Harvard Outreach Newsletter
148th Issue, December 2025
In this issue:
- What you need to be doing now if you want to apply to US colleges
- Year 13 or S6: Submit your US college applications by early January
- Year 12 or S5: Apply for the Sutton Trust Fulbright US Programme 2026
- Year 11 or S4: Work hard at your GCSEs or National 5s
What you need to be doing now if you want to apply to US colleges
If you are keen to apply to US colleges, here is what you should be doing now and in the coming weeks, depending on your school year:
Year 13 (England & Wales) S6 (Scotland) Year 14 (N. Ireland)
Submit your US college applications by early January
You should now be in the final stages of gathering together the various components of your application, ready to send off before the deadline (1st January at Harvard, but it does vary from college to college). Check your Common App online to make sure that your nominated referees have submitted their reports. If not, chase them up urgently. It’s always a good idea to submit your applications a few days before the deadline in case of last-minute technical glitches. If you are a high achieving student from a family where no one has been to university before (known in the US as a ‘first generation’ applicant), please do not be put off from applying to Harvard – the Admissions Office welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.
Applicants to most US liberal arts colleges do not have to choose their concentration (or main area of study, often called a ‘major’) in advance, but you are nevertheless asked to express a preference on your application form so the College has a rough idea of the likely numbers for different concentrations. At Harvard, for the first 18 months, students are encouraged to take classes in a variety of different areas – including subjects they have not previously had the opportunity to study – before making a final decision on their concentration mid-way through the second year. Many students change their minds about their course of study during their time at Harvard, so you can rest assured that you will not be committed to any particular subject area when you start your degree.
Year 12 (England & Wales) S5 (Scotland) Year 13 (N. Ireland)
Apply for the Sutton Trust Fulbright US Programme 2026
If you fulfil the criteria for the Sutton Trust Fulbright US Programme, submit your application without delay.
To be eligible to apply, you must:
- Currently be in Year 12 in England or Wales, S5 in Scotland or Year 13 in Northern Ireland.
- Attend, and have always attended, a state-funded, non-fee paying school or college
- Not hold US citizenship.
- Be from a low or middle income family (generally, this will mean a household earning £50,000 per year or less).
- Be interested in US culture and higher education.
Additional criteria:
In addition, they are looking for students who:
- Have excellent GCSEs or S4 qualifications. This means you have achieved at or close to the following grades. In England and Northern Ireland: at least eight GCSEs at grade A or 7 or above, or near this level. In Wales: at least eight GCSEs at grade A or above, or near this level. In Scotland: at least six B passes at National 5 or above, or near this level.
- Would be the first generation of their family to attend university.
- Have been eligible for free school meals while at secondary school.
- Attend a school or college with a below average attainment and/or a low rate of progression into the top third of higher education institutions.
- Live in a neighbourhood with a low rate of progression into higher education and/or a high level of socio-economic deprivation.
- Have been looked after or in care.
The more of these you meet, the more likely you are to get a place on the programme.
There is room on the application form and teacher reference to explain any extenuating circumstances that might impact your application.
Selection criteria
Students will complete an online application modelled on the US Common Application and Financial Aid forms. This will help the programme admissions officers to conduct a holistic review of your application, and will get students in the mindset of the US admissions process.
- Academic performance and potential.
- Extracurricular involvement, including school and community activities, work experience, paid work, sports and music performance, volunteering, caring responsibilities and other interests.
- Character: this includes leadership, service, work ethic, enthusiasm, drive to succeed.
- Demonstrated interest in US higher education.
Applications: Students should apply online here
Student application form deadline: 11.59pm, Sunday 11 January 2026
School reference form deadline: 11.59pm, Wednesday 14 January 2026
Applicants will be notified of the outcome at the end of February 2026.
Teachers providing references should read the Sutton Trust’s information for teachers.
The Sutton Trust also provides information for parents.
Year 11 (England & Wales) S4 (Scotland) Year 12 (N. Ireland)
Work hard at your GCSEs or National 5s and develop your extracurricular profile
Top priority this academic year is to work hard so that you get excellent results in your GCSEs or National 5s next summer, as these will act as a gateway to whatever comes afterwards. You should also spend time developing your extracurricular activities and passions, as US colleges are just as interested in your achievements outside the classroom as in your academic ability.
Also, it’s not too early to start thinking about doing some kind of work experience and/or community service next summer before you start your A Levels or Highers. This will stand you in good stead for both UK and US university applications, as it will show your dedication and initiative.
A Christmas Card
A very merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all our readers from the Harvard Club of the UK Outreach team. See you in 2026!
If you enjoyed reading this newsletter and wish to receive future newsletters, click here to subscribe.