Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) is unique in that it is the only campus-based Russell Group University in London. It has 23,120 undergraduate and postgraduate students studying across the humanities and social sciences, science and engineering, and medicine and dentistry. Located in the bustling areas of east and central London, Queen Mary is one of the UK’s leading research-focused universities and places in the top 50 in the UK University Ranking 2019. Queen Mary’s place amongst the UK university powerhouses is solidified through its outstanding international reputation for research.

According to the most recent Research Excellence Framework, carried out in 2014, Queen Mary places 5th in the UK for the percentage of research outputs ranked 4* and 3*. It also ranks 9th in the UK, amongst multi-faculty institutions, for the sheer quality and excellence of its research.

Calling all international students

The university is a great destination for international students looking to study in the UK. Queen Mary promotes diversity and therefore prides itself on having its doors open to people of all backgrounds: 44% of students are from overseas and its diverse community of staff and students represent over 160 different countries from around the world.

History and campus

The university was formed from the merger of 4 historic London institutions: Queen Mary College, Westfield College, St Bartholomew’s Hospital Medical College and The London Hospital Medical College, which means that its five campuses span such different and diverse areas of England’s capital as Whitechapel, Charterhouse Square, West Smithfield and Regent’s Canal. A university experience in the heart of London … what else could you want?

Well, there’s more to get excited about! Queen Mary’s main campus, called Mile End, is one of the largest independent university campuses in London. Situated right by the Regent’s Canal, the campus offers a vast array of features: a 24-hour library, four computer labs, an arts quarter, as well as providing access to a plethora of bars, cafes and sports pitches. One student notes, “It’s nice having everything all in one location at the Mile End campus. There’s a real sense of community. Campus is almost like its own little village- our own little space in London” (Zoe – QMUL website). The main library of the university is also located on the Mile End campus, with Whitechapel and West Smithfield being host to the medical libraries.

Well, there’s more to get excited about! Queen Mary’s main campus, called Mile End, is one of the largest independent university campuses in London. Situated right by the Regent’s Canal, the campus offers a vast array of features: a 24-hour library, four computer labs, an arts quarter, as well as providing access to a plethora of bars, cafes and sports pitches. One student notes, “It’s nice having everything all in one location at the Mile End campus. There’s a real sense of community. Campus is almost like its own little village- our own little space in London” (Zoe – QMUL website). The main library of the university is also located on the Mile End campus, with Whitechapel and West Smithfield being host to the medical libraries.

STUDENT LIFE

Queen Mary home to one of the most successful Student Unions in the country, whose motto is “Together we improve students’ lives”. What the union has on offer may range from Sports and Fitness opportunities, through to an Academic Advice Service, as well as providing a host of social spaces: a multifaith centre, restaurants and a variety of lively drink spots such as The Griffin Inn bar and kitchen and The Shield.

The Union offers groups and societies that range from volunteering to the participation in sports teams. The societies and events that take place here in the Student Union are a starting point for others: in 2019, Queen Mary was lucky enough to welcome none other than Microsoft founder Bill Gates to come to speak on his roles as “world-leading technologist, business leader and philanthropist”, as The Complete University Guide 2019 notes. With figures such as Bill Gates gracing the grounds of Queen Mary you know the university means business! If the prospect of living and working in London seems attractive, then it may well be the university for you.

How do I apply?

Queen Mary University of London requires strong academic results and rigorous preparation is needed.

What are the different stages of the application?

There are several steps:

1. Application
2. Conditional offer
3. Acceptance

The details of these steps are covered below.

How do I apply?

How to begin an application:

Conditional offer and acceptance:

If students succeed in all these stages, in January they will receive a ‘conditional offer’ of admission. This means that they will be accepted if they attain the required marks (most often a high grade in your end of high school studies, and in a standardized English exam: 7.5 in the IELTS for example).

What is the deadline for applying?

Deadlines:

The deadline for applications to Queen Mary University of London is 15th January of a students’ final year of secondary school or sixth-form college (Year 12).

When do you have to start preparing for Queen Mary University of London?

It is recommended that students try to find aspects of their chosen course that genuinely interest them and to think deeply about why they wish to study this subject – after all, students are applying to study this subject full time for at least 3 years.

Is it possible to visit the campus?

Open day at Queen Mary is 5th October 2019. Registration is not necessary, although students may need to register for the most popular sessions. For more information, see this page.

What is the profile of the students at QMUL?

Because of the high selectivity of the university, we recommend to apply to this university only if yo can show strong academic results and you are sure to obtain at least a Mention ‘Assez Bien’ grade in the Baccalaureate.

Moreover, you must also show an excellent command of the English language.

Fees

Fees 2019-2020*

*Tuition fees subject to increase with inflation in subsequent years

When taking into account the cost of any university, you should also consider the cost of living.

When taking into account the cost of any university, you should also consider the cost of living.

