How to Apply to a University in the UK

by Mallory Ferland

Applying to universities in the United Kingdom is surprisingly easier than applying to universities in the United States. In the US, for example, you must directly apply to each university with individual forms, essay requirements, references, transcript s and fees. When you apply to universities in the UK, you apply by filling out one single application, which is then sent for you to the schools of your choice. If you're an international student you may have additional requirements. These are the instructions:

Step 1. Call or e-mail the international admissions office for the schools you are thinking about entering. Even if the website lists the specific instructions for international students, many departments encourage personal inquiries so they can answer your questions and help you individually with information on visas, housing, a personal reference, and differences in tuition and programs of study for international students.

Step 2. Register at the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) website before applying to any school in the UK. UCAS is required by most universities in the UK (including Cambridge and Oxford) to help make the application process easier, more organized and efficient. With UCAS, you use one basic form to apply to up to five UK universities at a time. You complete the UCAS form online by providing personal information, educational background, employment history, qualifications and a personal statement. The fee is 15 British pounds and can be paid online. Once the form is submitted, UCAS will print and mail your application to all of the schools that you listed.

Step 3. Wait for news from your chosen universities to reach you by mail. If you pass the initial basic UCAS application with your chosen school, you will be asked to send in additional information and items such as supplementary questionnaires, writing samples, portfolios, and possibly be asked to attend an interview. If you are not in the UK there may be opportunities to interview with a university representative nearest you. Therefore it is crucial you get in touch with the international students office before applying.

Notes:

reference - рекомендация, поручительство, характеристика

transcript - преим. амер. выписка из зачетно-экзаменационной ведомости (содержит информацию о прослушанных курсах, сданных экзаменах и зачетах и полученных оценках)

fee – плата, плата за учебу в университете

fill out an application form – заполнить анкету (о поступлении)

UCAS (Universities & Colleges Admissions Service) – Служба приема в университеты и колледжи с централизованным процессом подачи документов для обучения на уровне бакалавриата в Великобритании

admissions office - приемная комиссия

housing – размещение, обеспечение жильем

at a time – одновременно, за один раз

complete the form online – заполнить форму на сайте

educational background – образование

employment history – трудовой стаж, сведения о работе

personal statement или statement of purpose – мотивационное письмо crucial – крайне важно

get in touch with – связаться с кем-либо, вступить в контакт

Read the text again and answer the following questions.

1. Why is it easier to apply to a British university?

2. What help can the international admissions office offer?

3. What service do applicants use in Britain? What advantages does it give?

4. How much is the fee for completing the UCAS form?

5. What additional information can you be asked to send?