UK University admissions process profiled

This week, EF Academy New York welcomed three representatives from universities located in the United Kingdom to present on their institutions and provide application workshops for students looking to apply to schools in the UK. On Monday, Iain Harris of Northumbria University and Sarah Beech of Keele University presented a workshop on how to apply using the UCAS application. The presentation also provided for students some of the key differences in attending university in the United Kingdom vs. the United States.

On Tuesday, Elizabeth Kingwell of the University of Roehampton – London visited to offer a workshop on preparing the Personal Statement for a UCAS application. Ms. Kingwell offered advice on how to structure the statement and “insider information” as to what the universities were looking to see in the application process. Her advice included starting early, writing several drafts and considering skills developed in extracurricular activities which could be necessary for a future career in the students’ course of interest.

Mr. Harris expressed how impressed he was with the group of students he met with at EF Academy. “It is rare to find such a large group of students who are interested in attending university across the pond. We were very impressed with how engaged they were with the process.”

The workshops capped off a series of events this fall designed for students considering attending university in the United Kingdom. Earlier in October, a group of 20 students attended a presentation and workshop presented by six “Russell Group” universities in New York City. The universities at the event included Durham University, University of Warwick, University of Bristol, University of Southampton, Newcastle University and University of York. Several students also attended the British Council annual New York College Fair, hosted in New York City. At this event, students were able to meet representatives from 14 leading UK universities.

Mehdi Bennani Karim, an IB Y2 student from Morocco who is considering studying in the UK noted how important it was to speak directly to the university officials. Mehdi noted, “I now have a strong foundation to write my Personal Statement and apply to the top universities in the UK.”