Oxford provides an estimate for the cost of living, which can be found on its website: they advise budgeting between £1,058 and £1,643 for each month that you are in Oxford. You should budget this amount for 6-9 months of the year, depending on whether you will be staying at Oxford during the holidays.

From this, you might predict an annual average budget of around £10,567 per year, including accommodation, transport, personal expenses etc.

Why study at Leiden University College The Hague?

Be at the centre of the international stage

• Study in the city of international justice and the capital of one of the most forward-thinking countries in the world!
• LUC’s ‘Liberal Arts and Sciences: Global Challenges’ program centers around the themes and values for which The Hague is known: internationalism, peace, justice.
• LUC is the international Honours College of Leiden University. Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands (est. 1575)
• After LUC, 70% of students pursue a master’s or PhD in business, environmental studies, international relations, law, political science, public health and security studies

Vibrant student opportunities

• At LUC, you will live in the fastest growing student city in the Netherlands. LUC has 600 students of over 45 different nationalities, 400 of whom live in the college building
• Students living on campus are housed on co-ed halls that are led by a residential life team including a Residential Assistant who will help you feel at home in your hall by organizing social events and encouraging positive interaction between all residents
• Students set their own meal times and prepare their own meals, which they often enjoy with hallmates
• Outside of hall events, the LUC building offers multiple social spaces – a grand café, a roof terrace, a student-run bar (which is called ‘Coasters’) and more! In addition, in the immediate vicinity, students will find restaurants, gym facilities, and large, calm green spaces The campus is situated close to over 200 international and governmental institutions, which offer numerous opportunities for internships and career development

A living city

• The University itself offers many opportunities for socialising and skills development,. All students are members of the student association Fortuna, which oversees numerous committees including the campus radio 22F(M), Beyond Arts, Debating, Diversity Committee, volunteering group LUCV, and a Sports Committee
• Plenty of things to do and places to go: The Hague boasts some 22 theatres and 35 concert venues

Course Details:

• The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of science degrees in Liberal Arts and Sciences focus on Global Challenges
• 3 years Bachelor’s degree, taught in English
• 6 majors to choose from: (each major is made up of 3 or more tracks)
  • World Politics
  • International Justice
  • Human Diversity
  • Earth Energy and Sustainability
  • Governance, Economics and Development
  • Global Public Health

How do I apply?

Admissions Process:

LUC offers an “early bird” deadline on January 1st as well as a “regular decision” deadline on April 1st. If you choose to apply early, you can be sure of your acceptance within a couple of months while a regular decision application may take longer to process due to the volume of students applying at that time.

The following must be submitted:

• Completed online application
• Copy of most recent secondary school transcript (and diploma if obtained already)
• Motivation letter
• Recommendation letter
• CV
• Completed LUC application form
• Application fee if applicable

If your application is successful, you will be invited for an interview.

For more information please visit: admissions@luc.leidenuniv.nl

Prospective students may go to the campus for an Open Day or Experience Day, or be a Student for a Day! Find out more at bachelors.universiteitleiden.nl/information-activities

What are the tuition fees for LUC?

Finances:

For the academic year 2019-20:

• EU TUITION FEES: €1,039 (all EU 1st year students who enroll in Dutch higher education system for first time) / €2,078
• Institutional Fee (applies to all): €2,285
• Non-EU Tuition Fee: €10,800
• For more information, please visit: universiteitleiden.nl/bachelors/tuition-fee  

Housing:

• Financial support in the form of fee waivers is available
• 1st and 2nd year students typically live on campus. They benefit from a 27m2 furnished room also equipped with a small kitchenette, bathroom/toilet, and Internet access
• Average cost of a single room: €570/month (eligible to apply for room benefits of around €170/month)
• Shared: €370/month (ineligible for rent assistance)

Founded in 1902, Bocconi University (Luigi Bocconi Commercial University) is a private university in the center of Milan, in Italy, which has more than 14 000 students. Bocconi offers courses at Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Doctorate Level in the fields of economics, management, finances, law, political sciences and public administration.

The SDA Bocconi School of Management, the university’s business school, offers MBA and Executive MBA programs.

Bocconi in a few words

Student life at Bocconi

Bocconi’s programs can last two years (master of science), three years (Bachelor’s in economics and management) 4 years (doctorate programs) and even 5 years (for a Bachelor’s and Master’s in law).

Bocconi, a global university, welcomes around 2,000 international students each year, as well as 2,000 exchange students. While numerous classes at the university are taught in English, the students can also choose to study another language of the world, like Italian, French, Spanish, German or Mandarin.

How do I apply?

The University possesses its own online application platform which you must use to submit your application.

