<p>I am interested in applying to schools in the UK next year. I am interested in Durham University, Leeds University, Bristol, Manchester, and St. Andrews. I have a 3.6 gpa and I am involved in EC’s such as Cheerleading, dance team, DECA, Student Council and Key Club. At the moment I am not sure what I would like to study, but I am leaning towards business/marketing/Merchandising. Very soon I am hoping to visit some of these, but until then I am hoping to gain some insight into these schools. What’s the application process like for American students? Although I am pretty much set on applying to St. Andrews I also keep thinking about Edinburgh as well? How would you compare the atmosphere between St. Andrews or Edinburgh?</p>
<p>Right, lots of things to sort out here! </p>
<p>You apply through [UCAS</a> - Home](<a href=“http://www.ucas.ac.uk%5DUCAS”>http://www.ucas.ac.uk) and you can apply to a maximum of 5 universities in any one cycle (year). The only alternative is to apply to St Andrews through Common App, but that would mean that you couldn’t apply to any other UK universities. Applications open 1st September, and close 15th January if you want to start that September. Applications close on 15th October if you want to study at Oxford or Cambridge, or you want to do medicine or vet med. </p>
<p>You will need to decide exactly what subject you want to study when you apply. You will need to write a personal statement as part of your application, and this needs to show why you want to study that subject. UK universities have very little interest in whether or not you are a well rounded person, so ECs that are not related to your subject will have very little impact. Take advice from The Student Room on writing your PS. </p>
<p>The difference in atmosphere between St Andrews and Edinburgh? St Andrews is in a tiny, coastal, fairly isolated village. Edinburgh is the Scottish capital. All of the other universities you have picked are based in large cities (except Durham, which is mid-sized). Manchester is (from what I have heard) excellent for business, though all of them have excellent reputations overall. </p>
<p>Are you doing any AP tests? UK admissions tend to rely on standardised test scores, and AP tests are generally considered to be broadly equivalent to the A Levels that UK students take.</p>
<p>Probably ought to add that you should get to grips with the difference between the Scottish and English education systems. </p>
<p>In a nutshell, Scottish degrees are 4 years long and allow for more optional modules before you specialise. English degrees are 3 years long (which, if money is an important factor to you, will work out cheaper) and specialise from day 1.</p>