international work and study experience, travel, meet new people, developing your willingness to try new things and learn to go with the flow. All these attributes are highly valued and positively viewed in the professional world.

 

About the Writer…

 

Hi! My name is Nadia and I help people design happy and fulfilling careers through authentic career coaching. My expertise includes career exploration guidance, resume writing, interview prep and LinkedIn profile optimization. My pronouns are She/ Her/ Hers and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I focus on how diverse identities impact and influence folks holistically and professionally. Connect with on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/nadiaibrahim/ or visit me on Etsy as The Career Coach Shop!

 

UK Week in the US hosted by the British Council

Posted on by Jackie Christopher


BritishCouncil_Logo_Indigo_RGB.jpg

 Starting the week of February 1st, the British Council will be hosting UK Education Week in the USA.

 

The UK Week is integrated of a series of bite-sized videos that have been designed exclusively for US undergraduate and graduate students. By gaining access to this video playlist, you can watch on demand and hear directly from a range of universities from Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland. Students, parents and counselors can learn from a variety of topics about studying in the UK from ‘Study engineering in the UK’ to ‘Moving to the UK: Tips and Hacks’. A range of universities will be presenting, including:

 

University of Strathclyde

University of Westminster

Queen’s University Belfast

Leeds Arts University

Falmouth University

University of Lincoln

Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance

Liverpool Hope University

University of Birmingham

University of Manchester

Solent University, Southampton Solent University

University of Birmingham

Aberystwyth University

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Norwich University of Arts

Swansea University

University of South Wales

The British Council is a British organization founded by the British government specializing in international cultural and educational opportunities. The organization builds connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and other countries through arts and culture, education and the English language.

Why I Left My Career to Study in the UK | UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Hi, I’m Nadia. And like you, back in 2012, I spent countless hours sitting at my work computer during lunch breaks scouring the internet for information on how to study a degree in the UK. I was Googling every topic under the sun, from university rankings to best UK cities for LGBTQ+ culture. I honestly had no idea what I was doing or what I was looking for, I just knew that somehow, some way, I was going to be studying in the UK by autumn of 2013. Enter Jackie Christopher.

 

I connected with Jackie through a mutual connection. She was the UK study expert having completed an undergraduate degree and graduate degree in the UK just a few years prior. Like me, she was kick starting her career in the education field. She had just completed the Education, Leadership and Management master’s program at the University of Roehampton in London and offered me a wealth of guidance and knowledge on all things related to studying in the UK.

 

Where I started…

 

I started my journey with Jackie at 29 years old. I was working a full-time job in higher education with benefits- you know, the type of job you are proud to announce on LinkedIn or gloat about in front of your siblings at family dinners. I was living in Boston Massachusetts, arguably the epicenter of American education with prestigious universities like Harvard and MIT. But even with a great job and all the glitz and glam of a young professional’s dream city, at the end of the day, I wasn’t happy.

 

I completed a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Suffolk University in Beacon Hill, Boston’s central district, in 2011. I spent many week nights cozying up to politicians and business folks alike at little hole in the wall bars studying away and grabbing a quick bite to eat after my 9-5 job and before evening classes. I was a traditional “parking lot to classroom” student meaning I spent as little time on campus as I could get away with whilst still, somehow by magic, maintaining a full-time career.

 

My master’s program at Suffolk was perfect for me at the time. I could take classes part-time in the evening working around my career. I met genuine lifelong friends and connections that helped me land nearly every future job I’ve had in my career since then. And through that program, I was admitted into Clemson University’s partner study abroad program where I completed a two-week long UK study abroad surveying the British Higher Education system. This is when I fell in love with the UK.

 

Why I chose to leave my full-time career to pursue UK study…

 

Studying abroad was always part of my education path. I completed a summer study abroad in history and classic studies in Greece as part of my undergraduate degree and knew, when entering graduate school, I wanted to go abroad again. When I found out the UK was an option for my program, I jumped at the chance. I figured if anything, at least studying in an English speaking country where I knew the language was already a step up from my time in Greece, where I knew not barely a simple tourist phrase in Greek. Talk about a long summer….

 

Outside the language similarities, I knew the prestigious reputation UK education held around the world. I knew it was comparable to the US, but really had no concept of exactly how it was different, or gasp!, even better, then what I knew or experienced in America. The primary reason I chose to leave my full-time (with benefits remember!) job and become a student again was simple: my career demanded it.

 

How having a UK degree really started my career… 

 

I had a degree in education and was working in the field, but I still felt like something was missing. Given how influential education abroad experiences were in my own development, my primary career goal was to obtain a job in study abroad. I wanted to share my passion and experience with future students. I felt like I had skills, abilities and mentorship to offer if only a university or college was willing to give me a chance.

 

I started applying to jobs and networking within the study abroad community and a theme emerged early and often from my peers- I needed a degree from an international university. Our field valued folks that practiced what they preached- people who took the initiative to push their boundaries, learn to integrate into a foreign culture and succeed in a non-American education system. My ability to get hired in study abroad was very contingent on my own willingness to get comfortable being uncomfortable– growing and learning in new ways I never considered when studying in the US education system.

