A Very Fast Offer from The University of York!

We were recently delighted to interview a Dulwich International High School Suzhou Student called Anny G, who was recently very surprised to receive an early offer to study Economics at the University of York in the UK! 

The University of York

The University of York is one of the UK's prestigious Russell Group universities. The Russell Group in the UK is, broadly speaking, the equivalent of the Ivy League in the USA. The Russel Group is a group of 24 research-focussed UK universities. 

Anny was a softly spoken and shy student that did not wish to be photographed for this article. She explained that she was surprised to get an offer from the University of York so quickly. She originally applied to study at York, partly because of the quality of the campus, but also because the entry requirement was ABB. However, the offer she has received is AAB. Mark Coyle, Anny’s university counsellor explained that the grade requirements are currently rising for UK Universities, making them significantly harder to get into. But she was drawn to the superior level of education that Russell Group Universities offer and is committed to improving her grades.

Anny was very enthusiastic about economics. She explained that it was her favourite subject and told us that she loved the way that answers to economics questions were never black and white. That, in economics, there was always space for creative thinking and critical analysis. Anny had never studied economics before coming to Dulwich, and this flexibility of thought was a new experience for her. Anny explained that her interests were primarily in green issues, sustainability and Global Citizenship. She was also heavily involved in the Dulwich Student Leadership conference.

Anny told us that Mr. Coyle (her university counsellor and alum from York University himself!) was a great help when it came to editing her personal statement, which was a key factor in York making such a quick offer to Anny. As a particularly bright student, she has also applied to Study economics at Cambridge University in the UK. Her advice to our year 10 students was short and concise. Study more past examination papers, so you can prepare for what you will face in real exams! We wish Anny every success in the future!

After talking to Anny, Mr. Coyle shared the following information about the international university admissions process, highlighting some interesting and significant differences between countries:

UK

Some universities will respond to students really fast. The Russell group level, like Manchester and Sheffield for example will normally reply quickly but the older universities will make everyone wait! Imperial and UCL normally respond in February or later for some popular subjects like Computer Science or Maths. LSE, St Andrews and Edinburgh are also famous for late replies – be patient for the top, top offers! Our advice is to apply to UCAS early, when your Personal Statement is ready, and be prepared to wait for the offers.

USA

ED (Early Decision) applications are mostly due on November first and the offers come back in late December. The EA offers are normally a little after this. The normal applications (regular or rolling admissions) will be much, much later in March. Be patient and make sure the grades don’t fall! Students have to send the universities the transcript for this semester and next semester- your grades cannot fall! Our advice is to make sure you meet the deadlines set and prepare for a long wait!

Canada

It really depends on the universities and programs. Toronto and UBC normally come back in December but last year came back much later – making some parents nervous! Other universities like Western or Alberta can reply quickly.

Asia

Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore will all come back in early 2022 – with Singapore sometimes not giving offers until the grades come out from the exam boards.

Australia

Australian universities work on a January-January Academic Year so our students can apply in March or April for the following year – but normally the universities will give conditional offers very quickly.