applying to US unis as a UK student
I'm currently in a tough situation at the moment and really need some advice. I'm in year 13 and already applied to unis for some course I know I wont like here in the UK. I want to study astronomy in America but the problem is the a levels im doing are film, art and psychology and on top of that I had failed my gcses once and when I resat them I only got a 4 in maths and 5 in english and 3s in my sciences. Its making me feel really down since its not helping my case at all. my plan is to take a gap year and focus on physics, maths and astronomy and then apply for september 2027. But i dont know what it is i need to do. do i resit my physics and maths gcse and then move onto a levels in that short amount of time? or do i focus on the SAT? i have no idea what i need to do for applying to US unis and what to do for my gcses and a levels and i would really appreciate if someone could help me out.
Reply 1
Original post
by capybara2027_I'm currently in a tough situation at the moment and really need some advice. I'm in year 13 and already applied to unis for some course I know I wont like here in the UK. I want to study astronomy in America but the problem is the a levels im doing are film, art and psychology and on top of that I had failed my gcses once and when I resat them I only got a 4 in maths and 5 in english and 3s in my sciences. Its making me feel really down since its not helping my case at all. my plan is to take a gap year and focus on physics, maths and astronomy and then apply for september 2027. But i dont know what it is i need to do. do i resit my physics and maths gcse and then move onto a levels in that short amount of time? or do i focus on the SAT? i have no idea what i need to do for applying to US unis and what to do for my gcses and a levels and i would really appreciate if someone could help me out.
I’m going to be realistic here: I’m sorry you are in this difficult situation but you aren’t going to get into an astronomy course with those subjects. You need physics, maths and sometimes further maths or computer science with very strong foundations to study such a competitive and difficult course like that. Not only that, but international students often require stronger grades and places become much more difficult to secure. Don’t go do some random course you don’t really like in the UK just for the sake of going to university, it won’t be worth the money, time or your happiness. Taking a gap year sounds like a good option but it can easily become a sluggish year where you do not achieve anything if you do not have a clear plan. You can always keep astronomy as a hobby. However, if you really have your heart set on it then you’d most likely need to re do your a levels or whatever the equivalent is for adults in the subjects required. What I would suggest is looking into apprenticeships or careers that you could pursue or go travelling! Good luck, I hope this helps.
Reply 2
Original post
by Angelina_CeciliaI’m going to be realistic here: I’m sorry you are in this difficult situation but you aren’t going to get into an astronomy course with those subjects. You need physics, maths and sometimes further maths or computer science with very strong foundations to study such a competitive and difficult course like that. Not only that, but international students often require stronger grades and places become much more difficult to secure. Don’t go do some random course you don’t really like in the UK just for the sake of going to university, it won’t be worth the money, time or your happiness. Taking a gap year sounds like a good option but it can easily become a sluggish year where you do not achieve anything if you do not have a clear plan. You can always keep astronomy as a hobby. However, if you really have your heart set on it then you’d most likely need to re do your a levels or whatever the equivalent is for adults in the subjects required. What I would suggest is looking into apprenticeships or careers that you could pursue or go travelling! Good luck, I hope this helps.
Thank you so much for the honesty! I appreciate it even if it’s not what I wanted to hear hahaha but I’d definitely take your advice and hopefully set a clear path for myself. Thank you again 😚🫶
Reply 3
14
Original post
by capybara2027_I'm currently in a tough situation at the moment and really need some advice. I'm in year 13 and already applied to unis for some course I know I wont like here in the UK. I want to study astronomy in America but the problem is the a levels im doing are film, art and psychology and on top of that I had failed my gcses once and when I resat them I only got a 4 in maths and 5 in english and 3s in my sciences. Its making me feel really down since its not helping my case at all. my plan is to take a gap year and focus on physics, maths and astronomy and then apply for september 2027. But i dont know what it is i need to do. do i resit my physics and maths gcse and then move onto a levels in that short amount of time? or do i focus on the SAT? i have no idea what i need to do for applying to US unis and what to do for my gcses and a levels and i would really appreciate if someone could help me out.
What's your budget? Why the US over a UK foundation year or taking a gap year to do A levels and then apply for UK universities? How much maths have you self-studied so far?
Reply 4
Original post
by capybara2027_Thank you so much for the honesty! I appreciate it even if it’s not what I wanted to hear hahaha but I’d definitely take your advice and hopefully set a clear path for myself. Thank you again 😚🫶
No worries, it sounds like you have passion and determination so I am sure you will thrive in whatever route you decide to take.