To apply to Bocconi for a Bachelor’s degree, you must submit the following elements :

• A personal statement and a CV in English
• Score from a standardized English test (IELTS, TOEFL)
• Score from a Bocconi selection test (which can substitute a ACT/SAT)
• School results from 2nde, 1ere, and Terminale
• A letter of motivation (optional)
• Letters of recommendation can be included in the application, but doesn’t figure among the elements of evaluation

A total of 2,700 spots are available for first year students on the Bachelor’s programs. The promotions are composed of around 100 students for the BSc programs taught in English and around 120 students for the Bachelor’s programs in science.

When do you have to start preparing for the Bocconi University?

The deadline for applying to Bocconi is fixed at the end of your final year.

In all cases, take into account the preparation work required for admission to Bocconi, we strongly advise you to start preparing your application from your penultimate year in order to maximize your chances of admission.

What are the school fees at Bocconi University?

The schooling fees fall between €5,500 and €12,300 according to your family’s income.

To find out more

Based in one of the most globalized cities in the world, New York University (NYU) was founded in 1831 and now has campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai in addition to a host of other centers across the globe. NYU was founded by Albert Gallatin, the Secretary of the Treasury in the cabinets of the 2nd and 3rd presidents of the US, James Madison and Thomas Jefferson, also the first president of NYU. Needless to say, its history is quite literally linked to the “Founding Fathers” of the United States.

Arguably reflecting the city’s reputation for diversity and acceptance, NYU has the particularity of having been non-denominational from the start – contrary to all other top American colleges at the time of their creation

New York University (NYU) in a few words

NYU now boasts over 26,000 undergraduate students and nearly as many graduates and in 2014, attracted more international students than any other American university, according to figures published in the “Open Doors” study by the Institute of International Education (IIE). In light of its growth and increasing popularity, the university has become more and more selective in part due to a nearly 100% increase in applications between 2007 and 2017. That year, NYU accepted 27% of its applicants. In 2017, that figure dropped to 19%.

The University has extremely strong ties with the city of New York, seen both in its use of its torch logo – like the Statue of Liberty – and also its location in central New York within the neighborhood Greenwich Village and more specifically, Washington Square. This area has for many years been known as a hub of cultural activity in New York was at one time home to historical figures as diverse as NYU chemistry Professor, creator of the telegraph and namesake of Morse code, Samuel Morse and abstract expressionist Jackson Pollock and cradle of the modern LGBT movement.

Academics

With more than 230 areas of study, NYU offers something for everyone. Its top ranked programs are social sciences (8th by the Academic Ranking of World Universities, 15th by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings,and 16th by the QS World University Rankings); psychology (11th by the QS World University Ranking).

Globally, NYU is ranked 18th in the Center for World University Rankings, 17th in International Colleges and Universities, 29th in the Academic Ranking of World Universities, 27th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, and 46th in the QS World University Rankings.

How do I apply?

To apply to NYU, you will need to use the Common Application, a centralized platform through which you can apply to most American colleges and universities. You will need to fill in information about your family – including the occupation of your parents -, provide your transcript or high school grades, submit 1 teacher reference letter, submit one “school report”, draft a résumé or CV, send official test scores (SAT, SAT Subject Test scores, ACT and English language test scores), declare a major or intended area of study, describe your extracurricular activities and as with most highly selective colleges complete the essay questions on the Common App as well as answer additional essay questions specific to NYU. The NYU current question is “Why NYU?”. According to NYU, this is one of the most important parts of your application.

You must submit all your materials before the appropriate deadline. If you are sure that NYU is your first choice, then you may want to apply for Early Decision, which may increase your chances for admission. Early Decision 1 materials must be submitted by November 1st. NYU also offers Early Decision 2, which is due on the same day as Regular Decision, January 1st.

When do you have to start preparing for NYU?

Taking into account the numerous specific requirements for American universities like taking exams; consistently participating in extra-curricular activities including clubs, music, sports, and side projects; and the numerous essays to write, we recommend that students begin start to think about their path to Stanford as soon as they begin high school. The application itself is typically completed during the fall semester of students’ last year in high school.

What is the profile of the students at NYU?

A few more facts and figures: The freshman (1st year) class entering in 2015-216 was made of  5,917 students, representing 49 states and 91 countries, with 19% as non-US citizens. Typically, most freshmen applicants have a typical unweighted, high school GPA of 3.5/A (90–95%) and are in the top 10% of their high school graduating class. For the freshman class of 2018-2019, the average SAT score for accepted students was 1460/1600 and between 32/36 on the ACT. The student-to-faculty ratio at the New York campus is 10:1

For graduate programs, as of 2016, the average MCAT score of students at the School of Medicine is 36/45, average GMAT score of graduate students at the School of Business is 710/800, average GRE quant score of graduate students at the School of Engineering is 169.3/170, and average LSAT score of students at the School of Law is 171/180.

Affording NYU

In order to be eligible for financial aid as an international student, you must apply every year using your personalized CSS Profile.

The deadlines to submit your financial aid application are as follows: Early Decision 1, November 15th; Early Decision 2, January 15th; Regular Decision, February 15th.

