@blossom gave an explanation of some of the differences between the UK colleges (including St. Andrews) and US schools on another thread. I found it informative and wanted to share it here:
Intellectual for sure- but it needs to be a fit for a kid in many other ways besides rigor.
No Gen Eds- hooray! But for some kids, it’s those courses which actually become the “path” after college. No frequent quizzes to study for- fantastic! Except for some kids, it’s the regular assessment/feedback which keeps them on track academically. No (or limited) college organized social life- amazing! Except that means LOTS of time spent in local pubs which works for some, will be extremely unhealthy for others (especially for a kid who has struggled with substances already). Etc.
You really need a deep dive to make sure that all elements of the UK university experience will work for a particular kid. I know lots of kids who came home after their first year and the parents felt very burnt by the experience. Office of disability support? No, probably not. Dietician and nutritional counseling so that a kid with severe allergies can still maintain a healthy diet in the U’s cafeteria…