Applying to Universities in the USA: Insights from Martine Gagnon of UES Education

On Tuesday, 24th September, Freemen’s had the pleasure of welcoming Martine Gagnon, Director of College Counselling at UES Education, for an insightful talk on the USA university application process. Held in the Ferndale Theatre, this informative session was open to students in Years 10, 11, and 12 who are considering applying to universities in the US, along with their parents.

With US universities growing in popularity among UK students due to their prestigious reputations—1 in 3 of the top 100 ranked universities are in the US—understanding the distinct application process can be overwhelming.

Martine, who brings nearly two decades of experience in education and has been with UES Education for over 10 years, offered invaluable guidance on navigating the US system, which differs significantly from the UCAS process.

Key topics covered included:

• Choosing the Right College:

Martine emphasised the importance of finding a college that fits your academic and personal preferences. US universities, particularly the 60 highly selective colleges, take a “holistic” approach to applications, considering not just academics but also character, talents, community involvement, and how well-rounded the applicant is. These colleges are more selective than Oxbridge.

• What US Universities Look For:

Unlike the UK’s Russell Group universities, many US colleges are internationally focused, with increasing numbers adopting test-optional policies. This flexibility allows students from various backgrounds to apply more easily. However, with over 7 million applications made each year domestically in the US, the acceptance rate for international students is often half that of domestic students, with top colleges having acceptance rates as low as 3%.

• Standardised Tests & Recommendations:

Martine explained the role of SATs, ACTs, and letters of recommendation. While many schools are becoming test-optional, these elements still play a key role in showcasing a student’s academic and personal strengths. This can often be the difference between securing an interview or not.

• Standing Out:

From engaging in extracurricular activities like sports to the importance of early decision applications, Martine outlined how students can differentiate themselves. She also highlighted the interview process, often conducted by alumni, which feels more like a conversation than the more formal UK assessments.

• Understanding the US Curriculum:

Martine shed light on the differences between the US and UK education systems. The US curriculum offers flexibility, allowing students to explore a broad range of subjects and even change courses if needed. With more classroom time (around 15 hours per week and credit-based, compared to 6-8 in the UK), the system encourages a well-rounded educational experience, offering a “buffet” or “a la carte” list of subjects to choose from alongside a major to specialise in.

This talk provided Freemen’s students and parents with a valuable opportunity to better understand the US application process, ask questions, access free online resources and data sets, and learn the best strategies for successfully applying to top American universities.