[Phantom_X]

(Original post by *R*a*c*h*)
This is definitely so true. In some cases, your chances of getting on a particular exchange is greater than your chances of getting into York.

The year I applied there where 12 applications per place for History but only 3/4 applications per place for California.

If I remember right, you were most interested in the Columbia scheme, and yes that's competitive but as long as you apply not impossible! Remember, there will be a good number of people (like the 2 international students I mentioned) who will apply to it only because of its reputation. If you really want it, be optimistic (you have as good a chance as anyone else) but at the same time have a realistic back up plan in mind - York is a totally awesome uni - make the most of every moment you have there - consider getting on the exchange an unexpected bonus, not the be all and end all of your degree.

Going back to Redemption's earlier posts - which I found a godsend when applying (like most people I had no clue what to write for the essay) - find some unique reason why you should be there, rather than anyone else.

I did this by saying I wanted California because of the climate and landscape was ideal for an outdoorsy person like me, and that places like Berkeley inspired me because of the institution's history (e.g. it's role in the "free speech movement") which as a history student was really appealing.

Another tip from someone in the History department was to put down courses that York don't offer - showing how you would really benefit. Thus I picked topics and/or periods that York don't do any modules on. E.g. the US Civil War/Revolution, the Modern Middle East (York offered one module on Iran, but I put down it was a different period that interested me), China, Africa, the psychology behind the study of history, the history of Prostitution (a rather intriguing UCLA module). I would pick one or two courses from each campus and discuss why each interested me and how they would benefit me.

E.g. I said studying the Middle East would be useful for me as I want to be a Journalist in the future - I also made this the case for the non-history modules I wanted to do - suggesting a Creative Writing one and one from the Politics dept/Peace and Conflict Studies. My reason for wanting to do the Psychology behind History module? I'd done Psych for A Level and loved it, and it was the socio-psychological aspects of history I thought needed to be looked at in more depth.

Ok, so yeah I know the above is a total overload of info - but I really don't want you to be discouraged from applying. It is do-able, but like anything worthwhile in life not easy...

Yeah, I mean columbia is still my favourite. The only problem is that my GCSE's are mediocre and my International baccalaureate isnt like incredible. I scraped the 36 points I needed to get into York. Im trying to do some extra reading to boost my credentials, and im hoping my work experience and extra cirriculars in languages can help me through.

just a quick question, but how much are prior qualifications taken into account ? For example if i am able to get a first in my first term modules, will I be disadvantaged by medicore grades elsewhere ?

[*R*a*c*h*]

(Original post by Phantom_X)
just a quick question, but how much are prior qualifications taken into account ? For example if i am able to get a first in my first term modules, will I be disadvantaged by medicore grades elsewhere ?

I'm not really sure tbh - I think they will look most at your most recent results - and how well you've coped with the transition to university. I did really well at GCSE (8A*s, 3As, 1B), quite well at A Level AAA, and a B at AS (my individual modules were a bit ****** though), and then in my first term got averages of 65% (based on one essay though) and 66.5% (based on one essay and one group project) so I suppose my marks look fairly good, particularly for my first term at uni.

However, I know for a fact that a lot of History people were doing the same or better than me... so I don't know but bear in mind you're competing with people who've done different subjects so may have different marks. Generally applicants are from arty subjects - History, Politics, English but there are also Economics and Computer Science people.

My advice to you would be to work hard aim for a good 2.1 (uni's a big step up and your grades are vastly dependant on a) whether you enjoy your module, b) your tutor and c) your essay writing style). I was told by one tutor, to forget everything I'd learnt at A Level and start again!

Get involved at York as well - continue with extra-curriculars. Most people I know who applied (and got in) were involved in several societies. A couple wrote for the newspapers. One was involved in YUSU's racial equality committee, another had a position on his JCR. One was the the first year rep for her department, another did a lot of volunteering. They're ideally looking for someone who can represent York well abroad, they want the complete package - the grades, the enthusiasm, the commitment, someone's who's independant but will also get involved - they want someone who will throw themselves in to life abroad, whatever the situation.

