Our earlier article titled Why Study in the USA touches upon the key reasons that make pursuing your undergraduate degree in USA a great idea. This article is similar and is focused on studying in the UK. More than just the benefits, this is more of a quick introduction to studying in the UK and the admissions process.

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There is no denying that your education is the foundation for everything that follows and the better your education, the better your prospects at most everything in life. The UK has one of the most renowned education systems and its reputation as a world leader in the fields of science, art, business management and finance, attracts over half a million international students.

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UCAS process and personal statement

​The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service is an independent organization whose main role is to operate the college application process. Universities and colleges use the UCAS service, and all students are required to apply through UCAS for undergraduate degree programs in the UK.

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It is a simple process where you register online, fill in your personal details and write a personal statement. You can choose up to 5 programs/colleges in no particular order of preference.

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The personal statement is where you write about your achievements and your interest in the subject you are applying for. It is generally considered to be the most important part within the application process, along with your high school grades. Since you write a single personal statement and this has to demonstrate a high degree of interest in your chosen subject, this perforce means that you cannot apply to different courses in different colleges.

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Comparison to US universities

Many of the benefits that you expect from an institute of repute in terms of quality, depth and  breadth of resources etc. are equally applicable to both UK and US universities.

 

In general, bachelor’s degrees in UK tend to be shorter (3 years average; Scotland is 4 years) and more concentrated vs. US (4 years average). Another difference is that UK universities require you to declare your major upfront and in fact you are considered for admission only for that specific major as against being offered an admission to a university as a whole. In US, the curriculum includes general subjects outside your chosen major such as writing, political science, history etc.

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Costs are comparable as well though UK may be marginally cheaper. Also bear in mind that you are only paying for 3 years of education vs. 4 years.

 

Some of the other differences may be in the grading and examination formats e.g., in UK, the final exam carries a high weightage on your grade. US on the other hand typically has a series of assessments, in the form of assignments and small projects, on a weekly basis throughout the course of the academic year.

 

More than half the top universities in the world are located across US and UK. The reputed institutions in these countries provide plenty of options to get a good education. In addition to the degree, studying abroad provides you with some unique opportunities such as gaining a global perspective from the eclectic student population.

 

UK or US, irrespective of where you study, you are assured of getting a fabulous education.

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College & Me is a series of articles featuring useful information about College Admissions for undergraduate and graduate degree programs in US colleges. 

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