How to Choose a University in the UK and the US: A Step-by-Step Guide

Choosing a university abroad is a big step — one that can seriously shape your life. At the very least, it will influence the next few years. That’s why it’s important to make this decision thoughtfully, consciously, and step by step.

Below is a clear, step-by-step guide on how to choose a university in the US or the UK — perfect for anyone who doesn’t even know where to start.

Contents:

• Step 1. Assess Your Profile
• Step 2. Explore Programs
• Step 3. Check Requirements
• Step 4. Pick Your Universities and Categorize Them
• Step 5. Plan Your Application Strategy

Step 1. Assess Your Profile

Any ambitious goal starts with a realistic assessment of your own strengths and limitations. When it comes to picking a university, this is especially true. Overestimate yourself — you might miss out on your dream school; underestimate yourself — you might end up somewhere that doesn’t let you fully unlock your potential, losing countless opportunities along the way. 

To avoid that, start with a thorough analysis of your profile based on these factors:

• Academic performance. Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is one of the key factors for admission. US universities typically use a 4.0 scale: top-tier schools usually look for an excellent GPA (3.7–4.0), while “easier” universities often accept 3.0–3.5. Translating your grades into a foreign system on your own can be tricky. You can either use conversion tables available online (though results are approximate) or consult a specialist familiar with the nuances of different education systems.

• English proficiency. Most international applicants take the IELTS or TOEFL exams. Try an online practice test to see your current level. Compare your score with university requirements and see if you have enough time to improve before submitting your application.

• Extracurricular achievements. Universities abroad don’t just look at grades — they also care about your personality and initiative. Conduct a “self-audit” of your accomplishments: competitions, volunteer work, internships, social projects, startups — anything that shows your strengths (leadership, responsibility, creativity, etc.).

• Motivation and goals. You need to be crystal clear (first and foremost for yourself) about why you’re choosing this major, what your career goals are, and why you want to study in this particular country. Your answers will also form the foundation of your personal statement and help during interviews with admissions officers.

Evaluating your chances alone can be tough. Professional profile analysis is exactly what consultants at ED-EX.com specialize in.

Step 2. Explore Programs

When choosing programs, consider these criteria:

— international rankings,

— accreditations,

— curriculum content,

— internship opportunities,

— tuition and living costs,

— scholarships and funding options.

1. International rankings

University ranking is the most popular criterion students look at — but many do it wrong. Most focus on the overall university ranking, which doesn’t always tell the whole story. A university could be in the global top 50, but your specific program might be mediocre (and vice versa).

That’s why you should focus on subject-specific rankings, such as:

• QS World University Rankings by Subject
• THE (Times Higher Education) World University Rankings by Subject

Sometimes, less prestigious universities offer excellent programs in specific fields, and subject rankings show this clearly.

For example, the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) ranks 23rd in QS for Physics & Astronomy — that’s even higher than University College London, which is in the global top 10 overall! Yet UCSB’s overall ranking is only 179th.

2. Accreditations

Accreditation is an official mark of quality that boosts the credibility of your degree. It’s conducted by specialized agencies or international organizations and ensures that a program meets global standards and is recognized by employers.

For example, the most prestigious accreditations for business programs are AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA, and for engineering programs, ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology).

Check accreditations on the university’s official website or the accrediting organization’s page.

3. Curriculum

This is one of the most important factors — surprisingly often overlooked. The same program can be taught very differently across universities. Pay attention to:

• list of courses (modules)
• required and elective classes
• content of each course

Universities usually publish detailed program structures online. Look for projects and case studies (which indicate a practical focus) and courses that align with your personal interests.

4. Internships

Internships are crucial, especially if you plan to work abroad after graduation. Find out if the program includes mandatory internships, whether the university helps with placements, and if it has partnerships with companies. The more actively a university collaborates with industry, the higher your chances of landing a major internship and getting a job afterward.

For instance, in the UK, sandwich placements — long internships (usually one year) integrated into the program — are common. Universities like Northumbria University and University of Hertfordshire offer them.

Many US and UK universities also give opportunities to do internships abroad, which can be an incredibly valuable experience.

5. Tuition and living costs

A common mistake is to look only at tuition and ignore costs for insurance, housing, food, transport, and daily expenses. The cost of living can vary greatly even within the same country, depending on the city and type of housing (dorm vs. apartment). Keep this in mind if you’re comparing universities in different locations.

6. Scholarships and funding

Scholarships can be a deciding factor for students who can’t fully cover tuition. Always check the financial aid options offered by the university.

For more on financial aid for international students, see:

• Scholarships in the US
• Scholarships in the UK

Step 3. Check University Requirements

Admission requirements can be divided into:

— academic requirements,

— language requirements,

— standardized and subject-specific tests,

— additional assessments (portfolio, interview, etc.).