Also getting 36 in IB = at least equivalent to AAA at A Level, many would argue it's more challenging and well rounded - so don't put yourself down at all. And you managed work experience and exta-curricular activities as well? Well done!

Just show yourself as the encyclopaedia of Columbia or whatever and you stand a shot - but also show why New York, why US etc over another country, city, exchange.

What modules (the ones you get to choose) are you hoping to do in your first year by the way?

[Phantom_X]

(Original post by *R*a*c*h*)
I'm not really sure tbh - I think they will look most at your most recent results - and how well you've coped with the transition to university. I did really well at GCSE (8A*s, 3As, 1B), quite well at A Level AAA, and a B at AS (my individual modules were a bit ****** though), and then in my first term got averages of 65% (based on one essay though) and 66.5% (based on one essay and one group project) so I suppose my marks look fairly good, particularly for my first term at uni.

However, I know for a fact that a lot of History people were doing the same or better than me... so I don't know but bear in mind you're competing with people who've done different subjects so may have different marks. Generally applicants are from arty subjects - History, Politics, English but there are also Economics and Computer Science people.

My advice to you would be to work hard aim for a good 2.1 (uni's a big step up and your grades are vastly dependant on a) whether you enjoy your module, b) your tutor and c) your essay writing style). I was told by one tutor, to forget everything I'd learnt at A Level and start again!

Get involved at York as well - continue with extra-curriculars. Most people I know who applied (and got in) were involved in several societies. A couple wrote for the newspapers. One was involved in YUSU's racial equality committee, another had a position on his JCR. One was the the first year rep for her department, another did a lot of volunteering. They're ideally looking for someone who can represent York well abroad, they want the complete package - the grades, the enthusiasm, the commitment, someone's who's independant but will also get involved - they want someone who will throw themselves in to life abroad, whatever the situation.

Also getting 36 in IB = at least equivalent to AAA at A Level, many would argue it's more challenging and well rounded - so don't put yourself down at all. And you managed work experience and exta-curricular activities as well? Well done!

Just show yourself as the encyclopaedia of Columbia or whatever and you stand a shot - but also show why New York, why US etc over another country, city, exchange.

What modules (the ones you get to choose) are you hoping to do in your first year by the way?

ah right, ok. Thats probably the most pressing issue imo (in terms of my grades) as I didnt really go to a good school until 6th form, and i wonder whether they would think id survive in columbia. Im looking at Uillinois too or Upenn. Tbh I was a city, so perhaps UCLA is worth a look too. ahhhhh

if i dont get the exchange I will just try for a masters up in the US or Canada when i can afford it. Right now as tuition fees are subsidised it is more lucrative. I don't know, i might email york to see what they say.

[jammierebel]

just thought it was nearly that time of year, if anyone has any questions i am currently at UC Davis for my second year of study (im primarily a PPE student at York) feel free to ask any questions and ill try to help as best i can

[*R*a*c*h*]

(Original post by jammierebel)
just thought it was nearly that time of year, if anyone has any questions i am currently at UC Davis for my second year of study (im primarily a PPE student at York) feel free to ask any questions and ill try to help as best i can

Same goes with me. I'm at UC Berkeley though - History major. Any questions? Feel free to post/PM me.

[RamocitoMorales]

(Original post by *R*a*c*h*)
Same goes with me. I'm at UC Berkeley though - History major. Any questions? Feel free to post/PM me.

How good does it feel studying at Berkeley? Does it make you feel good that your old friends are most probably green with envy?

[dorian gray]

Thanks for the guide, it's extremely informative.

How much would a year in Berkley cost? How does this compare to the other universities?

[*R*a*c*h*]

(Original post by dorian gray)
Thanks for the guide, it's extremely informative.

How much would a year in Berkley cost? How does this compare to the other universities?

