We sometimes hear from students who want to apply but are worried that our service is "too good to be true." Across the Pond can offer this unique free service, because our funding is provided directly by the UK partner universities that have appointed us to represent them in the US. This means that applicants will never be asked to provide Across the Pond with any payment details.  All of our advice and help is free because our partners have asked us to help promote them in North America and to help students apply to study at their colleges.  We are listed as approved overseas representatives on the majority of our partners' websites.  For examples, please see: Oxford Brookes, Newcastle, Southampton, York, Liverpool, UEA, Kent.

No. We believe that by using our service you will increase your chances of acceptance, because we make sure that you are applying to universities that match your subject preferences and academic ability. We also work with you to ensure that your application is completely correctly and that you submit all necessary supporting documents.  We often help students when compiling their application, particularly with their resume/CV and personal statement, to ensure it meets the standard required by UK universities.  All final decisions are made by the Admissions teams at each university and decisions are based on your own academic qualifications, standardized test results, personal statement and reference(s), and for some a portfolio of work or audition tape.

Yes. All of our British partner universities accept US student loans.

Yes, you need a student visa to study in the UK (be it England, Scotland or Wales). Our advisors will help guide you through the tier 4 student visa process and liaise with our university partners to help facilitate the process for you.

No. All of our partner universities vary and so it is best to check with us on the exact requirements needed. Department entry grades vary within the universities and can be higher than the minimum requirements of a university. Do contact our advisors for more details.

You can work for up to 20 hours a week while you study in the UK. A normal student salary is between $8 - $10 per hour. For more information, please visit the UK Border Agency (UKBA) website.

Across the Pond's UK partner universities offer a careers and jobs service to guide you through the process of finding a job while you study. Their guidance service includes but is not limited to the following:

• listings and full details on recent job adverts both on campus and in the local community
• advice for writing CVs and completing job applications
• support and help on preparing for job interviews
• information on the UK job market