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SG vs UK vs US University Application Process: Key Differences Explained
28/02/2025•28 minute read
In recent years, more international students have been applying to study in the UK, US, and Singapore. As you prepare for this exciting next step, it's important to understand the differences in each country's university application process. Each place has a unique set of requirements, which could impact your preparation process. For example, while the Singapore system is well-known for its rigorous emphasis on academic excellence, the US admissions system is reputed for being holistic. But this is just one key difference! We’ll be detailing all the key differences between each application process, from the application requirements to extra tips, to make sure you’ve got all the right information to give your very best each step of the way.
Summary of Key Differences
At a glance, here are the key differences between the university application processes in these three locations.
| Factor | UK University Application Process | US University Application Process | Singapore University Application Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Portal | Yes - UCAS, where you’ll apply to five universities with one centralised system. | Yes - but decentralised, so students can apply through portals like the Common App or Coalition App, if not directly through the university. | Yes - NUS and NTU both offer centralised portals for student applications. No - other universities allow students to apply via their individual websites. |
| Main Criteria | A strong emphasis on academics, and a demonstrated interest in extracurriculars. | A holistic approach that includes academics, personal essays, extracurricular activities, and recommendation letters. | A specific emphasis on an excellent academic performance. |
| Application Components | Students must provide their predicted A-Level grades (or equivalent), a personal statement, and recommendation letters. Some courses, such as Medicine and Law, will also include admissions tests such as the UCAT and LNAT. | Students must provide their high school transcripts, their SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters from teachers or counsellors, a list of extracurricular activities, and personal essays. | Students must provide their A-Level transcripts (or equivalent). Some programs may require admissions tests, aptitude tests, or a personal statement. |
| Deadlines | The UCAS deadline is typically January 15. | There are three sets of deadlines for US universities: Early decisions, regular decisions, and some universities offer rolling admissions until mid-October. | The application window for most universities opens directly after the release of A-Level results, and extends to mid-March or mid-May. |
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Singapore (SG) University Application Process
Overview of SG University Admissions
Out of the six publicly-funded universities in Singapore, the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU), the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) all have their own centralised systems for applying. These systems typically ask applicants to provide their academic qualifications, such as A-Level or IB scores, but may pair this with course-specific entrance exams in more competitive situations.
According to the latest QS rankings, NUS and NTU remain among the top 20 universities worldwide and are, therefore, the top choices for local and international students. Both universities offer academically rigorous, interdisciplinary curricula that allow for exploration, innovation, and self-directed learning in their fields of study. NUS also recently launched its College of Humanities and Sciences, which combines the humanities and the sciences to create a cross-curriculum experience with flexible study levels and improved career opportunities.
Application Requirements
The application process for Singapore universities is relatively straightforward due to its emphasis on academic performance, and typically consists of filling up a short form. You can even view a sample of NUS’ university application form here, to see that the components consist of:
Academic Qualifications: You will have to upload your A-Level (or equivalent) qualifications into the application portal. This can be in the form of a scanned transcript, so make sure you keep a copy on hand!
Entrance Exams: These are typically only required for specific, competitive courses such as Medicine or Engineering. These include the Medicine Admissions Assessment, and BTech in Engineering Entrance Exam.
Aptitude-Based Admissions: Singapore has been gradually moving towards a more holistic approach to its university admissions. Recently, it implemented aptitude-based admissions, which considers the applicants’ profiles beyond their grades. This includes a series of short-answer questions regarding your participation in extracurriculars, leadership roles, or any further accomplishments such as entrepreneurship or athleticism.
Personal Statement and Supplementary Material: Depending on your university and course, some may require you to input a personal statement. It does not have to be exhaustive, but a helpful tip to keep in mind is to streamline your response to your passion and interest in your chosen field of study, and highlight any activities which contributed to this.
Application Deadlines
The application period for Singapore universities depends on the release of A-Level results. These are typically released anywhere from early to mid-February, meaning that most universities have their application deadlines anywhere between mid-March to mid-May. Make sure to check the specific deadlines based on your institution of choice, as some may close earlier than others!
Most Singapore universities also offer centralised portals for their applicants to apply, allowing you to save your progress and return to the form intermittently. Alternatively, other universities will allow you to apply directly via their websites, but this also varies between universities.
Key Features
Like the rest of the Singapore education system, its university admissions also place a great degree of emphasis on academic rigour. Most, if not all of the Singapore universities, release course-specific academic requirements for admission, which you can check against your A-Level grades if you have them, or set your goals accordingly!