York says the average for UC campuses is $15,500 (with LA and San Diego being more), and they did give us a helpful little chartc comparing all the price estimates (if I can find that, I'll see if I can scan it up onto TSR).

From what I can remember Sydney is the most expensive one to study at ($25,000 estimate), followed by LA with Singapore and Hong Kong being the cheapest options (Singapore, for sure supposedly worked out cheaper than York). I imagine New York was one of the more expensive cities too.

For Berkeley, the big costs are accommodation and health insurance. My accommodation, a co-op includes food (both a dinner and ample supplies to cook breakfeast and lunch) for about $6000, which was at the cheaper end of the accomodation scale and is equivalent (price wise) to a catered hall in the UK.

Health insurance is $761 (2010-2011) per semester and there are two semesters.

A return flight at its cheapest is £500. Times that by 2 if you want to come home for Xmas (just don't attempt to fly to heathrow like I did).

Other big costs are: books - you're meant to buy all these as because of the different exam system you'll need to use them for more than a couple of hours - for History I probably spent approximately $600 in the fall semester on these.

Travelling. I haven't got round to much of this yet as I've been very busy but this can obviously be expensive (and probably isn't included in York's budget).

You probably won't spend half as much on alcohol as you would in York (especially if you're under 21) because at least at most of the parties I've been to good amounts of alcohol is provided. Also, if you're under 21 you won't be paying £3+ every time you go to a club. Some parties (e.g. coops) do have an entrance fee (max $5) but often you can get around it if you come in fancy dress/know people there. Even if you're 21, you will go out to clubs less probably than you would in York - partly because house parties are more popular because of the drinking age/partly because Berkeley has an extremely intensive workload, so people only party on weekends usually with the biggest parties on a saturday night.

The thing I've spent most of my money on surprisingly is actually food. I tend to eat lunch on campus just because it takes less time than to walk home and due to societies/general laziness/a lot of work - if I miss dinner, I'll tend to eat out rather than cook myself. These are all bad habits I plan to curve next semester... Prices in Berkeley (bar housing) are generally cheaper than in the UK and very reasonable - but they still add up.

I'm sorry that's not the most conclusive answer. It really depends on what you're like with your money - obviously you've got to show York in bank letters/balances/loans you've got at least a set amount (about $15,000) but like at York, it really depends on your lifestyle. If you're someone who never eats out/goes shopping/parties it's obviously going to be a lot cheaper. But realistically most people will be somewhere in the middle. I know York estimated their expenses at £10,000 - and so there's not that much difference.

You also pay half tuition fees and depending on your local area - you can claim back certain things.

For me, in Wales, I'm allowed to claim back the difference for up to 3 return flights if they cost over £300. They also paid me back £200 for the costs of getting my visa. It also looks like I can claim back my health insurance with them!

Ultimately, I'd say that York's estimates of the costs are quite accurate though - hope that helps.

[dorian gray]

(Original post by *R*a*c*h*)
York says the average for UC campuses is $15,500 (with LA and San Diego being more), and they did give us a helpful little chartc comparing all the price estimates (if I can find that, I'll see if I can scan it up onto TSR).

From what I can remember Sydney is the most expensive one to study at ($25,000 estimate), followed by LA with Singapore and Hong Kong being the cheapest options (Singapore, for sure supposedly worked out cheaper than York). I imagine New York was one of the more expensive cities too.

For Berkeley, the big costs are accommodation and health insurance. My accommodation, a co-op includes food (both a dinner and ample supplies to cook breakfeast and lunch) for about $6000, which was at the cheaper end of the accomodation scale and is equivalent (price wise) to a catered hall in the UK.

Health insurance is $761 (2010-2011) per semester and there are two semesters.

A return flight at its cheapest is £500. Times that by 2 if you want to come home for Xmas (just don't attempt to fly to heathrow like I did).

