Applying to universities in both the US and UK means navigating two very different systems. Here’s how the Common App and UCAS actually compare.
| Feature | Common App (US) | UCAS (UK) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of schools | Apply to many, no fixed limit | Maximum of five choices |
| Essay | One personal essay, plus school-specific supplements | One personal statement sent to all five choices |
| Subject focus | Often undecided or general | Must apply to a specific course/subject |
| Recommendations | Typically two teachers plus a counselor | One reference, usually from a school |
| Decision timing | Varies widely, often rolling or regular decision | Structured deadlines, often with conditional offers |
The Biggest Mental Shift
US applications reward breadth: activities, essays, and a personal narrative across many aspects of your life. UK applications reward depth: sustained, demonstrable interest in one specific subject area, expressed in a single, tightly focused personal statement.
Applying to Both Systems at Once
Students applying to both should draft their UCAS personal statement first, since its subject-specific focus can help clarify the intended major or field referenced across Common App supplemental essays too.