How do you apply to study abroad?

I know this probably sounds really dumb, but if you want to apply to study abroad, such as America, then how do you go about it?

Do they not have their own UCAS system? Do you just email the universities? But how do you even know which ones to email and which universities to apply to in the first place?

Im so clueless Somebody help me please

Usually, you would apply to a US uni through your UK university b/c your home institution will likely have a direct or indirect relationship with a US uni. It is best to attend schools in the US that are accepted by your home uni to avoid any issues with grade conversions/acceptance or tuition.

Ohhh okay thanks but I attend a sixth form college, and I wanted to take a GAP year, and then after that, apply to a uni in America. How would I do that? Just arrange it with my college?

Since you're not at uni yet, but still wish to study in the US check out some pre - college summer programs. Where in the US do you wish to study? Barnard College (NYC), Uni of Notre Dame (Indiana), and UCLA & Berkeley (CA) along with other institutions offer pre - college programs. For Barnard and the Uni of Notre Dame it does not include info. on international admissions so contact them through fax or email to see whether you would be eligible for admission. If you need any more info., just quote me for a reply.

I hope this helps.

Aww thankyou
So what are pre-college summer programmes for? Because basically, I'm in 6th form (last year) and I've applied to do dentistry in the UK but if i don't get in, I want to go to the US to study dentistry. Are pre-college summer programmes necessary?
If i wanted to do that, would I have to find the universities that I want to apply to, and contact them separately? =S
Are there any good universities that you could recommend?
Thanks so much for your time, I really appreciate it