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Applying to Both US & UK Universities

It's becoming increasingly popular for bright, ambitious students to apply to both the US and the UK. In fact, 75% of Crimson students did last year.

Oxbridge or the Ivy League? Why choose, apply to both!

The US and UK are home to some of the best universities in the world. The academic excellence, incredible facilities and incomparable career prospects they offer their students also make them extremely popular.

More and more students are taking the time to apply to both US and UK universities, excited by the prospects both sides can offer them whilst subsequently increasing their chance of university acceptance.

But this popularity increases the competition. Ivy League universities now have an average acceptance rate of 5.2% and Oxbridge are only slightly higher at 18%. Not to mention juggling two demanding application systems alongside schoolwork can be challenging.

This is where Crimson comes in! With a personalised roadmap and support from mentors that have applied to and graduated from these top universities, you can put yourself in the best position for acceptance from your dream university.

US & UK Unis

The benefits of studying at top UK & US universities

USA

Top US universities are looking for the leaders and change-makers of tomorrow. As a result, they attract - and seek - well-rounded students who are not only eager to learn but likely to inspire others.

Whilst strong academics are important, students must also demonstrate extracurricular engagement and clear personal qualities. In short, good grades are not enough!

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Liberal Arts Curriculum

Students don't need to decide on their major until the end of the second year, making this a great option for those who can't decide what to study.

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Extracurricular Opportunities

US universities value extracurriculars just as highly as academics, that's why there are hundreds of groups and societies on campus many of which are funded by the university.

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Undergraduate Research

The US is known for its undergraduate research. Students engage in world-class research across all disciplines, collaborating with renowned faculty researchers whose work has been featured in top journals and awarded prestigious grants.

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Sports

US colleges are big on sport. There are 350 Division 1 schools, 310 Division 2 schools, and 438 Division 3 schools across the country. Many universities also compete in the Olympics, Stanford University has 26 individual medals.

UK

Top UK universities are looking for a scholar; a capable academic who is passionate, rigorous and resilient in the pursuit of knowledge.

They want to see evidence of the student pursuing their chosen subject outside of school and challenging themselves to take the most rigorous curriculum on offer to them.

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Tutorial System

The Oxbridge tutorial system offers high levels of contact in small group settings, as well as an in-depth focus on a chosen subject. This allows for an exchange of ideas which facilitates learning beyond lectures.

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Extracurricular Opportunities

Top UK universities have hundreds of clubs and societies including sports clubs and independent student newspapers, allowing students to pursue other interests outside of their studies.

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Internships

Top UK universities provide internship opportunities all over the world via their international alumni networks and connections with multi-national corporations and cutting-edge research institutions.

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Collegiate System

At Oxbridge, each student will be assigned to a college, where they will live, eat and study. There are many to choose from and they vary in size, age and subject focus.

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George's top tips!

George has successfully applied to both Harvard in the US and UCL in the UK and is now an Alumnus of them both.

This is his advice to any students tackling both application processes:

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Start early

"There is a lot of work to get through when tackling both applications, you'll want to give yourself the maximum amount of time to re-draft and get organised."

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No plans in November

"If you're applying for Oxbridge, keep November free for interview preparations and get the majority of your US essays completed before then too."

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10 max

"I'd only recommend applying to 10 US universities maximum if you're an Oxbridge candidate too."

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Align your narratives

"Ensure the theme for your US Common App essay maps completely with your subject choice for the UK. Kill two birds with one stone!"

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514

Offers to Ivy League universities

176

Offers to Oxford & Cambridge

3000+

Offers to the top 50 US universities

1500+

Offers to the Top 10 UK universities

Crimson is here to help!

Applying to top US universities is a difficult task which is why so many students seek external support.

Each of our programmes are tailored to the student and are delivered by a carefully selected team of mentors who provide focussed support with each and every aspect of the process.

We are proud to say that students who work with us are four times as likely to get into their dream university than those who apply alone.

By speaking to one of our Academic Advisors you will receive;

  • A full review of your academic and extracurricular profile
  • Tailored guidance as to suitable university pathways
  • An outline of what they need to do to achieve their goals
Crimson Stats

Why it's important to start as soon as possible

Did you know that how you perform in the last 4 years of school may affect your world-leading university admissions chances? US universities for example ask for information on your achievements over your last 4 years at school so it's crucial to start developing your application strategy and let your personal brand shine through as soon as possible.

+ Time - applying to the US/UK means knowing what's required and getting ready early

+ Strategy - know when you should start on various elements of the application and which sections take time priority over others

+ Knowledge - can you identify your best-fit university based on your grades, ambitions, interests and location?

+ Extracurricular activities - what are you currently doing and how can you expand upon your leadership candidacy and make a real difference in areas associated with your personal talents and passions?

+ Academics - know how you are tracking compared to others and what’s needed to gain admission to your dream university!

Application

Meet some of our Crimson Strategists

Talk to an Academic Advisor about your university goals

Find out how we can assist you in both the UK and the US. Fill out the form below and an Academic Advisor will get in touch with you and show you how Crimson can help.

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