Getting to Know US Universities
5 October 2024 - All
During the beginning of the Autumn Term, Wycombe Abbey pupils had the opportunity to meet representatives from 12 universities from the United States. A diverse range of institutions visited, from the small liberal arts school Dartmouth College to the large research institution Rutgers University. Their visit coincided with a time when our own picturesque campus, with its autumn foliage, closely resembled the scenes depicted on many university brochures, showing pupils studying under maple trees or walking across a sunny, fall campus quad, just like those currently being mailed to pupils across the US. These visits provide a vitally important opportunity for the pupils to learn directly from the university’s admissions representatives about what sets their institution apart and, more generally, what selective universities are looking for in an application.
In September, 19 pupils travelled to Eton College to meet representatives from the University of Chicago and Emory University for a small group presentation and Q&A. We also received Wake Forest University, Northeastern University, Rutgers University, University of Vermont, and the University of Minnesota to the School for a mini university fair where pupils were invited to Fisher Library and speak with each counsellor to learn more and introduce themselves.
Just last week, over 65 Wycombe Abbey pupils, along with ten of our Etonian neighbours, welcomed admissions representatives from Dartmouth College, Duke University, Georgetown University, Northwestern University, and Vanderbilt University; all of whom gave captivating overviews of just what sets them apart and what their beautiful campuses have to offer. Perhaps the pupils’ favourite part was the opportunity to ask these five top-ranked universities questions like ‘How do I make my personal statement stand out?’ and ‘How does your university review the SAT/ACT?’. With the acceptance rates in the room hovering around 6%, the answers were met with bated breath and the sound of eager notes being taken. Pupils walked away from the evening with new ideas of what university in the US could look like and having made important connections with some of their most favoured institutions.
Over the course of the year, pupils will continue to have the opportunity to learn more about studying abroad through events such as college fairs, presentations, and expert talks from guest speakers. Should you have questions or want to learn more, please contact [email protected].
Mr Kenny Scupp
Head of US and International Universities
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