Other big costs are: books - you're meant to buy all these as because of the different exam system you'll need to use them for more than a couple of hours - for History I probably spent approximately $600 in the fall semester on these.

Travelling. I haven't got round to much of this yet as I've been very busy but this can obviously be expensive (and probably isn't included in York's budget).

You probably won't spend half as much on alcohol as you would in York (especially if you're under 21) because at least at most of the parties I've been to good amounts of alcohol is provided. Also, if you're under 21 you won't be paying £3+ every time you go to a club. Some parties (e.g. coops) do have an entrance fee (max $5) but often you can get around it if you come in fancy dress/know people there. Even if you're 21, you will go out to clubs less probably than you would in York - partly because house parties are more popular because of the drinking age/partly because Berkeley has an extremely intensive workload, so people only party on weekends usually with the biggest parties on a saturday night.

The thing I've spent most of my money on surprisingly is actually food. I tend to eat lunch on campus just because it takes less time than to walk home and due to societies/general laziness/a lot of work - if I miss dinner, I'll tend to eat out rather than cook myself. These are all bad habits I plan to curve next semester... Prices in Berkeley (bar housing) are generally cheaper than in the UK and very reasonable - but they still add up.

I'm sorry that's not the most conclusive answer. It really depends on what you're like with your money - obviously you've got to show York in bank letters/balances/loans you've got at least a set amount (about $15,000) but like at York, it really depends on your lifestyle. If you're someone who never eats out/goes shopping/parties it's obviously going to be a lot cheaper. But realistically most people will be somewhere in the middle. I know York estimated their expenses at £10,000 - and so there's not that much difference.

You also pay half tuition fees and depending on your local area - you can claim back certain things.

For me, in Wales, I'm allowed to claim back the difference for up to 3 return flights if they cost over £300. They also paid me back £200 for the costs of getting my visa. It also looks like I can claim back my health insurance with them!

Ultimately, I'd say that York's estimates of the costs are quite accurate though - hope that helps.

Wow, thanks so much for all of that information! Seeing as it's 1.5 dollars to the pound, $15,000 doesn't seem bad compared to £10,000 at York. Could I ask how much people have to raise themselves on top of the loans given out? And does this all have to be done personally, not with York/Student Finance? Also, does the $15000 also need to be accumulated beforehand, or could you give proof (letters from banks) that you could generate the money when necessary?

Sorry if that sounds stupid, I just want to understand the financial aspect clearly

Will rep when I can!

[*R*a*c*h*]

(Original post by dorian gray)
Wow, thanks so much for all of that information! Seeing as it's 1.5 dollars to the pound, $15,000 doesn't seem bad compared to £10,000 at York. Could I ask how much people have to raise themselves on top of the loans given out? And does this all have to be done personally, not with York/Student Finance? Also, does the $15000 also need to be accumulated beforehand, or could you give proof (letters from banks) that you could generate the money when necessary?

Sorry if that sounds stupid, I just want to understand the financial aspect clearly

Will rep when I can!

Well, student finance should give you extra loan money if you say you're studying abroad (although mine said they wouldn't give me any grant). I think I got about £5,500 in loan. I had to raise the rest. I will actually get more money back from student finance in reimbursements for flights etc than I would have if they'd given me my original grant. Because I didn't get a grant, I lost out on York's bursary (would have been about £700) but then I only had to pay half fees.

You have to show them you have the money personally. These can be from letters from your bank/your parents' bank, a sponsor's bank etc. I had a combination of my savings, my mum's savings and my loan.

In reality, my parents paid for my accommodation but I'm expected to pay all other expenses.

You don't have to have the money actually in your hands - just proof you can generate it. You will be asked to show this asap after interviews (if they invite you to interview they will attach the 'money' form) and at the latest by early feb, so it's best to get in contact with your banks (who have to write letters/provide a stamp) as soon as possible.

