<p>I am planning on going to UCL for spring 2012. My school is encouraging me to go through Butler or Arcadia. However, I do not know if it is necessary as I am going to be a junior and do not think I need the academic orientations, etc. Is there an advantage to using Butler or Arcadia? Does it make it easier to meet people? Are the excursions worthwhile or are these things I would do on my own anyway? Please advise if you have experience in this regard. Thank you!</p>
<p>British schools do not have a “freshman year” which is probably why they’re encouraging you to start in America though I personally don’t think it’ll make a difference. Be aware, however, of the admissions requirements for UCL, you need multiple high AP or IB scores to get
in or else they require a year of college in America, which
might also be where they’re coming from.</p>