Practical tools for every step of the journey

Applying to US universities is a long-term process that rewards early planning. From GCSEs and extracurriculars to testing, essays, and deadlines, this step-by-step timeline breaks down exactly what UK students should be doing in Years 10–13 to build a strong and manageable US university application.

Many high-achieving students consider applying to both Oxbridge and highly selective US universities—but the reality is complex. This article breaks down the workload, differences in academic fit, and competing timelines to help students decide whether a dual application strategy truly makes sense.

Students who receive extra time or exam adjustments at school may qualify for similar accommodations on the SAT or ACT—but the process is complex, time-sensitive, and easy to get wrong. This step-by-step guide explains how UK and international families can secure extra time, choose the right test, and avoid costly delays when applying to US universities.

School documents play a critical role in US university admissions, yet they’re often misunderstood or under-prepared. This guide explains how transcripts and school profiles should be structured, what admissions officers actually look for, and how UK and international schools can present students’ achievements in the clearest possible context.

With the SAT now in a digital format, many students and families are unsure whether the SAT or ACT is the better choice. This guide explains the key differences, timelines, and strategic considerations for UK and international students applying to US universities.

Technological institutes in the US specialise in fields like engineering, computer science, and applied sciences—but they’re not as narrow as many students expect. This guide explains how technological institutes differ from liberal arts colleges and research universities, what the academic experience is really like, and which types of UK students are best suited to this highly focused yet surprisingly broad style of education.

Being waitlisted by a US university can feel uncertain and frustrating—but it’s not the end of the road. This guide explains how waitlists work, why universities use them, and what practical steps students can take to improve their chances while still planning confidently for the future.

US universities use references to understand who a student really is, not just how they perform academically. This guide explains how US-style teacher and counsellor recommendations work, how they differ from UCAS references, and how students and schools can prepare strong, effective letters.

US universities value flexibility and exploration—but that doesn’t mean A Level choices don’t matter. This guide explains how UK students can select A Levels that demonstrate academic rigour, support future majors, and meet the expectations of selective US institutions while still standing out in the admissions process.

From highly structured core curricula to fully open programmes, US colleges take very different approaches to undergraduate education. Understanding these differences can help students choose universities where they’ll thrive academically and personally.