The University claims that the average student financial aid award is ,000 for the first year. Tuition (without Room & Board) is about ,000 per year in 2018.

Founded in 1829, King’s College London is one of the most prestigious universities in the United Kingdom, and part of the ‘Golden Triangle’ of research-intensive universities, along with Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, and LSE.

King’s was ranked 42nd worldwide for reputation in the Times World Reputation Rankings 2018, and 7th in the UK by the QS University Ranking 2019, and 4th in the UK for employability after graduation according to the >Times Graduate Employability Rankings 2018. It has many illustrious alumni, including Desmond Tutu, Virginia Woolf, the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale, as well as twelve Nobel Laureates, including  Frederick Hopkins (the discoverer of vitamins), and numerous politicians.

King’s has five campuses: its historic campus on the Strand, which is situated on the banks of the river Thames, is located close to the iconic Trafalgar Square, many respected think tanks such as the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the Adam Smith Institute and the Royal United Services Institute, and is a short walk from the Houses of Parliament.

Student Life

King’s College London’s prime location in the heart of London makes it a fantastic (albeit rather expensive) place to be. Although there are five campuses, each maintains an inviting environment. Indeed, King’s is reputed to be a friendly university with a thriving student union, the KCLSU, and student ambassadors to help students if they have questions or concerns. There are also 2 student bars that host regular social events.

Within the University, there are frequent public lectures, including the King’s Think Tank, Europe’s largest student policy institute. There is a large selection of clubs and societies to join: from 3 gyms and over 60 competitive sports clubs, to student media (including photography, film, journalism), to volunteering opportunities.

If that’s not enough, King’s hosts many events to help students make the most of their time in London through initiatives such as the ‘Unlocking London’ programme, which organises group tours and visits to cultural venues and historic sites.

How do I apply?

As with all British universities, applications are submitted online through the platform UCAS.

Undergraduate candidates apply via the British online platform UCAS, and upload a letter of motivation (Personal Statement), predicted grades for the Baccalaureate in each subject, and a letter of recommendation from one of their teachers. For help and advice on how to complete a successful UCAS application please see here.

Note that students send only 1 Personal Statement for all the universities they apply to (maximum of 5 choices).

The Personal Statement, maximum 4,000 characters, should explain why students want to study a chosen course, what aspects particularly interest them, what steps they have already taken to engage with the subject (reading, conferences, internships etc), and, if possible, what aspects they are looking forward to studying.

Different courses may request different grades. For those studying the International Baccalaureate (IB), the general required score is 34-35/45.

For French students: King’s webpage has a chart demonstrating the equivalent of A-Levels, which can be used to determine the grades needed on the French Baccalaureate (or other international equivalent) in order to meet the eligibility requirements. An A* is 16, A is 14, B is 13

For general advice and information on the application process for international students, please click here.

International students from non-English speaking backgrounds or countries will be required to provide proof of knowledge of the English language through a certificate of a recognised standardised English proficiency test. The score is dependent on the course but generally ranges between 6.0 and 7.0 on the IELTS.

King’s College London also runs pre-sessional English-language programmes lasting between 6 and 15 weeks to help candidates improve their proficiency in English.

Can I visit King’s College London ?

There are several specialised open days, depending on the campus and area of study.

King’s have been running a series of online events to allow everyone to visit from your computer. To watch the series click here.

Fees

Students from the European Union will no longer be eligible for home fee status and student loans in England from the 2021-22 academic year, the government has confirmed.

For more informations see this page.

One of only three American institutions of higher learning to pre-date the American Revolution, Yale University owes its name to a 17th century Welsh merchant who donated his earnings from the sale of 9 bales of goods, 417 books and a portrait of King George I. Today, Yale University is home to about 5,200 undergraduates students of which about 10% are international.

It is not only part of the elite Ivy League of 8 American colleges and universities and a highly ranked university, but is also an innovative, forward-looking, international beacon of learning shining on the Eastern seaboard of the US in New Haven, Connecticut.

Yale: Training Leaders in all Domains

Since its inception, Yale has trained leaders in all domains of undergraduate and graduate studies. A few of the University’s notable alumni include Presidents George H. and George W. Bush, President and Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, US Supreme Court Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Clarence Thomas, American journalist Anderson Cooper, actors Jodie Foster, James Franco, Claire Danes, and author Nigerian-born Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie along with 61 Nobel laureates, 5 Fields Medalists and 3 Turing award winners.

Campus Life

Proud of its campus life with over 450 student organizations and a competitive member of the Ivy League athletic conference, Yale University was the first in the USA to adopt a mascot. Seventeen generations later, “Handsome Dan XVII”, a bulldog, attends athletic events, befriends students and professors alike, and according to the University, is the best-known mascot among American colleges and universities.

Some of the more well known student organizations include The Yale Political Union, advised by former Democratic Secretary of State John Kerry and the world’s oldest humor magazine, The Yale Record.

