<p>Tarhunt, I agree, that is very different and creates pressure in the final year. My son would prefer to get graded all along as a more objective gauge of his progress, but he has adjusted (and really improved his study habits). </p>
<p>I think the most important point for an applicant to bear in mind, however, is single course choice. Many highly qualified students are just not ready to put the ring on their finger, so to speak. It's a pre-graduate school type focus instead of the US undergraduate focus on a well-rounded education.</p>
<p>My son surprised me there, as he had so many interests I never thought he'd hone in so soon. He chose a joint honors degree with three subjects, keeping one foot in the arts and one foot in the sciences, and he's very pleased with his course. But no more physics or chemistry, no more languages, no more literature, no more history - he doesn't regret his choice, but he does wish he could also pursue studies in his other interests. A student should really be sure about his/her focus before applying to study in the UK for undergraduate work.</p>