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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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."
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."
10 max
"I'd only recommend applying to 10 US universities maximum if you're an Oxbridge candidate too."
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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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
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!
Meet some of our Crimson Strategists
Hannah Rowberry
Hannah graduated from the University of Cambridge with a degree in Natural Sciences. In 2014, Hannah went to work for the University of Oxford as an Undergraduate Admissions Officer. Now a Strategy Consultant at Crimson, Hannah is using her expertise to help students around the world explore their course and university options, and guide them through the admissions process.
Devery Doran
Devery has extensive experience in college admissions, having served as a Senior Admissions Officer at Harvard's Undergraduate Admissions Office and as an Application Reader for The University of California, Berkeley's, Undergraduate Admissions Office. Since then, she joined Crimson as a Senior Strategist and has advised many students who have gone on to gain admission to the likes of Harvard, Stanford, Yale and UChicago.
George Baxter
As a Senior Strategist at Crimson Education, George has helped countless students master the application process to gain admission to world-leading universities like Harvard. He completed a BA in Sociology at Harvard and more recently, an M.Sc. at UCL. Whilst at Harvard George fully embraced academic and extracurricular life and was able to cultivate new passions with the support of a liberal arts environment. In his role at Crimson, he endeavours to deliver the same experience to ambitious students around the world.
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.