The architectural integrity of the original campus has largely remained intact despite the addition and demolition of various buildings since the campus opened in 1701. The oldest standing structure on campus is Connecticut Hall, built in Georgian style for the English kings of the same name and dating back to 1752. It is also a National Historic Landmark. Students and visitors will also notice Gothic, French Renaissance and mid-century modernist architecture.

A few additional traditions in Residential Colleges include “Master’s Teas” or a sort of meet-and-greet with special guests as well as weekly formal dinners.

For further information, see the campus >map.

Academics

Organization

All undergraduate students are part of Yale College. In order to graduate, all students must complete the common requirements as well as earn their major credits from their chosen major from among 80 options (shown here). Graduate programs are within the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. There are also professional schools at Yale (including Law, Medecine, Nursing, Public Health, etc.). The University’s most popular degree programs are Economics, Political Science, History and biological science-related majors. All study programs culminate with a thesis, exam or senior project.

Liberal Arts

As a liberal arts college, the Yale curriculum is vast. Students study a range of topics and have until the end of their second year to declare a major. One of the advantages of this system is that it helps students develop the critical thinking, problem-solving, communication and teamwork skills that will be crucial to students’ future careers. Yale promotes both diversity of choice and concentration in a particular area; moreover, students must take at least 2 course credits in the humanities and arts, sciences, and social sciences. Finally, they must fulfill 3 skills requirements: quantitative skills, writing and world language. 

How do I apply?

Former Dean of Admission at Yale, Jeffrey Brenzel, states: “An applicant’s academic strength is our first consideration. We review grades, standardized test scores, and evaluations by a counselor and two teachers to determine academic strength”. Aside from this, Yale also wants students who have something to bring to campus – students who have, as they say, “the potential to add to the Yale community and take advantage of the extraordinary opportunities available on our campus.” These two elements together make up the ‘holistic review’ that admissions teams use to assess applicants. Therefore, applying to Yale demands that potential applicants prepare significantly in advance and ask themselves honest questions about why they are interested in Yale. Finally, Yale says that it looks for students who wish to “stretch their limits”.

What is a holistic review?

When universities use a holistic review, this means that they are looking for students who have both a proven academic talent and also a high level of personal development and extracurricular accomplishment. Additionally, universities consider not only grades and test scores, but also on summer activities (camps, courses, online courses, internships, jobs), extracurricular activities, personal essays, teacher recommendations, and the list goes on.

What are the deadlines to apply?

Following submission of the application documentation, students may also be contacted by Yale directly to set up an interview with a Yale alumni.

Is it possible to transfer to Yale?

Yes, currently enrolled students at accredited 2- or 4-year colleges and universities may apply to transfer to Yale before March 1st. The admit rate is just under 3%, which is an even lower admit rate than for first year students. Out of 1,000 students who apply to transfer, around 20 to 30 applicants are accepted. More information is available here.

When do you have to start preparing for the University of Yale?

Taking into account the numerous specific requirements for American universities like taking specific exams, the importance of extra-curricular activities and the numerous essays to write, we recommend you start to think about your application for the United States from the start of your penultimate year at the latest.

TIMELINE FOR AN APPLICATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Throughout Year 11 and Year 12:

• Year 11 to February of Year 12: Start researching US colleges and preparing for standardized exams.
• Spring (March to May) of Year 12: We recommend you take the standardized tests for the first time (SAT and SAT Subject Tests) plus English exam (TOEFL) if necessary and register for futures sessions of the tests.
• Summer (June to Aug): Start writing your essays for your application.

Autumn at the start of your Final year:

• Ask your teachers and counselors to complete the required documents
• Take the SAT or ACT for the second time if you think you can improve on your score significantly before the deadline.
• Early Action Candidates: October is last month in which you can take the ACT Plus Writing Test so that Yale can examine your results.
• November 1st: deadline for Early Action applicants(!) – this will be the last month you can take the SAT Reasoning Test or SAT Subject tests and TOEFL so that Yale can examine your results.

Winter and Spring of your Final Year:

• End of March/Early April: Admission decisions for ‘Regular Decision’ are available online.
• Mid-December: The decisions for Early Action are available online
• January 2nd: Deadline for Regular Decisions candidates(!) – this will be the last month you can take the SAT Reasoning Test or SAT Subject tests and TOEFL so that Yale can examine your results.
• February: Regular Decision Candidates: It is your last month to take the ACT Plus Writing so that Yale can examine your results.

What is the profile of Yale students

In its mission statement, Yale states that the University wants to “educate students (…) and develop their intellectual, moral, civic, and creative capacities to the fullest”. To this end, Yalies, as students call themselves, are extremely motivated, aware, and engaged “in every sphere of human activity”. Hundreds of student organizations exist, including dance, debate, singing, theater and ahletic clubs of all levels.

