When I began to consider where I wanted to attend university, I was extremely conflicted. I grew up in New York but attended boarding school in England for secondary school. I debated whether I wanted to stay in the UK or return to the US. Ultimately, I decided to go to Wake Forest University; my decision was heavily influenced by the campus culture and academic flexibility. As you start to think about your university options, I challenge you to consider schools outside of the UK as there are many advantages to studying overseas in America.
Education System
The most significant difference between US and UK universities is the breadth of subjects that students study. When you apply to a university in the UK, you apply for a subject within the school that typically reflects your A-levels. But when you apply to schools in the US, you do not have to declare your subject (or major) right away. The American system encourages students to explore a variety of subjects, typically in their first and second year, before declaring their major/s and possibly minor.
Class Formats
In the UK, universities offer lectures and seminar-style courses. But if you’re craving more variety in the classroom, American universities may be a better fit. A liberal arts college may be the right move if you prefer smaller classes with a greater emphasis on participation, collaboration, and discussion. And if you like lectures, you may want to look at larger universities and state schools. A huge reason why I chose Wake Forest was because of its small class sizes; they have enabled me to get to know more students as well as form mentoring relationships with professors.
Assessments
Virtually all students experience anxiety while at school. This pressure can be heightened in the UK where students are only assessed on one or two pieces of coursework and a final exam. Their academic life is more independent in the sense that they work on their own time and are expected to be prepared for their assessments. In contrast, the US system assesses students on multiple factors: attendance, participation, homework, projects, quizzes, and tests. This approach enables students to demonstrate their knowledge in different ways; they are held accountable to complete their work which fosters an active, engaging learning environment.
Grading
One slight difference between the UK and the US is the grading systems. In the UK, students’ first-year grades are often disregarded in terms of their final degree classification. Therefore, students earn their degree classifications based on their work in the final two years. The scale measures students’ cumulative grades and divides them into first, upper-second, lower-second, and third. (You can learn more about the UK grading system here.) In the US, students receive letter grades (A-F) which translate into a grade point average (GPA). Each course you take will contribute to your overall GPA. However, some schools will allow you to take a certain number of classes pass/fail, which means that your grade in that class will not contribute to your GPA.
Housing
First-year students at UK or US universities almost always live in residence halls. However, a key difference is that you will likely have a roommate if you are attending school in the US. Some allow you to choose your roommate whereas others match you with someone based on a questionnaire. Having a roommate is a great way to make friends and expand your social life. Although the thought of living with a stranger can be daunting, it is a great experience to mature and learn how to understand and respect others. After your first year, some schools will allow you to move into off-campus housing, while others require you to live on campus for a certain period of time. Living on campus has great advantages including being close to your classes, the library, the cafeteria, and other school facilities.
Want to learn more about housing options? Check out this article: UVA: All You Need to Know About Housing.
Sports
Sports can be an integral part of your university experience in the US, whether you are an athlete or a spectator. School spirit is ingrained in most American universities as it fosters a tight-knit community. Games are flooded with students dressed in fan gear excited to cheer on their team. You have probably seen tailgates or cheerleaders in movies, and yes—that is (mostly) all real. During my sophomore year, the Wake Forest basketball team beat Duke for the first time since 2014 in double overtime. The arena was packed with students, parents, and faculty cheering for the Demon Deacons. The celebrations continued on campus where students rolled the quad with toilet paper: a longstanding tradition at Wake Forest after a big win.
Are you curious about what school spirit looks like at Boston College? Read this article: School Spirit at BC.
Tuition
Tuition is a huge factor to consider when deciding where to attend university. Because schools in America are substantially more expensive than those in the UK, many students don’t consider them as an option. Luckily, universities and other organizations offer scholarships and financial aid. For more information on earning scholarships, you can check out this article.
Endless Options
While you think about the entire university experience, you want to weigh out the advantages and disadvantages of each system. I would highly recommend talking to students and alumni so that you can gain insight into their experiences. College Trips and Tips is a great resource for exploring your options and planning your visits as well as learning what to expect when you enroll. The “Student Voices” articles are especially useful for learning about the different campus cultures at American universities.
Ready to start applying? Read this guide on the college application process: A Guide for First-Generation Students Navigating the College Application Process.
