How the Undergraduate Admissions Works
Top UK and US universities offer a dynamic and competitive admissions process. In addition to meeting the academic requirements for selected courses, applicants will need to demonstrate English language proficiency produce a compelling personal statement; and in some cases (Oxbridge, Ivy League, Russell Group and other Elite US universities), the admissions process can include interviews and additional assessments.
- Step 1: Initial assessment consultation with an expert (inquire for Oxbridge / Ivy League / Russell Group / Elite US university specialists)
- Step 2: Development of academic grades, extracurricular activities, CV, Personal Statement
- Step 3: UCAS application (UK) / Common App application (US)
- Step 4: Interview Preparation session (if required)
- Step 5: Scholarships & Financial Aid
- Step 6: Visa application & Accommodation support
Hansard admissions experts play a vital role in preparing the application at each stage to achieve a successful outcome.
Initial Assessment Consultation
The purpose of the initial consultation is to understand the student's motivations, academic credentials, their preference for certain degrees and institutions, work experience and future goals. We then provide tailored advice and a plan for university and course selection. The admissions tutor will also provide a strategy for bolstering the strength of their application.
University Selection
During the initial assessment session, our admissions team will look at your grades, areas of study, language test scores, and extracurricular activities. They will also discuss the preferred locations, the rankings, and the level of competition for admission to various institutions. The admissions strategist will then recommend 3-5 options for the student to consider.
Start the Application
An assigned admissions tutor will begin the candidate's UCAS/ online application. At this stage, the tutor will provide a brief about the personal statement, academic requirements for the course, other requirements (ATAS, LNAT, GMAT, BMAT), extracurricular activities, and references. The admissions tutor will coordinate with the referee directly and advise on the contents of reference letters.
We have worked with UCAS for the past 15 years, and our team is fully aware of the application process, deadlines and how to fill out each section of the application.
UCAS
Undergraduate admissions services for UK universities.
Key Deadlines
- Applications open for the following year's intake: May to July each year
- Oxbridge and Medicine application deadline: 15 October
- Equal consideration date for undergraduate courses: 14 January
- UCAS Extra opens: End of February
- End of Extra choice: 30 June
- Clearing opens: 2 July
- End of Clearing: 21–14 September
Common App
Undergraduate admissions services for USA universities.
Key Deadlines
- Applications open for the following year's intake: August
- Submit Early Action (EA) applications: Between 15 October and 1 November
- Early Decision: Between November 1 and November 15
- Regular Decision: Between January 1 and January 15
- Early Decision Two: January 1–15
- Financial Aid application: February
- Ivy Day: Late March, and other Regular Decision decisions
- Compare offers: April – attend accepted student days at 2-3 top choices
- National Decision Day and deposit deadline: May 1
Interview Preparation
invitation for an interview. We will provide an interview preparation session with an admissions tutor before the interview. This includes effective verbal and non-verbal communication techniques, critical thinking around their course material and subject matter, how to influence the direction of discussion and make a great, lasting impression on the interviewer. Note that only a minority of UK universities include an interview as part of the admissions process.
Visa application & Accommodation
Our team will coordinate the submission of visa applications for the UK, sourcing the relevant documentation and expediting the process where possible.
The team will also help you to secure somewhere to live upon arrival, depending on your preferences, whether it be university halls, private rental or an alternative. We can also put you in touch with a network of other students who may want to share, to ensure a sense of community from the outset.
Our Student Profiles
Abdulaziz A
- Candidate From
- Saudi Arabia
- School Name
- Advanced Learning School Riyadh
- Academic Interest
- Engineering
University EnrolledKing's College London
Hansard Counselling
Francis was incredibly helpful in securing my college spot. He provided a clear, step by step guide that made the entire process easy to follow and much less stressful. He was always supportive, patient, and made sure I understood each stage.
Rayan B
- Candidate From
- Saudi Arabia
- School Name
- Talent Generation Private Secondary School, Dammam
- Academic Interest
- Health Science
University EnrolledUniversity of Southampton
Hansard Counselling
Hansard Counsellors were extremely helpful during the application process, guiding me through other paperwork for academic qualifications and effectively communicating with INTO Queens Belfast and Southampton to meet the deadline.
Haya A
- Candidate From
- Saudi Arabia
- School Name
- Advanced Learning School Riyadh
- Academic Interest
- Architecture & Design
University EnrolledParsons School of Design, New York
Hansard Counselling
I worked with Hansard Education, and Francis advised me on my portfolio for UCAS and other College applications. His insight and understanding of each college's requirements were excellent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the UK or the US better for an undergraduate degree?
It depends on personal expectations. In the UK, bachelor's degrees are 3 years, and in the US, they are 4 years. In the UK, students start a major in year one, and in the US, students pick a major after year two.
How much weight do top UK universities like Oxbridge place on grades and extracurricular activities?
In the UK, grades have two-thirds of the weight and one-third is given to extracurricular activities. Subject-specific experience and activities increase chances. In the USA, the approach is more holistic, including essays, extracurricular activities, and the SAT score.
Do UK universities offer scholarships for a Bachelor's degree?
Generally, they do not offer full scholarships for the degree but offer 50% off tuition fees for year one for bright students.
How can I get into UK universities if I apply late?
You can use UCAS Extra and Clearing to get into UK universities, including Russell Group universities.
What does Hansard Education offer Oxbridge and Ivy League universities in terms of counselling?
A personalised plan based on individual circumstances and the level of support required, covering academic, extracurricular activities, essay and interview preparation.
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