This informal CPD article ‘US Universities - Basics’ was provided by UES Education, specialists in international university and school admissions, working with top schools across the UK and Europe to provide a bespoke service for those who want the best possible application support in the UK.
America is a vast country, and its university offering reflects its size: there are around 1500 four-year, accredited US universities, offering a range of opportunities to students both in the classroom and outside it. Over the past few years, students have been applying to American universities in record numbers. US applications are a bit more complex than those to UK and other global universities, but with a bit of knowledge and planning, the process can be managed smoothly. What do schools and teachers need to know about US universities so they can give their applicants effective advice and support?
What’s different about US universities?
Unlike students at UK universities, students at US universities don’t specialise in their chosen course or subject immediately. Students apply to universities, not courses, and can apply either with a subject in mind, or not. US universities see themselves as places where students can discover the subject in which they eventually want to specialise, called their ‘major’; therefore, the US is a great study destination for those who are unsure about this.
Students at the majority of US colleges study what is called the liberal arts curriculum, in which they take classes from a wide range of subjects, including humanities subjects. US universities feel that students benefit from this broad base of knowledge, whatever their chosen career path. The exact curriculum can vary widely from college to college, so it’s important for applicants to research this to find a college that suits their academic needs.
To give students time to explore a range of subjects before specialising, US university degrees take four years, rather than three; students also spend more hours in class than UK students. US colleges see themselves as communities, not just academic centres, so campus life is very important.
Finally, US applications are ‘holistic’, meaning admissions officers look at more than applicants’ grades when admitting them. They also consider things like the applicant’s interest in their institution and involvement in activities, and other elements specific to US applications including essays, recommendations, and standardised test scores, addressed below.