Information for parents

The programme is centred on exploring US study. The main focus is a one week trip to the US, with events and application support in the UK before and after.

Both the student and school forms are based on the US Common Application, an admissions application used by almost 900 American institutions. By using an application modelled on the Common Application, we will be able to follow the holistic model of admissions employed by American universities and gain a full view of your child’s academic performance, successes both inside and outside of the classroom and ability to make the most of this programme. We also hope that students and schools will get in the mindset of US admissions and be able to re-use components of our application for American university applications next autumn saving you time.

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 your student is accepted onto the programme we will provide further details regarding US week.

US Programme application timeline 2023

Applications for the 2023 programme will open in November. See below for an outline of the application cycle.

Early November 2022

Applications open

Find out more

15 January 2023

Student application deadline

18 January 2023

School reference deadline

Early March 2023

Applicants notified of application outcome

Learn more

Resources for parents

We understand that parents/guardians of programme participants may not have experience of the US admissions process, so we aim to provide support and guidance from the beginning of the programme:

Parent/Guardians Information Session at the April residential
(virtual session)

If your child is selected for the programme, we will also invite parents to attend a parent information session at the April residential, to give more information on the programme, US university admissions and your role in this process.

Parent Pack
(print resource)

We understand not all parents will be able to attend the session, so we will provide a printed pack of information for each family.

Parent Information Session Webinar
(online)

We will host a live online parent information session webinar in late Spring to give more information on the programme, US university admissions and your role in this process. There will be a Q&A with programme staff as part of this, and the webinar recording will be sent out to all parents.

More information will be provided if your child is selected for the programme. This includes in-depth information on the one week visit to the US, as well as US admissions and financial aid processes if your child chooses to apply to US universities in the autumn.

Thank you for providing our son with the most amazing trip. As I saw him come through arrivals at Heathrow after the US week I was overwhelmed with the happiness on his face as well as the amazing camaraderie amongst his fellow peers. You guys really, really have made his dream a reality. Your hard work, dedication and continued support is just amazing, you all really do make a difference to these young adults.

Parent of a Cohort 4 student

Learn about how UK students can afford to go to US universities

Find out more