1. Academic requirements

As mentioned above, the US uses a 4.0 GPA scale. Approximate ranges:

• for top-tier universities — GPA 3.7–4.0
• for mid-level universities — GPA 3.0–3.5

UK universities usually accept students based on A-levels or the IB (International Baccalaureate). Requirements vary depending on the university and program:

• A-levels — from BBB to A*AA
• IB — from 32 to 40+ points

Focus on the range, not just the minimum score. Almost all universities publish minimum requirements, but they admit students with higher results. So if you only look at the cutoff, you’re almost certainly overestimating your chances.

Universities often publish the average score of admitted students on their websites — that’s what you should pay attention to.

2. Language requirements

Most US and UK universities expect roughly the following:

• IELTS: 6.0–7.0
• TOEFL: 70–100+

Many universities also set minimum scores for each section — for example, no lower than 6.0 in any IELTS section.

Just like with academic requirements, it’s better to score above the minimum. For instance, if a program requires IELTS 6.5, it’s best to aim for 7.0–7.5 to be a competitive candidate.

3. Standardized and subject-specific tests

These exams are an important part of the selection process for US and UK universities. They allow schools to fairly evaluate academic preparation, taking into account differences in national education systems.

In the US, undergraduate applicants usually take the SAT or ACT. In recent years, some universities have adopted a test-optional policy, but strong scores can still give you a competitive edge.

Both the SAT and ACT assess basic academic skills — reading, writing, and math — and are accepted by most US universities interchangeably.

For graduate and postgraduate admissions, additional standardized tests may be required:

• GRE (Graduate Record Examination) — for most academic programs
• GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) — mainly for business schools

In the UK, some programs require subject-specific tests:

• UCAT — for medicine and dentistry
• LNAT — for law
• TSA — for certain programs at Oxford and Cambridge

These tests evaluate not only knowledge but also critical thinking, analytical skills, and professional suitability.

4. Additional requirements

Depending on the program, universities may have extra requirements. For example:

• portfolio — for creative fields (design, architecture)
• auditions — for theater, music, and dance programs
• written work — for humanities (history, literature, journalism)
• interviews — a required stage at many top universities

Step 4. Pick Your Universities and Categorize Them

Experts recommend creating a balanced list of 7–10 universities, divided into categories based on your chances of admission:

• safety schools (2–3) — admission is almost guaranteed
• match schools (3–4) — realistic chances of getting in
• reach schools (2–3) — low probability, but not zero

Safety schools are the most “reliable” options, meaning universities where your academic profile significantly exceeds the average admitted student.

Important point — don’t pick backup universities just because “they’re easier to get into.” These schools should also match your educational interests, financial situation, and other important criteria.

Match schools, or target schools, are mid-level universities where admission is quite realistic. It’s recommended to select 3–4 schools that align with your academic profile.

Reach schools are the most ambitious options — your “dream universities.” This category includes the most competitive universities, where even strong candidates often get rejected. However, the chances should still not be zero. You can increase them with a strong personal statement, outstanding extracurricular achievements, and unique life experiences.

Common mistakes when creating your university list:

• Mistake 1: Too few backup options (or none at all) — you risk not getting in anywhere if competitive universities reject you.

• Mistake 2: Choosing safety schools you don’t like — this can seriously reduce your motivation and engagement.

• Mistake 3: Ignoring financial considerations — high tuition could make attendance impossible.

• Mistake 4: Applying to more than 10 universities — submitting too many applications can drain time and resources.

Step 5. Plan Your Application Strategy

Once you’ve selected universities and categorized them, it’s important to plan your application strategy. This will help you stay organized, meet deadlines, and increase your chances of success.

Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

• Application deadlines — check deadlines for each program and additional assessments (internal tests, interviews). Break tasks down over time and mark them in your calendar so you don’t miss anything important.
• Early preparation — start preparing documents 6–12 months before deadlines. This gives you time to write personal statements, collect recommendations, prepare portfolios, or any other required materials.
• Submission order — decide in which order to submit applications, especially if there are early programs or priority universities.

The application process for US and UK universities can seem complicated — especially if it’s your first time applying.

Assistance with Applying to the US and UK

The team at ED-EX.com helps students from around the world apply to the best universities. Our experts guide applicants at every stage — from profile assessment and strategy development to document submission and adapting to a new country.

A personal consultation with an ED-EX.com expert gives you the opportunity to get:

• An evaluation of your profile (academic performance, language level, etc.) to understand your chances of acceptance
• An overview of the education system in your target countries
• Answers to questions about applications, studying, and living abroad
• A personalized action plan — which exams to take, which documents are required, and guidance every step of the way

Don’t waste time — find out more and book your consultation here.