The Sutton Trust US Programme is a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore what studying in the US is like. It will give you a taste of what it's like being an international student in the US and help you see if it could be the right fit for you. It's a fully-funded programme so we'll cover all costs, including travel, residential events, accommodation and food.
EXPLORE US UNIVERSITIES ON A WEEK LONG TRIP TO THE US*
LEARN ABOUT THE US ADMISSIONS PROCESS AT TWO RESIDENTIALS IN THE SPRING
Support from expert advisers throughout the process
In-depth admissions test preparation
Guidance for parents and teachers
Make friends with young people from across the UK
*As in previous years of the programme, we are currently planning to visit the US in July/August. However, due to COVID-19, the health and safety situation is constantly evolving and ensuring the wellbeing of our young people and staff is our top priority. This may mean we need to adjust our plans, and possibly deliver US weeks in a virtual format. If you are accepted onto the programme we will provide further details regarding US weeks.
Format and key dates for 2023 programme
Applicants will be expected to participate in all elements of Part 1 of the programme.
Part 1: Explore
Apply
Late Autumn 2022 - early January 2023
Find out moreApply
Late Autumn 2022 - early January 2023
Applications for the 2023 programme have now closed.
To be notified when applications open for the 2024 programme, sign up here.
Application Decisions Released
Early March 2023
Find out moreApplication Decisions Released
Early March 2023
We will release all decisions in early March 2023.
April residential
11 - 14 April 2023
Find out moreApril residential
11 - 14 April 2023
At the April residential you’ll meet your cohort from across the UK. This action-packed residential will allow you to hear from current students, alumni of American universities and experts in the admissions and test prep field. We will also spend time preparing for the ACT test in June.
ACT exam
9 and 10 June 2023
Find out moreACT exam
9 and 10 June 2023
You’ll sit the ACT admissions exam at a testing centre near where you live. Scholars will be expected to study on their own for the ACT test, however you will receive support both at the April residential and online in the run up to the exam.
June residential
16 - 18 June 2023
Find out moreJune residential
16 - 18 June 2023
You will spend time preparing to go on your US week and begin to work on elements of the US admissions application, such as essays and the extracurricular list.
Foundations of a US application
June and July 2023
Find out moreFoundations of a US application
June and July 2023
Working through our bespoke modular course, you will learn how to write about yourself, your world view and your achievements. These will form the building blocks of a US application in the autumn.
US week
17th July - 2nd August 2023
Find out moreUS week
17th July - 2nd August 2023
The programme includes a weeklong residential in the United States. You will stay in university dorms and take part in campus tours, information sessions and cultural activities. You will also take part in a university fair, where students will meet with university representatives from all over the US. During this week, you will start to decide if studying in the US is the right choice for you.
The weeklong visit to the US will be held between late July and early August at a leading US university. Until we confirm dates and campuses, students should be available for this entire period.
As in previous years of the programme, we are currently planning to visit the US. However, due to COVID-19, the health and safety situation is constantly evolving and ensuring the wellbeing of our young people and staff is our top priority. This may mean we need to adjust our plans, and possibly deliver US weeks in a virtual format. If you are accepted onto the programme we will provide further details regarding US week.
Apply to Part 2
August 2023
Find out moreApply to Part 2
August 2023
If you decide you would like to apply to US universities during Year 13, you can apply to join the second part of the programme.
Part 2: Apply
Attend USA College Day
23 - 24 September 2023
Find out moreAttend USA College Day
23 - 24 September 2023
Fulbright’s USA College Day is the largest US college fair in Europe. You’ll receive a VIP pass to access the admissions officers at the fair before anyone else.
Apply to US Universities
September 2023 - January 2024
Find out moreApply to US Universities
September 2023 - January 2024
At this point you’ll submit your application to your university choices. The application process has multiple stages and deadlines. The Fulbright advisors will guide you through this process, including how to apply for financial aid.
December event
December 2023
Find out moreDecember event
December 2023
At this one day event, you will prepare for the early application results and work on your regular round applications.
Pre-Departure Event
July 2024
Find out morePre-Departure Event
July 2024
In July we celebrate all the students on the programme at our pre-departure event hosted in London. You’ll be joined by the rest of your cohort, parents, staff members, donors and programme alumni to celebrate your achievements.
Join the Sutton Trust alumni community
Find out moreJoin the Sutton Trust alumni community
All Sutton Trust US Programme students will be invited to join the Sutton Trust alumni community. Now 30,000+ strong, you’ll gain access to suttontrustalumni.com, the online platform that offers careers support, exclusive events and the chance to connect with other alumni.
Since 2012, we have given hundreds of incredible state school students from across the UK the chance to change their lives by studying in the States. They benefit from a broad and varied curriculum, exciting enrichment opportunities, as well as funding for both tuition and living costs. I'm constantly impressed by their achievements. They are proof that background is no obstacle to studying in the US.
Sir Peter Lampl | Founder and Chairman of the Sutton Trust
About the Sutton Trust
The Sutton Trust is committed to improving social mobility from birth to the workplace. Founded by Sir Peter Lampl in 1997, the Trust has supported over 30,000 young people through evidence-led programmes and published over 200 pieces of agenda-setting research, many of which have influenced government policy.
About the Fulbright Commission
The US-UK Fulbright Commission advances knowledge, promotes civic engagement and develops compassionate leaders through educational exchange between the peoples of the US and UK. Fulbright is part of the EducationUSA network, which is the official source of advice for UK students applying to US universities. Over the last 70 years, Fulbright has helped thousands of UK students apply to hundreds of US universities.
Thanks
The Sutton Trust US programme is made possible through generous support from our donors.
Martin and Antoinette Sullivan
We would also like to thank our donors who prefer to remain anonymous.