Pathways & Possibilities: Finding the Best Fit

We are very proud that Arav will be heading to Washington University in St. Louis to study Environmental Sciences this year. This was one of many superb offers that Arav received from the USA; others included University of California, Berkeley; Emory University and Boston University. He also received substantial scholarship offers from Chapman University and the University of Miami, but in the end, Arav felt that WashU was his ‘best fit’.

‘Best fit’ is a term often associated with US colleges and is a hugely important aspect of the university research process. With so many institutions to choose from, it is crucial that prospective applicants know themselves, their strengths, their aspirations, and what they want and need from a college and they must demonstrate how they fit with the specific institutions that they apply to. There are a number of reasons why pupils at College apply to the USA but most commonly they recognise studying in the USA provides access to top, globally renowned universities along with plenty of flexibility in subjects, because unlike most UK courses, students in the US are offered the chance to study multiple subjects in their first and often second year, before having to decide upon their ‘major’. The breadth of choice of subjects and courses outshines UK universities in its magnitude. The opportunities for scholarships, both academic and merit, are also great, alongside the sport and campus facilities. College pupils are also attracted by the career opportunities a US degree education offers and by the chance to meet people from all over the world whilst building strong networks. It’s a superb environment for growing in confidence, skills, and preparing for an international career.

Here at College, we support students throughout, from introducing the idea of studying in the USA to our 4th Form pupils, to guiding them through the Common App process in Lower 6th. We meet our prospective applicants for small group information seminars and in a 1:1 setting to help them to recognise the research and preparation required both for the standardised tests and to draw up appropriate college lists. We encourage them to learn as much as they can about studying in the USA before taking the leap; suggesting summer schools and visits, work experience and independent projects in order to give them the best chance of securing a coveted US college offer.

Our Pathways & Possibilities series celebrates the journeys of our pupils as they take their next steps beyond College, while supporting current pupils and parents with expert guidance along the way. Each week, we will share a mix of success stories and practical advice from our Higher Education and Careers team to help inspire and inform future pathways.

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