For the incoming class of 2022 (admitted spring 2019) 35,308 students applied, 95% of them in the top 10% of their high school graduating class. Of this number, nearly 1,600 enrolled in early 2019 (slightly less than the very selective 6.3% acceptance rate).

The top 15 intended majors declared at the time of application included biomedical engineering, chemistry, computer science, economic, English, environmental studies and ethics, politics & economics.

What are the school fees at the University of Yale?

The total estimated cost of attendance at Yale is near $70K per year. Tuition alone costs $50K for the year. About 50% of Yale students receive scholarships and/or other grant aid from Yale sources.

Admission to Yale is need-blind, which means that a student’s admission is not based on his or her family’s ability to pay tuition. Yale provides financial aid that is entirely need-based.

International students will be glad to know that they are eligible to receive the same financial-aid policies as American students: their admission is need-blind. They have access to financial aid to meet 100% of their demonstrated need and may avoid bank loans to finance their education.

The image of the ‘Golden State’, Stanford or Leland Stanford Junior University, was founded by its namesake in 1891. Leland Stanford decided to go west of New York in the search of gold and opportunities.

There he founded, with his wife Jane, the university which is home to a flagship of innovation in the ‘Bay Area’ of California and is in effect one of the most highly reputed universities in the world (No.2 according to the QS University Rankings 2018). Its slogan is ‘The wind of Freedom blows’ (Die Luft der Freiheit weht).

Stanford’s campus is situated in a region known for the free circulation of ideas and for its successful technological enterprises like Facebook (at Menlo Park) LinkedIn (at Mountain View), and lots of others at Palo Alto. The University is situated 34 miles to the south (around 55km) of San Francisco and 22 miles north of San Jose (around 35km)

Stanford University in a few words

Life on Stanford’s campus

The promotion of 2021 is home to more than 7 000 students from more than 75 countries. The campus is familiarly known by the name of ‘The Farm’, derived from the era when horses rather than students roamed once was once the farm of the founders of the university, Leland and Jane Stanford.

At 87 meters, the Hoover Tower dominates all the other structures on campus. Named after the former president of the United States, the tower is home to a collection of works linked to the history of the 20th century offered by President Hoover. The tower offers to students and to visitors an impressive view of Stanford and its surroundings. The Hannah Honeycomb house was constructed by Frank Lloyd Wright from 1937. This octagonal house was originally the house for the scholars of Stanford. It is henceforth considered to be a historical site. Among the most visited places on the campus, we must mention the White Plaza, which is in many ways the center of student life on campus.

How do I apply?

Apply for a Bachelor’s at Stanford

To apply to Stanford, you will need to use the Common App (or ‘common application’) centralized platform through which you can apply to the majority of American colleges and universities.

You must provide information on your family – including your parents’ professions-, provide your record of grades or high school grades, provide a mid-year report, submit 2 letters of recommendation, submit a ‘school report’, write a CV, send results of your official tests (ACT/SAT/SAT Subject tests- Note that the written parts of these examinations are obligatory), describe your extracurricular activities and, like for the majority of highly selective colleges, complete the development questions as a response to the supplementary dissertation questions specific to Stanford. You must submit all your documents before the appropriate deadline. If you are sure that Stanford is your first choice, you might want to make a request for ‘Restrictive Early Action.’ The anticipated documents must be submitted before November 1st. The university stipulates that you must complete the ACT/SAT by November.

The documents for a ‘regular decision’ application must be submitted before January 2nd. In this case, the students are allowed to choose to take the ACT/SAT at the end of February. Stanford does not require the SAT Subject Tests, but it is probably preferable to take the tests corresponding to your interests and your strong points.

The university does not require an English test, but they strongly recommend taking the TOEFL but does not recommend the IELTS.

Finally, the university will accept your highest scores of each section of the ACT/SAT separately, which they call ‘superscoring’.

When do you have to start preparing for the University of Stanford

Taking into account the numerous specific requirements for American universities like taking exams; consistently participating in extra-curricular activities including clubs, music, sports, and side projects; and the numerous essays to write, we recommend that students begin start to think about their path to Stanford as soon as they begin high school. The application itself is typically completed during the fall semester of students’ last year in high school.

What is the profile of the students at the University of Stanford?

The admission process at Stanford is a ‘holistic’ process with takes into consideration numerous factors at considers each application on the whole and doesn’t just focus on academic results and tests.

What is the profile of the students at the University of Stanford?