Reply 5
Original post
by Muu9What's your budget? Why the US over a UK foundation year or taking a gap year to do A levels and then apply for UK universities? How much maths have you self-studied so far?
I've wanted to study abroad for a long time but kept putting it off because I felt like I couldn't do it. However if I didn't want to study in America, then my first option would 100% be doing a foundation year here but I just don't want to miss the opportunity. With my budget however, I don't come from a well off rich family so I'd say my budget isn't looking that good. I know it sounds super unrealistic but I do have a backup plan in case it all goes wrong. What would your advice be? you can be brutally honest ahaha
Reply 6
14
Original post
by capybara2027_I've wanted to study abroad for a long time but kept putting it off because I felt like I couldn't do it. However if I didn't want to study in America, then my first option would 100% be doing a foundation year here but I just don't want to miss the opportunity. With my budget however, I don't come from a well off rich family so I'd say my budget isn't looking that good. I know it sounds super unrealistic but I do have a backup plan in case it all goes wrong. What would your advice be? you can be brutally honest ahaha
To be brutally honest, I don't think you have a shot at name brand universities, and smaller, less selective universities like Lawrence University are still unlikely to give financial aid.
I would also recommend re-studying GCSE maths to prepare for your foundation year program.
https://www.mathsgenie.co.uk/gcse.php
https://www.mathslinks.co.uk/home
Original post
by capybara2027_I've wanted to study abroad for a long time but kept putting it off because I felt like I couldn't do it. However if I didn't want to study in America, then my first option would 100% be doing a foundation year here but I just don't want to miss the opportunity. With my budget however, I don't come from a well off rich family so I'd say my budget isn't looking that good. I know it sounds super unrealistic but I do have a backup plan in case it all goes wrong. What would your advice be? you can be brutally honest ahaha
Why not see if any courses offer a study abroad option? Then you'd have the "best of both worlds" in a sense.
Reply 8
Hi there! I am a US citizen that will be heading overseas to do my postgraduate work in the UK. It's great to hear that you're interested in US schools!
From how I understand it, the US undergrad university system works much differently than the UK undergrad system, especially with respect to our majoring process. Specifically, you can apply and enter in to a US university undeclared, which means you haven't decided on your major yet. My roommate in undergrad was an international student from Shanghai, and she was undeclared for two years until she decided to major in accounting. Similarly, I entered into my university majoring in psychology and then added a second major (biology) during my sophomore year. The undeclared pathway exists to allow students to explore potential subjects while obtaining the general credits you'll need to graduate without putting off university altogether. This also enables students who are concerned about obtaining admission to a competitive program to instead apply undeclared (which can generally be less competitive) and then declare their intended major sometime after their first semester. Based on what you've described, it actually sounds like this might be a great option for you.
I will say that international admissions to the US aren't great right now due to the current government situation, but if you manage to pull through with decent grades and a good SAT/ACT score, I think you shouldn't sell yourself short. You can (and should) also try to find an advisor that has familiarity with the US undergrad system and applications process. Good luck to you! Feel free to reach out if you have other questions.
From how I understand it, the US undergrad university system works much differently than the UK undergrad system, especially with respect to our majoring process. Specifically, you can apply and enter in to a US university undeclared, which means you haven't decided on your major yet. My roommate in undergrad was an international student from Shanghai, and she was undeclared for two years until she decided to major in accounting. Similarly, I entered into my university majoring in psychology and then added a second major (biology) during my sophomore year. The undeclared pathway exists to allow students to explore potential subjects while obtaining the general credits you'll need to graduate without putting off university altogether. This also enables students who are concerned about obtaining admission to a competitive program to instead apply undeclared (which can generally be less competitive) and then declare their intended major sometime after their first semester. Based on what you've described, it actually sounds like this might be a great option for you.
I will say that international admissions to the US aren't great right now due to the current government situation, but if you manage to pull through with decent grades and a good SAT/ACT score, I think you shouldn't sell yourself short. You can (and should) also try to find an advisor that has familiarity with the US undergrad system and applications process. Good luck to you! Feel free to reach out if you have other questions.
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 9
11
Grades aren't the only thing that schools in the US will look for. They will also want to see any extracurricular activities that you have done, or any awards/honors that you have received. I would also add that applying to the US is by no means easier (and in most cases, it's harder) and there is no guarantee you will enjoy it more.
Perhaps look into other options such as the ones in the EU as well?
Perhaps look into other options such as the ones in the EU as well?
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