 

My UK education is really what jump-started my career. A UK master’s degree was shorter and less expensive than my US degree and it brought so much value and validity to my resume that I didn’t realize was lacking. My UK master’s was a companion degree to my US master’s that forced me to not only look at how we do the things we do in education but why we do them.

 

My US master’s was a very hands-on degree, requiring two 300 hour internship experiences working in the education field, but my UK degree taught me the skills and mental discipline to undertake a year-long research exploration into an education topic that mattered to me. It was personal, academically rigorous and I am more proud of earning my final dissertation grade than any other academic accomplishment in my life.

 

How studying in the UK changed my life… 

 

I spent a year living, working and studying the same program and the same university Jackie completed a few years before me in London, England. I worked for a study abroad company helping fellow US students assimilate and thrive in UK culture. I grew and strengthened my student development and support skills exponentially in those 12 months- more so than any internship or full-time job I had to date.

 

Now, don’t get it twisted, I did a lot of FUN things during my time studying in the UK too- I wasn’t JUST a stuffy academic!. Being a little older with a slightly deeper savings account built up, I seized the opportunities to travel in and outside the UK, buy way more London theater tickets than I should have and celebrate my 30th birthday at Disneyland Paris. My wife and I had just gotten married at Disney before I started my British degree so celebrating my birthday AND our first year wedding anniversary in Disneyland Paris just seemed right.

 

I graduated from University of Roehampton in 2014. I returned to Boston from London and landed my dream job in study abroad, specifically helping students to study their full master’s or doctoral programs in the UK.

 

Hands down- I couldn’t have landed my dream job if it wasn’t for my UK degree. 

 

How it’s going now…

 

I’ve spent the past 10 plus years working with students in different roles across academia. I am now a career coach helping students design and build happy and fulfilling careers through authentic career coaching. My expertise includes career exploration guidance, resume writing, interview prep and LinkedIn profile optimization. My pronouns are She/ Her/ Hers and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I focus on how diverse identities impact and influence folks holistically and professionally.

 

I’m sharing my experience to show you that you can change your life, your career and your path at any age, with any level of experience. Studying in the UK was the best decision of my life and has opened my world up to people, places and possibilities I never imagined. I will always have a piece of my heart in London with my education abroad family and look forward to continuing to share my experience as a student, study abroad advisor and now career coach with you as a guest writer on this blog with my dear friend and longtime #1 UK Study Expert, Jackie Christopher.

 

If you’d like to connect with me or read more of my writing, please visit my LinkedIn Page. I’d love to hear from you.

 

First Things First.

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Hi, I’m Jackie. I’m the Founder of The UK Study Expert.

I grew up in Philadelphia, PA. Coming from a lower middle-class family, traveling wasn’t something my family could afford to do regularly, especially internationally. When considering my options for college while I was still in high school, I felt compelled to step out of my comfort zone and explore a world beyond Philly.

 

Since out-of-state tuition was costly and I wasn’t a straight-A student, there was a strong chance that merit scholarships were out of the question. Imagine my surprise when a recruiter at a college fair told me that if I studied in the United Kingdom, I could earn my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just four years, all at an affordable rate. I was ecstatic at the thought that studying internationally could be a real possibility.

 

I went on to earn my bachelor’s degree in Education and Fine Art at Aberystwyth University in Wales. Afterwards, at 22 years old, I completed my master’s degree in Education, Leadership and Management at the University of Roehampton in London. I got so much more than just two degrees – I gained the experience of a lifetime. During my time studying abroad, I developed independence, a circle of lifelong friends, unforgettable memories, and cultural enrichment that forever shaped my perspective on travel, education, and the world.

 

Over the past 10 years, I’ve dedicated my career to helping American and international students alike find the perfect educational opportunities, both locally and internationally.

 

Why I Created The UK Study Expert

 

When I started my search, I was only given 3 UK universities to choose from. It’s not because there weren’t any options, it was because there were limited resources for me to find my best fit university. Now, there’s two types of search engines we created to help students find their best match universities!

The UK Study Expert UK University Match Quiz asks you questions about what degree you are interested in applying to (undergraduate or graduate), your interests, and academic profile. The quiz will then populate the top 5 UK universities that best match your profile.

 

The second resource we have is our UK University Search Engine. Students can choose the Undergraduate UK University Search Engine or the Postgraduate UK University Search Engine. Students can input their GPA, SAT scores, ACT scores, how many AP exams they have taken/will take, subject interest, and more. They can input as much information or as little of their academic profile and interests. Once added, the search engine will populate UK university options that match their interests and entry requirements. The goal for The UK Study Expert is to be the bridge between students, families, and college counselors to UK universities.

 

What To Expect On This Platform

 

There’s tons of information on the internet for students when it comes to studying abroad for a single semester, but finding information for students who want to earn their degree abroad can be a challenge. I hope that this website is your first and only step when finding UK universities and learning the processes up until you arrive in the UK. My goal is to help alleviate stress and answer questions to make your goal of earning your degree abroad a reality!

 

Don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected] for questions, collaborations, etc.