Approximate school fees at undergraduate level (all USD):

Total school fees for Bachelor’s:

$228,832 for 4 years (57,208 per year)

Total budget estimated for a Bachelor’s:

$296,692 for 4 years

Total budget for one year: $74,173

• School fees and obligatory fees: $57,208
• Accommodation: $13,618
• Books and equipment: $1,246
• Other expenses: $2,101

School fees for a Master’s

Total costs of Master’s school fees: around $61,000 per year

Total cost estimated for a Master’s: $84,280 per year

Total budget for a year of a Master’s:

• School fees and obligatory fees: $61 006
• Accommodation: $17,298
• Book and equipment: $1,000
• Other expenses: $3,887

School fees for the LLM:

Total cost of school fees for the LLM: around $65,252

Total budget estimated for an LLM: $93,740

• School fees and obligatory fees: $ 70,660
• Accommodation: $21,505
• Books and equipment: $1,575
• Other expenses: $3,900

MBA School Fees:

Total cost of school fees for the MBA: $106,416

Total budget for the MBA: $168,307

Total predicted budget for a year of MBA: $110,914

Personal expenses: $6,066

School fees: $74,400

Obligatory fees: $3,693

Insurance and health costs: $4,480

Books and equipment: $900

Accommodation: $21,375

The University of St Andrews is the most highly renowned and the oldest university in Scotland. Along with >The University of Edinburgh, St Andrews is considered to be the best university in Scotland and one of the most prestigious in the United Kingdom, on the same level as Oxford  or Cambridge.

Regularly classed as the third best university in the United Kingdom in all the national rankings, their students are the most satisfied in the U.K (Complete University Guide, 2018)! St Andrews, the university was established between 1410 and 1413- the first in Scotland- and comprising three colleges (University College, St Mary’s College and St Leonard’s College). Today, its student body of around 8000 at undergraduate level and 2000 graduates is composed of more than 135 nationalities and 45% are international students.

So, St Andrews is one of the most international universities in Scotland! The Complete University Guide classifies the Management, Divinity and the Middle Eastern and African Studies among its academic programs with the school of English, Philosophy, Anatomy and Physiology equally very well ranked by The Times and The Sunday Times.

Situated in the very picturesque city of St Andrews, the university was established between 1410 and 1413 and comprises three colleges (University College, St Mary’s College and St Leonard’s College).

Along with the University of Edinburgh, St Andrews is considered as the best university in Scotland and one of the most prestigious in the United Kingdom, on the same level as Oxford or Cambridge

The University of St Andrews in a few words

With more than 135 nationalities represented and 45% of students being international, Saint Andrews is one of the most international universities in Scotland.

The university is composed of 4 faculties. Their departments of Physics and Astronomy, of International Relations, of Information Technology, Geography, English, Management, Philosophy and Theology and African and Oriental Studies are among the most reputed at the university and are in the national top 3. Indeed, in the 2019 Complete University Guide, 24 out of the 25 subjects offered by St Andrews rank within the top 10 nationally making St Andrews one of only three multi-faculty universities (along with Cambridge and Oxford) in the UK to have over 95% of their subjects in the top 10.

Numerous illustrious mathematicians, scientists theologians and philosophers are graduates or affiliates of the University of St Andrews, from which there are six Nobel prizes.Recent alumni include the former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond; former Secretary of State for Defence Michael Fallon; HM British Ambassador to China Barbara Woodward; United States Ambassador to Hungary Colleen Bell; Olympic cycling gold medalist Chris Hoy; and royals Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. Six Nobel Laureates are among St Andrews’ alumni and former staff: two in Chemistry and Physiology or Medicine, and one each in Peace and Literature.

What is the profile of the students at the University of St Andrews?

Because of the high selectivity of the university, we recommend to send your application to these universities only if you can demonstrate that you have excellent academic results and are sure of obtaining at least a ‘Bien’ grade at Baccalaureate.

Established in 1746 and therefore one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the US, Princeton University is now one of eight elite American universities in the Ivy League. Additionally, it was ranked between 1st and 2nd best university worldwide for 16 of the 18 years between 2001 and 2018 by US News & World Report. QS World University Rankings places it at number 13 in 2018.

This private university has just under 5,400 undergraduate and about 2,700 postgraduate students. Its most well-recognized programs are consistently in the arts & humanities, natural sciences and social socials & management

Princeton University in a few words

The school is named for the famous alumni, the 28th president of the United States and former president of Princeton. Students enjoy its 600 acres set in suburban Princeton, New Jersey, which is about an hour by car from Philadelphia and about an hour and a half from New York City.

Concerning its academics, the highly reputed Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs delivers degrees from undergraduate to PhD. Among undergraduates the most popular majors include Public Policy Analysis, Computer Engineering, Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, History, and Operations Research. Nearly 75% of classes have fewer than 20 students and many are taught in small, interactive groups around tables in seminar style; general and beginner courses are taught as in a lecture setting.

Princeton Tigers, as its students and their mascot are known, are particularly faithful to their alma mater and many attend an annual reunion on campus held each May. Graduating from Princeton is indeed, like many American universities, equal to gaining lifetime access to a club, in this case, a very selective one!

How do I apply?