United Kingdom (UK) University Application Process
Overview of UK University Admissions
In the UK, the application process is centralised through the UCAS system, which allows students to apply to up to five universities in a single application. To use it, you’ll just need to create an account on the UCAS platform, after which you’ll be able to browse and compare courses, submit your applications, and monitor your progress.
Typically the applications open in mid-May, with staggered deadlines. It’s important to note that the deadline for courses at Oxford and Cambridge, as well as most courses in medicine and dentistry, close in mid-October, before the final deadline in mid-January.
Application Requirements
For most UK universities, the application form consists of:
Academic Qualifications: You will need to provide your predicted A-Level grades or their equivalent. Most universities, like Oxford and Cambridge, also issue course-specific academic requirements, so do check your grades against them!
Personal Statement: For this section, you’ll need to provide focused and relevant answers to three structured questions with an upper limit of 4,000 characters. This is a great opportunity to demonstrate your passion and preparedness to pursue your chosen field of study, so make sure to delve into your motivations and your academic suitability to study at a higher level.
Reference Letters: To support your application, you’ll also need to include a written recommendation from a teacher or mentor who is familiar with your work and achievements. Ideally, they’ll be someone who you’ve worked with for at least one year, to be able to accurately testify to your progress and potential!
Additional Requirements and Admission Tests: More competitive courses, such as medicine or law, may require you to take their corresponding admissions tests, namely the UCAT and the LNAT. On the other hand, prestigious universities such as Oxford and Cambridge have instituted their own, discipline-specific admissions tests for most of their courses.
Application Deadlines
The UCAS application deadline is usually January 15, for most courses excluding those from Oxford, Cambridge, or medicine and dentistry. This general entry deadline requires you to submit your predicted grades, personal statement, and recommendation letters.
The offers you’ll receive will be based on these submissions, particularly your predicted grades and qualifications for your specific field of study. For instance, an engineering course at Oxford may require you to have achieved a stellar grade in Further Mathematics (also known as H2 Maths Singapore A-Level system), so do make sure to keep those entry requirements in mind as you apply!
Key Features
A distinguishing feature of the UK university application process is its emphasis on academic performance, alongside a demonstrated interest in the subject through your pursuit of ‘supercurriculars’. Supercurriculars are activities you’ve pursued beyond the classroom that are useful in demonstrating your interest in the subject and your drive or independence in taking it into your own hands. Ideally, these activities will help you develop a cohesive profile which exhibits both depth and sensitivity to current issues. You can go into detail on these activities in your personal statement, as this also helps to create a strong foundation for your interview, where you will likely be asked about them.
Interviews are a crucial part of the admissions process, though not every university in the UK conducts them. They are an opportunity for you to showcase your problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities, as you’ll have to expand on the elements of your profile while demonstrating a keen interest in your field. Interviews are typically held for courses in professional training degrees, such as medicine, dentistry, nursing, law, and social work.
On the other hand, some courses may require that you sit for entrance exams or admissions tests, to determine your academic eligibility for the course. These may include nationally-recognised tests such as the UCAT for medical courses, and the LNAT for law, or university-based course-specific entrance exams, such as Oxford University’s History Admissions Test (HAT). Your preparation strategy for these tests will be similar to what you’ve done for your own regular, school-based tests; from understanding the test format through doing research, revising regularly, and attempting practice tests to pinpoint areas of weakness.
United States (US) University Application Process
Overview of US University Admissions
Unlike Singapore and the UK, the US uses a decentralised system, meaning that students will apply individually to each university through portals like the Common App or Coalition App.
These portals are used to streamline the application process, by allowing students to fill in various components that will draw out a holistic view of each applicant. On the whole, this process considers not only your grades, but also your extracurricular activities, personal essays, and letters of recommendation.
Application Requirements
Here’s everything you can expect to find in a US university application form:
Academic Qualifications: You will need to submit a transcript of your grades, which can include the local A-Level or IB education systems, as these are internationally-recognised standards considered equivalent to a US high school diploma. However, you may need to convert your A-Level grades to their GPA counterparts. This will help you gain a more accurate impression of your academic standing, and provide admissions officers with a familiar metric with which to assess your potential.
SAT/ACT scores: Many schools will require you to submit your scores for the SAT or ACT, as these are standardised tests which help universities easily evaluate students across a variety of academic backgrounds. Some schools have implemented test-optional policies in recent years, so do make sure to check whether you need to sit for these exams as part of your admission.