[The Velveteen Rabbit]

(Original post by *R*a*c*h*)
Well, student finance should give you extra loan money if you say you're studying abroad (although mine said they wouldn't give me any grant). I think I got about £5,500 in loan. I had to raise the rest. I will actually get more money back from student finance in reimbursements for flights etc than I would have if they'd given me my original grant. Because I didn't get a grant, I lost out on York's bursary (would have been about £700) but then I only had to pay half fees.

You have to show them you have the money personally. These can be from letters from your bank/your parents' bank, a sponsor's bank etc. I had a combination of my savings, my mum's savings and my loan.

In reality, my parents paid for my accommodation but I'm expected to pay all other expenses.

You don't have to have the money actually in your hands - just proof you can generate it. You will be asked to show this asap after interviews (if they invite you to interview they will attach the 'money' form) and at the latest by early feb, so it's best to get in contact with your banks (who have to write letters/provide a stamp) as soon as possible.

Hi,
I'm applying for California, I was just wondering how much to put in the essay about the three campuses I'm choosing...Did you focus on Berkeley or did you discuss reasons for liking all 3? Thanks!

[*R*a*c*h*]

(Original post by The Velveteen Rabbit)
Hi,
I'm applying for California, I was just wondering how much to put in the essay about the three campuses I'm choosing...Did you focus on Berkeley or did you discuss reasons for liking all 3? Thanks!

I discussed all three. I think I did two meaty paragraphs on Berkeley and one meaty paragraph each for LA and Santa Barbara. For each I wrote a couple of sentences on classes/fields that stood out (that I couldn't do at York) and a couple of sentences on activities offered at a particular campus that would allow me to carry on a particular skill/hobby/career aspiration and/or something in the area that appealed to me and why.

Talked about what opportunities each campus would give me basically - either an interest I could develop from something I done at York/pre-york or something completely new that I was desperate to try!

Just keep it genuine because they may ask you about it at interview.

[The Velveteen Rabbit]

(Original post by *R*a*c*h*)
I discussed all three. I think I did two meaty paragraphs on Berkeley and one meaty paragraph each for LA and Santa Barbara. For each I wrote a couple of sentences on classes/fields that stood out (that I couldn't do at York) and a couple of sentences on activities offered at a particular campus that would allow me to carry on a particular skill/hobby/career aspiration and/or something in the area that appealed to me and why.

Talked about what opportunities each campus would give me basically - either an interest I could develop from something I done at York/pre-york or something completely new that I was desperate to try!

Just keep it genuine because they may ask you about it at interview.

Thanks, you've been really helpful! I hope you have a lovely time during the rest of your year at Berkeley

[sebbo90]

Has anyone heard back this year about interviews yet? Do they let you know if you are unsuccessful?

[The Velveteen Rabbit]

(Original post by sebbo90)
Has anyone heard back this year about interviews yet? Do they let you know if you are unsuccessful?

I heard about an hour ago, I got a place on the Cali exchange, no interview!!!! So happy and scared!!!!!!!

[sebbo90]

(Original post by The Velveteen Rabbit)
I heard about an hour ago, I got a place on the Cali exchange, no interview!!!! So happy and scared!!!!!!!

Congratulations!! I still havent heard anything I assume this is by email?

[The Velveteen Rabbit]

(Original post by sebbo90)
Congratulations!! I still havent heard anything I assume this is by email?

Thanks, yes by email. Are you applying for California too or elsewhere?

[sebbo90]

I am applying to California too, so fingers crossed. I guess I will find for definite whether I get in or not.

[The Velveteen Rabbit]

(Original post by sebbo90)
I am applying to California too, so fingers crossed. I guess I will find for definite whether I get in or not.

Good luck which college/department are you?

[cie6868]

Does anyone have any information on exchanging to Hong Kong or Singapore? I.e: how many places are there, what subjects are available, how much competition, etc?

I'm hoping to join the University of York next year for Computer Systems and Software Eng. (already have the offer) and it would be nice to spend a year closer to home, especially in another good uni like NUS.