Do you know the differences of studying at a college in the UK vs US? Both of these two countries have many top higher institutions in the world, providing a rich array of academic opportunities, wonderful campus cultures, and promising career prospects. When students do not know which country offers a more valuable degree, it’s necessary to learn about their significant features so that they can choose the right college for themselves. Follow us to take a close look at the key aspects of higher education in the UK and the US to help you know your education destination.
Key Differences: College in the UK vs US
Application Process
In the United States, students do not need to apply to colleges through a third party. If students have not decided which major they are going to learn, they are allowed to submit applications first to as many American universities and colleges as possible at one time. Each school has its own application deadlines and criteria for application fees. Students have to pay an application fee each time they apply to a university.
Unlike in the US, students in the UK can only apply to a maximum of five universities at a time, and students must decide at the time of application what they want to study. Application fees and application deadlines are also implemented according to UCAS standards, and usually, only a single application fee is required. UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) was established in 1993. It is an independent charity and the UK’s shared admissions service for higher education. All applicants to full-time undergraduate courses in the UK must apply to universities in the UK through the UCAS system.
Admission
Admission is very different when comparing UK education vs US. In the United States, admission of U.S. undergraduate applicants is usually determined by the admissions office of the institution. American universities consider sports and extracurricular activities as important as academic performance. They value not only the academic enthusiasm, interests and achievements of individual applicants but also their contributions to extracurricular activities such as social volunteerism, arts and philanthropy. Sometimes, a student’s sporting prowess weighs more heavily in university admissions decisions in the US than in the UK.
In the UK, the final decision on the admission of undergraduate applicants is made after a joint review by the admissions office of the UK university and the faculty of the student’s chosen course. The examiners mainly review the scores of the applicants. They are not interested in things other than grades, such as students’ personal statements, students’ athletic prowess, etc.
Degree Length
In the UK, it usually takes three years to complete a bachelor’s degree (with the exception of Scotland and a few four-year courses), and undergraduate courses are related to the field of study.
Generally, it takes four years to get a bachelor’s degree in the United States, and the undergraduate program includes more general knowledge education courses.The main purpose of the undergraduate time cost is to allow American freshmen to freely explore different disciplines and determine their own major through this one year.
In terms of time cost and content of study, undergraduates studying at British universities can make students delve into a subject earlier. American university undergraduates can explore different disciplines, choose the most suitable for their major, and continue to work hard in the master’s stage. In addition, it is easier, more common and more flexible for US universities to change majors and add a second major than in UK universities.
Teaching Method
Another difference between American education vs British is the teaching method. Lectures in British universities are held by professors or mixed with some group tutoring. Tutors meet regularly with students in small groups to provide general guidance on life or professional aspects for needy students. UK universities encourage self-directed learning, which means students may have less time to communicate with their tutors.
American universities focus on students’ collaborative learning and on enjoying more interactive learning experiences. Professors in American universities often discuss a lot with students on the courses. By contrast, American students tend to have busier schedules. They usually have more homework to do and more classes to attend.
Achievement Evaluation
Undergraduate grades in the UK are assessed mainly on the basis of final exams and little class participation. If you study in a college in the UK, your paper will be required to be handed in before the deadline. However, a large part of the evaluation of undergraduate grades in the US is based on the participation of students in the courses. Students’ grades are evaluated throughout the whole academic year. This is one of the most significant differences between British vs American education system.
The Numbers of Top Colleges
There are about 166 universities in the UK, most of which are public. There are more than 4,000 universities within the United States, with a more even split between public and private schools. In terms of the nature of the school, the degree of regulation of British universities is much higher than that of American universities. This means that the rankings are not based on financial resources. There are about 15 universities in the UK and about 36 in the US among the top 100 universities in the world. The probability of the top 100 universities appearing in the UK is 9%, and the probability of appearing in the US is 0.9%.
College in the UK vs US: Which One is Better for International Undergraduate Students?
Studying abroad is a challenge for most international students because they have to leave their families and familiar living environments for a completely strange country. It’s not enough to know the difference between UK education vs US education for those who are going to pursue undergraduate in these two countries. Culture shock, living habits and language learning are also the difficulties they may encounter. Besides tuition and fees, the cost of living, especially the housing cost, is also a crucial factor when choosing a US vs UK education. Some students want their private space when studying abroad, so they decide to live in student housing. It’s necessary to rent houses on reliable platforms like uhomes.com.
FAQ
Are UK degrees respected in the USA?
Yes.
UK degrees are respected in the USA. Many employers in the USA recognize the quality of graduates with degrees at many British universities. They possess professional knowledge and skills and can adapt and thrive in diverse working environments.
Is it better to go to college in the US or UK?
Yes.
According to the statistics, there are about 15 universities in the UK and about 36 in the US among the top 100 universities in the world. The probability of the top 100 universities appearing in the UK is 9%, and the likelihood of appearing in the US is 0.9%.
Is college only 3 years in the UK?
No.
In most cases, higher education in the UK is 3 years in terms of undergraduate degree, which can be seen in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. However, the standard duration for an undergraduate degree in Scotland is four years.
