Brief guide to UK university applications

University degree courses traditionally focus on a single subject and they last three years. Therefore, entry requirements can be demanding. For instance, the IB Diploma, IB certificates, with good predictions and results, are typically expected of applicants.

In recent years, however, the situation has become much more complex and flexible in the wake of the expansion of higher education. As a result it is possible to combine subjects (e.g. German/Management).
Additionally, there are many more four-year courses. Some of these include: a Foundation Year for students without the necessary prerequisites professional work experience (“sandwich” courses) language study or work experience abroad.

Entry, though competitive, is more flexible and there are alternatives to the more typical degree courses, such as the two-year Higher National Diploma (many of which are vocational in nature).

Another consideration is the possibility of taking a GAP Year between High School and University. Usually of a character-building nature, the GAP Year often includes community service/work experience overseas. Students contemplating a GAP year are very strongly advised to complete university applications following the UCAS procedures mentioned above, prior to High School graduation.

Application Procedures

With very few exceptions, students must apply to universities through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Students generally apply for specific courses in a specific department or faculty, rather than to an institution. They can apply for only 6 courses; thus the choice of courses is extremely important and must be discussed with the High School Principal's office.

Of great importance also is the level of competitiveness for each course. In general, the more popular the course, the higher the entry requirements tend to be. Thus students must assess their strengths in order to select courses appropriately.

Students apply to UCAS through the Guidance or Principal's Office, which deals with all aspects of the application process.

Applications may be made any time after September 1. For Medicine, Oxford or Cambridge candidates, the deadline is October 15. For others, the deadline is January 15th. Students need to complete their applications well before these deadlines, however, in order to give ACS time to process them.

Students are advised to attend Open Days, Fairs or other events to acquaint themselves fully with campuses in which they might be interested.

For further details, including a search program, visit: www.ucas.ac.uk

Brief guide to US College applications

Freshman year
• Attend College Fairs
• Visit College library
• Meet college representatives
• Consider career interests
• Plan to visit colleges
• Access electronic college search on laptop computer

Sophomore year
• Attend College Fairs
• Visit College Library
• Meet Admissions Representatives
• Consider career interests
• Plan to visit colleges
• Access electronic college search on laptop computer
• Attend college information session during open house

Junior year - First Semester
• Attend college information session during open house
• Work with advisers to prepare for the PSAT in October
• Strive toward high academic achievement
• Visit the ACS College Resource Library
• Attend College Fairs
• Meet with College Admissions Representatives
• Analyze career interests
• Make general plans as to the type of campus and locations that interest you
• Make an appointment for you and your parents to meet with our college counselor

Junior year -Second Semester
• Analyze your PSAT results and prepare for the SAT-I
• Register for the SAT-II and TOEFL (if required)
• Make an appointment to meet with the guidance counselor
• View College websites
• Strive toward high academic achievement
• Attend College Fairs
• Meet College Admissions Representatives
• Make a long College list and reduce it by April or May
• Email Colleges on your list and make plans to visit
• Ask Colleges to send you application forms and materials
• Keep your college counselor informed of your plans and progress
• Visit Colleges on a tour or during the Summer

Senior year - First Semester
• Register to take admissions tests (as appropriate)
• Request teacher references (if required)
• Write college essays (if required)
• Meet with College Admissions Representatives
• Meet with your college counselor on a regular basis
• Submit completed applications to the Academic Dean or UK University Advisor in accordance with
  admissions calendar
• Maintain high academic achievement

Senior year - Second Semester
• Ensure that all applications are complete
• Provide follow-up (if requested)
• Prepare for interviews (if required)
• Liaise closely with your college counselor as the replies begin
• Send a deposit to hold your college place
• Inform those colleges that you will not be attending
• Maintain high academic achievement
NOTE: Our high school code (CEEB number) is 724720