From UCAS to Common App: Applying to UK and US Universities

Are you thinking about applying to an English speaking university? If so, it is likely you've thought about schools in both the United Kingdom and United States. While the application process for both countries may seem daunting at first glance, this guide will hopefully provide you with some clarity on how to apply through UCAS and the US Common Application, and help you put your best foot forward. 

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Understanding UCAS: Navigating the UK University Application Process 

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If you are thinking about doing an undergraduate degree in the UK, you will be applying through a centralised system called UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). This system is designed to streamline the process, however, it comes with its own challenges. Having a single application means you cannot tailor yourself to appeal to a single university. Instead, you need to ensure that you are making yourself appeal to all the universities you are applying to at once. 

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Here is an overview of what to expect when beginning your UCAS application, including factors to take into consideration when applying. 

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1. Research your options

While it may seem obvious, you should explore the different universities across the UK and the individual courses they offer. You should take into consideration the city the university is in, what areas of research they specialise in, the quality of the course offered, as well as what the admission requirements are. Not only is this important for your future studies, but you are limited to how many courses, not universities, you can apply to in a specific year. Each application is only valid for 5 courses, so choose wisely! 

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2. Personal Statement 

After choosing your programmes, it is time to write your personal statement. Your statement should highlight you – your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and aspirations. There is a limit of 4,000 characters, so it is important you spend plenty of time ensuring you have covered all important details. For an in-depth guide on how to craft the perfect personal statement, see our previous post here. The UCAS personal statement can also be a challenge for students, particularly those applying to multiple different degree programmes. In this case, your chosen anecdotes should be applicable to all degrees that you are applying for. 

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3.  Letter of recommendation 

Alongside your personal statement, you will also be asked to provide a letter of recommendation from someone you know – usually a teacher. UCAS will contact whoever you choose to submit a letter on your behalf. Always be sure to discuss being a reference with the person you write down in your application, including letting them know what university and degree programme you are applying to. 

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4. Predicted grades 

In addition to selecting a degree programme that sounds appealing, you also need to take your predicted grades into consideration. If you are studying at a school in the UK, these will generally be your predicted A-level results, and they will be submitted by your school. As applications are due before you sit your exams, predicted grades show your academic potential. Remember, even if you are accepted into a university on your predicted grades, you still need to achieve these results on your exams. 

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5. Submitting your application 

After completing all of the above steps, you can submit your application in the UCAS portal. Keep any deadlines in mind, as missing them could mean missing your opportunity at applying to a university, and some universities (particularly Oxford and Cambridge) have earlier deadlines, as well as additional requirements. 

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The Common Application: Navigating the US University Application Process 

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For those hoping to study in the United States, you will be asked to fill out the Common Application alongside any other supplemental essays required by the individual universities you apply to. The goal of the Common App is to keep all the information needed by universities in one place, and to make the process easier for you. The Common App opens on August 1st every year, and the deadline depends on the schools you are applying to. While the Common App and UCAS share some similarities in function, the actual requirements differ. Here is an overview of how to begin your Common App. 

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1. Research which universities are the best fit for you

Choosing a university in the US is similar to the UK – you should consider what programmes would be the best fit for you, as well as what cities and schools sound the most interesting. Unlike the UK, there is no limit to the number of schools you can apply to, however, each application costs money to submit, and there are likely to be additional essays and requirements from each school alongside the Common App. It is important to make sure you will be able to complete and afford all the applications you submit. 

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2. Personal essay 

The Common App essay provides universities and colleges with an opportunity to understand your personality, experiences, and life goals. You should use this part of the application to allow yourself to shine, and highlight what sets you apart beyond your academic achievements. The Common App releases a list of seven prompts for you to choose from every year, however, you are only asked to select one of these questions for your essay. 

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3. Gather recommendations 

Similar to UCAS, the Common App requires candidates to submit letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, mentors, or counsellors who know you. You are able to submit two letters of recommendation, however only 1 is required, and at least one of these letters must be from a teacher.  Be sure to ask people who know you well, as they will be able to provide the most information and write the best letters. 

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4. Standardised tests 

This is perhaps the biggest difference between UK and US university applications. While some UK universities have degree-specific tests that they take into consideration in addition to your UCAS application, all US university applicants must take the SAT or ACT. However, some universities have made these tests optional, so be sure to check. Additionally, colleges and universities will have different score requirements, especially for more competitive programmes. 

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5. FInancial aid and scholarships

University in the US can be considerably more expensive than in the UK, regardless of if you are an international student or not. Take some time to research what financial aid you qualify for, or what scholarships or merit based awards you are able to apply for. Some universities also offer “full rides” for particularly appealing candidates, so be sure to see what options are available while researching your university choices. 

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Conclusion: Your Pathway to Success 

While the Common App and UCAS can seem confusing, remember that these systems are in place to make the process easier for both you and the universities you are applying to. As you begin thinking about what universities you want to go to, or what country you hope to study in, take note of application deadlines and requirements. Remember to always showcase the parts of you that aren't visible through your grades, and demonstrate your strengths, enthusiasm, and desire to study in any personal essays you are asked to write. If you do get stuck in your application, or are uncertain about any part of the process, reach out to an academic consulting team, such as Luminary, to help guide you through the process. By seeking out support and spending time perfecting your applications, you will be set to start on the next chapter of your academic journey.

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