After a two year journey our oldest daughter will start St Andrews in the Fall. She nor we entered into this decision lightly. In the end, we felt the UK was best suited for her to study English Literature over the US options. She is thrilled with her choice and beyond excited to be attending such a wonderful university. That being said, we started the process of investigating UK universities and programs of study two years ago. What struck us was the dearth of information available to US parents and students about the admissions process, standards, academic programs, etc. We managed to dig out quite a bit in that time - some through helpful posts on this site. The rest was filled in through visits, consultations with friends and academics in the UK, email inquiries, and other web based research. Given that our daughter applied to four institutions through the UCAS and received unconditional offers from all four we think we have a pretty good idea of the process and options for students applying there.
We are wanting to give back some of what we have learned to our fellow Americans, so for parents or students feel free to post your questions. We don’t know everything but I can promise we are far more informed than 99.99 percent of college counselors in the US.
What information did you feel you were missing, given the extensive information available on line? St Andrews bends over backwards to recruit US students (and their money) so what are they doing wrong?
In the UK parents are in general much much less involved with the activities of their adult children compared to the US, so I don’t think there is very much information specifically labelled as for parents only. The student is the applicant, and the process is aimed at them. Once your D enrols don’t expect the college to contact you (ever). They will probably send all information to the student.
Do you object to being lumped with other international students? Is it unacceptable that US students are not treated as special cases? Do you feel that the information for international students excludes you?
Well they are not, and cannot deal with it. Usually all information is available in a website section labelled “international students”. But US students appear for the most part to be unable to use this because they think it doesn’t apply to them.
Not sure what you mean. SA has been wonderful. My whole point was the process of sorting out the UK Admissions system and application process for US students can be daunting. It has absolutely nothing to do with the level if information or help provided by the institutions.
We are okay so far on admissions, but what do you all think of this. UK college says:
Provided: duvet
Not Provided: linens
I assume we provide sheets and a comforter/duvet cover and they provide the comforter? Are towels linens? As a side note Son is 6’6". I wonder what the chances are of the beds being x-long twins???
You are right about the sheets and the duvet cover. Towels are linens. When you get there you are likely to find a regular single bed and a very tired pillow and duvet on top of it. We used the duvet as a mattress pad and picked up a new duvet & pillow locally
Current plan is for son to go on his own and then H and I are visiting 3 weeks later after he figures out what he needs. He has a few months to learn how to sleep in the fetal position! Yikes. I suppose we should request a room with a taller ceiling
@“UK Helpers” -Thanks for the offer to share your learnings. Sorry I hijacked your thread.
@Kajon If your son in staying in older accommodation you may not be joking about low ceilings (and showers, and doorways). People were not so tall in the past.
@Kajon - re the height issue, I have a tall relative (a little over 6’) who has to duck every time he walks through a door at his mother’s (UK) house to avoid hitting his head (though ceilings are fine!). However, that house is from the 1840s It’s only going to be an issue if it’s seriously old accommodation, and there are few student halls in the UK old enough to present a serious issue with ceilings.
Thanks for the offer- my daughter(who will be a senior next year) and I have been investigating UK unis for about a year now. This summer we are touring/attending open days at Glasgow, St. Andrew’s, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Manchester, and Trinity College Dublin(not UK, I know).
Any advice/tips for while we are there?
Also and tips on the application process?
I’m sure I will the of more questions, but I will start with that,
What are the requirements for international students being admitted into UK universities? My son wants to study Arabic at SOAS University of London or perhaps Manchester University.
As collegemom says, the UK application process is very simple, and consists of a single form. Excessive detail of entry requirements is provided online for most courses. You just have to be able to deal with the fact it is not the same as the US.
It’s only going to be an issue if it’s seriously old accommodation, and there are few student halls in the UK old enough to present a serious issue with ceilings.