Selecting University Options: Common Questions
What University Should I Go To?
University selection is always a personal choice. Regardless of what advice we, your guidance counselor, or your parents can provide, that remains true. At the end of the day, this decision is up to the individual.
However, selecting universities can be a daunting task. From determining a course that meets your academic ambitions, to ensuring that you will have a lengthy career following graduation, to simply working out where you would like to spend the next four years of your life, there’s so many questions to balance. There are, however, certain rubrics and advice that apply regardless of your plans. Hopefully, this will make selecting a university less daunting.
The first thing to determine is, in which country should you attend university?
U.K. vs U.S.: What’s the Difference?
It’s worth bearing in mind that there is no ‘university system’. A university education will vary by country, by state, and even by institution. Most of our students find themselves torn between pursuing university in the U.S., and the U.K. Of course, students are welcome to apply to both U.K. and U.S. universities, but there are significant differences between them.
First of all, and perhaps most importantly, the standard Bachelors education in the U.K. is three years, whereas it takes four years to earn an undergraduate degree in the U.S. However, there is some variation: studying a foreign language in the U.K. will generally necessitate a year spent living in the target country, making the undergraduate degree four years. There are other significant differences, including the fact that students in the U.K. apply for and study a specific degree course, whereas American students have their degrees shaped by the major/minor system.
What if I Want to Go to University outside the U.S. or U.K.?
In recent years there has been an increase in students opting for education outside of the U.S. and U.K. There are so many opportunities out there for university education, and it’s great to see an increased openness. Institutions in Europe often offer degrees taught in English, and combine the rigour and depth of the U.K. system with the advantages of an international education.
Australian institutions are also increasing in popularity. Their generous entry requirements lead into rigorous degrees, albeit on a different calendar (the Australian academic year runs from January to December). Hong Kong universities, particularly HKU and CUHK, remain popular options as well.
Students who are unsure of where to go, and are intrigued by the possibility of an international education, should absolutely explore these options through thorough research and conversation.
How Do I Pick a University?
There are so many factors to consider when selecting universities. One that is often overlooked is the importance of location. Students should bear in mind that, wherever they attend university, they will likely be living in that location for three to four years. Being comfortable living in that area, and excited about the opportunities, is essential for a successful time at university.
Then, of course, there are academic factors. In addition to selecting a university course, there are additional research and learning opportunities at every university. Looking into available research centres and scholarship opportunities can provide a student with an indication of the focus of that university. For example, a student hoping to study economics should look for institutions that have active research centres in that discipline, as it indicates a substantial focus and opportunities for funding within that area.
What University Course Should I Take?
Many students reach university applications without truly knowing what they want to study. Perhaps they are torn between different disciplines, perhaps they don’t know where to start looking.
While the U.S. system doesn’t require students to select a specific course ahead of entry, not all students want to attend university in America. European, Australian, Canadian and U.K. universities all require students to select a specific course of study.
A useful exercise to narrow it down is to think about topics that genuinely interest the student, and why it is interesting. For example, someone who enjoys biology because they find marine ecosystems fascinating might look into undergraduate courses in marine biology. Students who enjoy modern languages and find etymology interesting might consider classical civilisation courses, or even classical languages.
Dos and Don'ts When Selecting a University
While it is tempting to immediately look to league tables for insight into the ‘quality’ of a university, it is not always an effective way of selecting an institution. It’s reasonable to have prestige play a part in university selection, but other factors such as location, student happiness and employment outcomes are also worth considering.
Students should research each institution thoroughly in order to give themselves the best insight into their chosen universities and so they understand the place’s culture, history, and values. It may initially seem as though there isn’t much of a difference, but in fact each place will bring its own mission and values that will inform the type of student profile their admissions officers are looking to recruit.
Finally, reaching out to students currently at the university can be a great way to gain an understanding of what it is actually like there. Talk to them about what they enjoy about their experience, as well as downsides and what they wish they had known when applying. Most people will be more than willing to lend their wisdom to students considering university options.
BartyED’s Expert University Admissions Consultancy
Selecting university options is a time of great excitement, but it can also be intimidating. There are so many factors to consider, and families who are unfamiliar with the system can feel lost amidst the choices. That’s where BartyED’s team of admissions consultants come in. Our team is highly experienced in guiding students through an often confusing university admissions process. From selecting courses, to narrowing down university options, to preparing for entrance tests, our admissions consultants are there for our students every step of the way.
If you would like to learn more about our admissions consultancy services, and our unparalleled academic support, don’t hesitate to reach out to our expert team via email at enquiries@bartyed.com, or contact us via our form here.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The decision of where to attend university is a very personal one. Many factors can, and should, be taken into account including academic grades, extracurricular activities and lifestyle preferences. Students should take the selection process seriously and think about what they wish to get out of a university education.
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There are a number of factors to be considered when selecting a university. Firstly, the student should bear in mind that they will be living in that location for the duration of their degree—being happy about where they live is important. Students should also consider factors such as reputation of the university, post-graduation employment prospects and focus on their chosen subject.
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The method of university application depends on the system being targeted. U.S. universities have a different system from U.K., Hong Kong, and Australian ones. However, a common factor is that all universities will ask to see the student’s latest grades, and will likely also ask the student to write a statement detailing their suitability for study at university.
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BartyED’s team of expert admissions consultants offer support for every step of the university admissions process. They will help shape a student’s profile, and suggest options and opportunities that the student may not have even considered. This includes compiling a list of possible universities, suggesting appropriate degree courses and helping students put together their application.