From STEM and social sciences to the arts, US university summer programmes offer UK students a chance to experience American campus life, explore academic interests in depth, and gain insight into whether a university is the right fit—long before applications are due.

Successful US university applications don’t happen by accident. From taking ownership of the process and securing strong teacher recommendations to planning standardised tests early and staying organised, students who focus on what they can control put themselves in the strongest possible position.

A gap year can be a powerful opportunity for growth, exploration, and clarity before university. From structured programmes and internships to work, volunteering, and travel, this guide explores meaningful gap year options—and explains how UK students can plan a gap year that strengthens US university applications rather than delaying them.

Madrid is an increasingly popular destination for UK students seeking an international degree taught in English. From US-style liberal arts at SLU Madrid to globally focused business education at ESCP and IE, this guide explores the key differences between Madrid’s leading universities and helps students understand which environment may suit them best.

Your school counsellor is one of the most important partners in the US application process. By asking the right questions early—from internal deadlines and recommendations to testing and essay support—students can avoid last-minute stress and take real ownership of their applications.

When it comes to selecting courses for the next academic year, it can often feel like there’s a lot of pressure to strike the perfect balance between a difficult schedule and one that will allow students to get the best marks possible. This article emphasizes the importance of formulating a four-year academic plan to avoid this stress, and offers insights for international academic systems as well.

Finishing GCSE study and looking ahead to the upper school is a really exciting time for students and one that comes with many new opportunities. When planning for the academic piece of your final two years in school, think carefully about your skills, interests, and ambitions, and make sure you have a clear ‘why’ behind the ‘what’ of your curriculum and subject choices. Read this month's piece by Guidewell Global UK university admissions counsellor Sam Harris, answering common questions about how to select sixth form subjects during Year 11 if you're interested in applying to US universities.

Applying to US universities can feel overwhelming—especially when students are unsure where they’re likely to be admitted or offered funding. Reverse admissions, pioneered by Concourse, turns the process on its head by allowing universities to approach students directly with offers of admission and scholarships, helping families explore strong-fit options with far less stress and uncertainty.

US university interviews are very different from Oxbridge interviews. Usually conducted by alumni and more conversational in style, they’re designed to understand who you are, what you care about, and how you might contribute to campus life—rather than to test academic knowledge.

US university applications involve far more than just grades and a personal statement. From SAT or ACT testing to essays and references, starting early can make the process far more manageable—this guide explains when to begin and how to plan ahead with confidence.