Welcome to the Harvard Club of the UK’s website for UK students, parents, and schools!
Please note that this is not the official Harvard Admissions website – you can find that at college.harvard.edu. This site is run by the Harvard Club of the UK, and is designed to provide specific information to applicants from the UK about the US university admissions and financial aid processes.
We want to answer your questions and to give you a flavour of what it is like to go to university in the US, how it might differ from the UK, and whether the US system is right for you. Throughout this site we have highlighted American concepts, words and expressions, to make it easier to navigate US colleges’ websites.
If you already have the background information and are ready to begin the application process, visit the admissions page about applying.
The US university system is different in many respects from the British system, but university education is all about living in a student community and enjoying the experience of learning, especially from one another.
Since the American school system is geared to the state sector, US colleges commonly choose most of their students from an applicant pool that is both diverse and capable. Harvard’s policy has always been to find the most talented students and then offer funding packages according to need, not merit. The available grants at Harvard (known as Financial Aid) are possibly the most generous in the US, so don’t be dismayed by the ‘sticker price’ of a Harvard education – go to the Harvard College Financial Aid page and see for yourself what the grants look like!
Difference between a college and a university in the US
Let us start by looking at something that often confuses UK students: what Americans mean when they talk about a ‘college’ and a ‘university.’
In the US, a ‘college’ refers to any institution that provides undergraduate degrees. If the institution also undertakes research and provides masters degrees and PhDs, then it is called a ‘university’.
For example, Harvard University is composed of Harvard College (the undergraduate school), plus 12 graduate schools in different specialties such as business, law, medicine, government, education, and public health. UK students interested in a course of undergraduate study at Harvard would apply to Harvard College, and if admitted, would become part of Harvard University. Postgraduate students would apply to one of the graduate schools, which have their own admission systems.
This website is aimed at UK students who are interested in undergraduate study at a US college.
Visit
Come visit Harvard and Boston in person if you can. If not, try the virtual tour, read student stories, and follow Harvard Admissions on social media.
Afford
All admitted students are eligible for need-based aid, including international students.
Apply
Find tips for completing the application under “Applying from the UK” or on the Harvard College admissions website.
Are you interested in applying to American universities?
Why Harvard?
Harvard’s liberal arts and sciences philosophy encourages you to ask difficult questions, explore unfamiliar terrain, and indulge your passion for discovery.
Harvard students have access to courses, research institutes, and faculty mentors from all parts of Harvard. With world renowned faculty, state of the art resources, and individualised instruction, it’s the perfect place to pursue your favourite and still-to-be-discovered academic interests.