How to Choose Between Top UK, US and European Universities

The best universities in the world are spread across two continents. Here, we compare some of the most popular ones to help you decide where to apply!

The opportunities are endless

For European students, choosing where to apply to university used to be a simple process. Little was known about the options overseas, let alone how to apply, so it was typical for students to stay in their home country and attend local universities.

Since then, times have changed. There is much more awareness about the value of international education and students are more mobile than ever before. The question is, how do top UK and US universities compare to ones closer to home, and where is the best fit for you?

Home or away?

Five of the world’s top 50 universities are located in continental Europe, just a short flight away. Whilst these institutions aren’t as prestigious as their UK and US counterparts, they offer lower tuition fees and less rigorous admissions processes.

The UK is home to Europe’s best-known universities, including Oxbridge, UCL and Durham. It is a great choice for anyone seeking an inspiring academic experience and awesome job prospects in a strong international community.

For more adventurous students, the opportunities don’t stop there.

In the last year alone, the number of European students applying to US universities like Harvard and Stanford rose by 4.26%. As well as offering a truly rounded education, the US is famed for delivering fantastic extracurricular opportunities and high graduate salaries.

Comparing some of the greats

Oxford University

The oldest university in the UK, Oxford is home to almost 10,000 international students! With 250 degree combinations and 100 libraries, what's not to love?

MIT

Once again ranked first in the league tables, MIT is a well known as a centre for technological and scientific research. If you love STEM, this one's for you!

ETH Zurich

The highest-ranking uni in continental Europe, ETH has a great reputation for disciplines such as medicine and economics. Most undergraduate courses are taught in German.

Harvard

The creme de la creme of American unis, Harvard delivers on awesome academics and student experience. You'll need to really impress admissions teams here!

EPFL

This public research uni on the shores of Lake Geneva is this year ranked 14th in the world by QS. It's very popular for Engineering and most courses are taught in French.

Cambridge University

Ranked 3rd in the world this year, Cambridge has a fierce reputation for the humanities and engineering. It is made up of 31 colleges - the oldest of which was founded in 1284!

Crimson is here to help!

Applying to top 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 focused support with every aspect of the process.

We are proud to say that students who work with us are up to 4x as likely to get into their dream university than those who apply alone.

By speaking to one of our Academic Advisors you can expect:

To discuss student/parent goals, as well as how Crimson can support across specific areas of candidacy enhancement
Detailed recommendations on which Crimson’s services would be beneficial to consider, including an outline of fees
Focused conversation around what to expect from a bespoke Crimson programme

969

Offers to Ivy League universities

292

Offers to Oxford and Cambridge

6000+

Offers to top 50 US universities

2230+

Offers to top 10 universities

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/EU involves 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 successful students!

With our help, they carved a path from countries around the world to the universities of their dreams.

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From Bangkok to Harvard Bangkok raised, Crimson student Fresh was accepted to Harvard, Stanford and Cambridge — and decided to accept the offer from Harvard.
From Cheshire to Stanford **Josh — a UK Science Fair or Big Bang competition winner — was accepted to his dream school of Stanford in the university's hotly contested early decision round. **
From London to Yale **Bluebelle, a UK debating champion, was supported in her applications to Yale and to Oxford. Accepted to both, Bluebelle chose to go to Yale. **
From Colorado to Columbia **US student Cenon, a nationally recognised public speaker and debater, was accepted to his top choice of Columbia University in their competitive early decision round. **
From Los Angeles to UChicago California student Elaine was accepted to a number of schools including UCLA and UC Berkeley but chose to accept at her top choice, the University of Chicago.
From Sydney to Harvard Sydney student Lina was accepted to both Harvard and Oxford! She chose the Massachusetts based Harvard where she intends to go ‘pre-law’.
From Sao Paolo to Stanford Brazil's Guilherme — a three-time National Scientific Olympiad medalist — had his pick between Yale and Stanford and chose to go to Stanford.
From Melbourne to Oxford **Not only was Australian student Rupert, accepted to his dream law degree at the University of Oxford, he also received offers from LSE, UCL, King’s College London and the University of Durham. **
From Auckland to Cambridge New Zealand student, Emma, was accepted to Cambridge's competitive Economics program where she is exploring her passion solving issues related to disadvantaged countries and economic relief.
From Singapore to Columbia **Singapore student Ryan was accepted to both Cornell and Columbia — but chose the Big Apple as his base and is now studying computer science at Columbia's New York campus. **
From Calgary to St. Andrew's Sarah was drawn to the flexible degree structure at St. Andrews. Now she's studying neuroscience and pursuing interests in human rights and international relations!
From Johannesburg to Brown Johannesburg student Dan plans to double major in applied mathematics and computer science. He was also accepted into UC Berkeley as a rugby recruit!

Book a free university strategy meeting today!

Meet one of our Academic Advisors and kickstart the journey to your dream university.