How to Apply to an American University from the UK (Study in the USA for International Students)

It is exciting as well as intimidating to apply to an American university from the UK. Unlike applying for a UK university, applications to America are made directly to universities rather than through UCAS. As a UK student contemplating studies in the USA, learning the contrasts involved in the application process, the requirements for traveling, and expenses to live can help.

This guide will assist students opting to study in America through the application process, from selecting the appropriate US institutions to knowing the total cost of study including available financial aid options. Whether you want to pursue studies at public colleges, private institutions, or a US institution, this article contains everything you need to know.

How is the Higher Education System in American Universities?

The US higher education system is very dissimilar to UK university systems. While UK students typically specialize early, US institutions emphasize a broader education system.

Key Differences Between UK and US Universities:

Feature	UK Institutions	US Institutions
Application Process	Centralized via UCAS	Apply directly to each university
Degree Structure	Specialization from Year 1	Broad studies, major chosen later
Duration	Typically 3 years	Typically 4 years
Entry Requirements	Based on A-levels	Require SAT/ACT, GPA, Essays
Cost to Study	Lower tuition, government funding	Higher tuition, scholarships available

Fun Fact: Did you know that ten universities in the world consistently rank among the best in QS World University Rankings 2024? Many top US institutions feature in this list!

Step 1: Finding the Appropriate University to Study in the USA (Undergraduate Admission and Beyond)

There are a number of universities in the US, and the right choice is essential. UK students need to think about field of study and location, cost of study, and career opportunities.

Things to Remember:

1. Academic Strengths – Some world universities are stronger in certain specific areas. For instance, if you are thinking of taking pre-med and pre-law programs, there are certain US colleges that excel at them.
2. Public vs. Private Colleges – In-state students may be able to receive reduced fees in public universities, yet private colleges may be able to offer more scholarship money.
3. Scholarships and Living Costs – A lot of universities provide full-ride scholarships, but the student needs to explore their eligibility.
4. Location in International Student Schools – Factor climate, diversity in culture, and employment prospects of the locality.
5. Accredited US Universities – Make sure that the university is accredited in order to avert problems for your US degree.

Top 15 US Institutions for UK Students:

Sl. No	University Name	QS World University Ranking 2024	Estimated Tuition Fees (Annual)	Popular Courses	Average Graduate Salary (Annual)
1	Harvard University	1	$55,000 – $65,000	Business, Law, Medicine	$120,000
2	Stanford University	3	$56,000 – $68,000	Engineering, AI, Business	$130,000
3	Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	5	$57,000 – $70,000	Computer Science, Robotics, Physics	$135,000
4	University of California, Berkeley	7	$44,000 – $56,000	Public Research, Data Science	$115,000
5	University of Chicago	10	$55,000 – $67,000	Economics, Political Science	$118,000
6	Columbia University	12	$58,000 – $72,000	Journalism, Law, Business	$125,000
7	Princeton University	16	$53,000 – $65,000	Humanities, Economics, Engineering	$110,000
8	Yale University	18	$56,000 – $70,000	Law, Arts, Medicine	$122,000
9	University of Pennsylvania	20	$55,000 – $68,000	Finance, Health Sciences	$127,000
10	California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	21	$58,000 – $71,000	Aerospace, Physics, Chemistry	$140,000
11	Duke University	23	$54,000 – $66,000	Biomedical Sciences, Law	$108,000
12	University of Michigan, Ann Arbor	25	$49,000 – $61,000	Business, Public Health	$106,000
13	Cornell University	27	$55,000 – $69,000	Agriculture, Computer Science	$120,000
14	New York University (NYU)	30	$53,000 – $67,000	Media, Performing Arts, Finance	$104,000
15	University of Southern California (USC)	33	$54,000 – $68,000	Film Studies, Technology, Business	$110,000

Step 2: Understanding Qualification and Language Requirements for Applying to Universities in the US

Unlike the UK, many US institutions require standardized tests as part of the application process.

Test	Sections	Scoring	Accepted By
SAT	Reading, Writing, Math	400-1600	Most US institutions
ACT	English, Math, Science, Reading	1-36	Many universities

Some universities students choose might be test-optional, so students looking to pursue a degree should check individual us institutions for requirements.

Language Requirements:

For British students whose first language isn’t English, universities require TOEFL or IELTS scores. However, most UK applicants don’t need them.

Academic Requirements:

• A-levels or IB Diploma – Some universities may require specific subjects.
• Honours Degree in the UK – If applying for a postgraduate program.

Fun Fact: Did you know that some US institutions have pre-med and pre-law classes at the undergraduate level? As opposed to the UK, where students apply to the university first to law or medicine, US students must initially do a general undergraduate degree before professional school.

Step 3: Application Process and Cost to Apply for UK Students

Unlike in the UK, the students studying there directly apply to every university. Most American universities and colleges offer the Common Application, in which the students can apply to other universities at the same time.

Application Components:

• Personal Statement/Essays – A key part of your US application.
• Letters of Recommendation – Teachers or mentors are required to write these.
• Transcripts – A transcript of your A-level or IB marks.
• Application Fee – Between $50-$100 per university.

Application Deadlines:

Type of Admission	Application Deadline
Early Decision	November 1st
Regular Admission	January 1st

Applying to the US? It’s best to apply early for a better chance of admission.

Step 4: Cost to Study in the US for International Students (Tuition Fees and Financial Assistance)

The overall cost of studying in US institutions differs. Although the majority of universities are expensive in tuition, there are scholarships for deserving students covering the full fee.

Estimated Fees for UK Students:

Expense	Public Universities	Private Colleges
Tuition Fees	$20,000 – $50,000	$30,000 – $70,000
Cost of Living	$10,000 – $18,000	$12,000 – $22,000
Health Insurance	$1,200 – $2,500	$1,500 – $3,000

Financial Aid and Scholarships:

1. Merit-Based Aid – The majority of universities in the USA offer scholarships to students with high achievements.
2. Need-Based Aid – It is provided to foreign students but is competitive funding.
3. External Scholarships – Online platforms like QS World University Rankings 2024 offer a list of available funding.

Step 5: US Student Visa Application and Visa Requirements

Once accepted to pursue studies, students who choose to study in  at an American colleges or universities are subsequently requested to apply for a student visa.

The process includes:

1. Receiving Form I-20 – Your chosen university will provide this form.
2. Paying the SEVIS Fee – A mandatory visa fee.
3. Applying for a US Visa – Complete the US visa requirements form (DS-160) and make an appointment at the US embassy.

Visa Requirements for UK Students:

Visa Type	Purpose	Duration
F-1	Academic Study	Duration of Course + OPT
J-1	Exchange Programs	Varies
M-1	Vocational Study	Up to 1 year

Step 6: Preparing for Life in America

Going to the USA costs money, therefore preparation is vital. International students pay more for accommodation, cover, and flights.

Checklist Before Departure

• Arrange health insurance
• Book accommodation
• Open a US bank account
• Attend orientation

Fun Fact: Some universities in the US allow undergraduate students to live on-campus for two years of study to help them settle in!

Conclusion

For students in the UK, it can appear to be a daunting task to apply to USA universities, but with planning, it’s definitely possible to study in America. These colleges and universities provide students with study advice and also prepare students for their future. From choosing the appropriate field of study, complying with visa requirements, and getting financial aid, the process is demanding.

If you’re ready to embark on this exciting study abroad adventure, start early, apply on time, and choose the best US degree that suits your career goals! Join Ambitio Elite and schedule a call with our experts to give wings to your dreams!

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