As someone who just finished the college process, I figure it’s only right to look back and give some advice to those nervous about the college process.
I applied to colleges in three different places around the world: the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, and the United States (US). But, how do you know which university system is right for you?
In the UK system, you write only one essay that shows off your accomplishments in the specific field you are applying to study. However, you can only apply to five schools in the UK, and you must apply for a specific degree.
Once you get into a particular program and commit to going there, you cannot change your degree of study without reapplying and starting over. This system is best for those who know exactly what they want to do and want to finish it more quickly, as an undergraduate degree in the UK takes three years. The main reason as to why it only takes three years is that it allows for less exploration and flexibility in taking classes in other subjects.
Some Canadian universities require an essay, and some don’t. Overall, the application process to Canadian universities takes a lot less time, as there is a lot less writing involved than the US, and even the UK’s system. The Canadian system is more flexible than the UK college system, and you can usually change your area of study once you have started. Earning an undergraduate degree in the Canadian system can take three or four years, depending on what degree you choose to pursue. If you pursue a regular bachelor’s degree, you can usually finish it in three years. However, if you choose to take an honors degree (which requires a higher GPA and test scores), it usually takes 4 years. An honors degree is a lot more specific, and you usually complete a research project in your last year.
Finally, the process of applying to colleges in the US is arguably the most work. You have to write a different essay for each college you apply to, and most of them are looking for different things. For this system, you will have to write more essays than you think. Each school can require anywhere from 1-3 essays. Depending on how many schools you apply to, writing these essays can take up a lot of your time and effort.
However, the effort you put into the college process for American colleges is worth it for the flexibility you are awarded. Many incoming freshmen enter college undecided and are not forced to identify or commit to a major until sophomore or junior year. The US system also allows you to mix and match programs and have more than one major, resulting in many college students having unique major concentrations. You can major in chemistry and medieval studies or make any combination of majors and minors you want. Minors are another key component of the flexibility of American colleges. They allow you to explore another topic without having to commit to it as much as a major.
Ultimately, all the world’s colleges and universities have pros and cons, and it is up to you to decide what path you want to take, knowing that wherever you go, Chadwick has prepared you well.