To apply to Princeton University, you will need to use the Common Application, a centralized platform through which you can apply to most American colleges and universities. You will need to fill in information about your family – including the occupation of your parents -, provide your transcript or high school grades, submit two teacher reference letters and a guidance counselor letter of reference, draft a résumé or CV, send official test scores (SAT, SAT Subject Test scores, ACT and English language test scores), describe your extracurricular activities and as with most highly selective colleges complete the essay questions on the Common App as well as answer additional essay questions specific to Princeton known as the Princeton Supplement. The application will be due on January 1st unless you are applying for Single Choice Early Action in which case you must submit all materials by November 1st.

The selection process for Princeton is divided into several steps that we describe to you below:

When do you have to start preparing for Princeton?

Taking into account the numerous specific requirements for American universities like taking exams; consistently participating in extra-curricular activities including clubs, music, sports, and side projects; and the numerous essays to write, we recommend that students begin start to think about their path to Stanford as soon as they begin high school. The application itself is typically completed during the fall semester of students’ last year in high school.

Candidacy for ’Regular Decision’

What is the profile of students at Princeton?

With a rate of acceptance of 6,5% for Bachelor’s level, admission to Princeton is on an extremely competitive level at both Bachelor’s and Master’s level. According to our research, to have a good chance of being accepted,you must be at the top of your class and have a SAT score close to 1600 or an ACT score of around 35.

The University of Nottingham is a public research university situated in the East Midlands in England, UK. Described by the Times as “the nearest thing Britain has to a truly global university”, Nottingham stands out because of its campuses in Malaysia and China as well as in the UK. Its status as a global university is reinforced by Nottingham’s rank in 2010 as 13th in the world for the number of former alumni listed among CEOs of the Fortune Global 500, sharing the position with Tohoku University in Japan and none other than Stanford University in California.

Renowned for its exceptional employability rating, Nottingham has been described as “one of the most employer friendly universities in the world” by Virgin’s Alternative Guide to British Universities. Likewise, in the Times Higher Education world ranking, Nottingham places amongst the top 15 most targeted universities in the world by leading employers. A place at the University clearly leaves you in good stead when it comes to career prospects – but what’s it actually like to study there?

Student Life

Student life at Nottingham is characterised by societies, sports clubs, volunteering projects, student-run groups and networks, and events such as pub quizzes, live music, club nights and comedy nights. Its established Students’ Union (SU) is to thank for the plethora of different activities on offer and is even responsible for the critically acclaimed and award-winning cinema and theatre group ‘The Nottingham New Theatre’. Likewise, Nottingham’s status as a ‘campus’ university means that students – in particular first year undergraduates – are within close proximity of one another. The campus allows for the presence of a centrally located social hub – in the form of a Students’ Union – where students can congregate and get to know one another. Nottingham’s principal campus – known as ‘University Parks Campus’ – is located within the City of Nottingham and just west of the city centre. The campus is very green and the vast array of social space means that students are often seen picnicking outside when the weather permits. Described as “one of the most attractive (campus’s) in the UK”, by the study-in-UK website, Nottingham’s beautiful and green campus really is home to thousands of happy students.

How Do I Apply?

For students wishing to apply to Nottingham, strong academic results and rigorous preparation are needed.

What are the different stages of the application?

There are several steps:

1. Apply on UCAS
2. Receive a conditional offer
3. Meet requirements from your offer
4. Confirm your acceptance

The details of these steps are covered below and on the University’s website.

How to begin an application:

Candidates apply via the British online platform UCAS, and upload a letter of motivation (Personal Statement), their predicted exam marks, and a letter of recommendation from one of their teachers. Students may only submit one Personal Statement for all the universities they apply for (maximum of 5 choices). The Personal Statement, no more than 4,000 characters, should explain why students want to study their chosen course, what aspects particularly interest them, what steps they have already taken to engage with the subject (reading, conferences, internships etc), and, if possible, what aspects they are looking forward to studying.

Conditional offer and acceptance:

If students succeed in all these stages, in January they will receive a ‘conditional offer’ of admission. This means that they will be accepted if they attain the required marks (most often a high grade in your end of high school studies, and in a standardized English exam: 7.5 in the IELTS for example).

What is the deadline for applying?

Deadlines:

The deadline for applications to the University of Nottingham is the 15th January of a students’ final year of secondary school or sixth-form college (Year 12).

Fees

University fees vary based on your choice of degree. To get an idea of how much you can expect to pay, follow the links below and select your preferred degree.

See undergraduate degrees

See postgraduate degrees

When taking into account the cost of any university, you should also consider the cost of living.

Nottingham provides an estimate for the cost of living, which can be found on this website: they provide a detailed list of costs you can expect to incur including housing and social costs.

You might predict an annual average budget of around £10,000 per year, including accommodation, transport, personal expenses etc.

When do you have to start preparing for the University of Nottingham?

It is recommended that students try to find aspects of their chosen course that genuinely interest them and to think deeply about why they wish to study this subject – after all, students are applying to study this subject full time for at least 3 years.

Is it possible to visit the campus?

Open days at Nottingham have now closed for this academic year. More information can be find here.