Activities List: You’ll be asked to input information on up to ten extracurricular activities, which can help you build a well-rounded profile. This is a great opportunity to demonstrate your leadership skills, personal qualities, and interests outside the classroom. Ideally, these will also intersect with your awareness of current issues, such as those pertaining to the environment or socially marginalised groups, while highlighting your altruism and curiosity
Recommendation Letters: These will also help you build a holistic profile, by calling on the professional opinions of the educators in your life to testify on your academic performance, character, and drive. Ideally, you’ll want to ask a teacher or mentor who knows you well, and far in advance of the application deadline.
Personal Essays: Unlike the more subject-focused essays of the UK and Singapore systems, the US takes a more character-focused approach to the personal essay. Typically, they look for a cohesive, introspective narrative which highlights your personal growth, leadership, and curiosity. Typically, these essays are capped at about 650 words.
Application Process
When it comes to the application process, the US offers various deadlines. These are separated into Early Decision (ED), and Regular Decision (RD).
As the name suggests, ED allows you to apply for your preferred college early, in your final year of school. However, ED is unique in that it requires you to enter a binding agreement. This means that if you’re granted admission by that university, you will agree to accept the offer and withdraw yourself from consideration by other institutions. This route is something you could consider if you already have a school in mind that you’re prioritising, and compelling reasons for attending. It’s also important to note that ED admission rates tend to be higher than those at RD, given a smaller pool of stronger applicants.
On the other hand, RD allows you to apply to a mix of safety, target, and reach schools on a non-binding basis, granting you more flexibility and the opportunity to explore different routes. This can be useful, particularly if you’re undecided about the path you’d like to pursue, and want to keep your options open.
In the same vein, rolling admissions are also utilised by some universities. These allow you to submit your application materials within a flexible window, meaning that you would be able to apply and receive a decision earlier. This may come as early as mid-October, though you do not have to enter a binding agreement in this case. Instead, you can wait out the results from your other university choices, and make a decision come May. However, rolling admissions operate on a first come first serve basis until all of their spots are filled, so do make sure to keep that in mind!
Key Features
Above all, the most important thing to remember about the US university application process is that it is a holistic review. When admissions officers weigh your application, they take into consideration your grades, personal essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations. Below, we’ve included a guide to show you how top US universities weigh these factors in their candidates. With this in mind, it’s important to develop your profile as a whole, to show that you’re a strong, well-rounded applicant.
What to Do If You Are Planning to Apply to All Three Countries (SG, UK, US)
The Benefits of Applying to Multiple Countries
Applying to universities in a range of different countries can be quite helpful. Each country and its universities offer different experiences, and spreading your options will give you a broader range to choose from. Additionally, by hedging your bets strategically, you might even be able to increase your chances of acceptance. Ultimately, this will be beneficial and give you the chance to optimise your university experience by choosing the best-fitting program, location, and cultural experience.
Tips for Managing Applications to SG, UK, and US
As each of these three locations has its own university application process, it can be challenging to keep all of your plates spinning. To help you toggle between them, here are some helpful tips to consider:
Manage** and organise your deadlines**: As you’ll be dealing with three different processes, you’ll also have to keep abreast of the various deadlines. You can manage the stress of this by doing some research into these deadlines, or downloading and centralising them into a calendar, so you’ll never have to worry about missing a beat!
Tailor your application materials: Given that the UK, US, and Singapore all place different emphases on different elements of the university application process, you’ll want to make sure you’ve optimised your profile based on each of these requirements. For instance, you should ensure that your personal statement, and any supplementary essays or material are customised to reflect the specific expectations and formats of each country’s system.
Plan ahead: As each application process can be quite detailed, you’ll want to make sure to start early, to ensure that you not only meet the deadlines, but have enough time to refine your materials as much as possible. For instance, for schools in the US which still require you to sit the SAT or ACT, you’ll want to give yourself enough time to study and sit for the test before handing in your application.
Seek Expert Guidance: Navigating the international admissions process can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone! If you're feeling unsure about the entire application process or need help refining your profile and preparing for interviews, Crimson Education is here to support you. Our team of expert mentors and Former Admissions Officers (FAOs) offer personalised guidance every step of the way, ensuring your application is strong and meets the standards of each country’s system. Schedule a free consultation with us to find out how we can help support your academic journey.
We hope this blog has provided valuable insights into the international university application process. Remember, while each country has its own unique system, understanding the key differences can help you approach your application with confidence. Take your time to research, plan, and prepare—your academic journey is just beginning, and with the right guidance, you’ll be one step closer to achieving your goals. Best of luck as you embark on this exciting next chapter!
