Bonnie MacRae, studying at Harris Academy, Dundee, reflects on her US Summer School experience.

It’s truly remarkable to see how much can change on the basis of one impromptu decision. Exams were on the horizon, and I was supposed to be researching for my upcoming biology assignment. Instead, I found myself trawling the internet for information on US scholarships and their requirements.

For as long as I’ve known, the US has been my number one choice. Cheesy I know, but the chance of spending four years in the land of opportunity has never left my mind. Yet, with the internet being so vast, I found it extremely difficult to narrow down the correct information and believed my ‘American Dream’ was just that: a dream.

About to return to my biology revision, I clicked search one more time and then miraculously appeared – ‘The Sutton Trust’. Curious to find out more, I investigated and studied their website, which only led me to another page describing the successes of ‘The Sutton Trust US Programme’ – and it was this discovery that changed everything. Before I knew it, I had applied as a potential participant to their fifth cohort. Only just making the deadline, it was difficult to see myself gaining a place, alongside 3000 other initial applicants. I nervously awaited my fate, although I never expected anything more than an email disclosing my rejection.

Yet here I am now, sitting in my bedroom in sunny Scotland writing this post, still slightly jet lagged after returning home from a week in the States at Yale University (as you do). After watching YouTube videos, looking at Flickr pictures from previous years and hearing from the Team Leaders, I knew of the excitement to come yet, little did I realise just how much fun we would have.

A seven hour train journey followed by a seven and a half hour plane ride meant that my fellow Scots and I were exhausted. However, the exhilaration when landing at JFK kept us going for the next few hours. Upon arriving at Yale we ate pizza on the lawn and were greeted by some really enthusiastic Yale students who welcomed us to Connecticut.

The next few days were to be jam-packed. We were treated to a campus tour, visited the art gallery and even got a chance to explore the bookstore and other shops on Broadway, where I took the opportunity to laden myself down with Yale merchandise. I learned that frisbee is a big thing in America, as well as portion size…I definitely did not go hungry!

One thing that significantly stood out to me during the trip was how friendly and welcoming people were. From the joyous woman scanning our dining cards each day to the bus driver who allowed us to sing “New York, New York” at the top of our voices as we approached the city. There was never a time when I didn’t feel like I wasn’t meant to be there. It truly felt like home.

We had the opportunity to visit some of the best and well-known universities in the world including Ivy League institutions like Princeton and Columbia. However, we were also lucky to explore a variety of other liberal arts and women’s colleges such as Smith and Amherst. This was a great benefit as it allowed me to become aware of the differences between such institutions, and provided me with some perspective as to where I might see myself studying for four years. Every admissions officer we met and every campus that we toured gave us an insight into life in the States and provided me with an even greater longing to be there.

One of the most enjoyable sessions occurred on our first full day at Yale where we took part in a mock admissions event with Keith Light, the Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions. We were given two applicants and in groups, were to decide who to admit to Yale based on their applications. This exercise I found especially valuable as we were given an insight into an admissions officer’s head, what they look for in a candidate, tips and advice for international students and how they go about making their decisions.

This session truly emphasised the idea of a ‘holistic approach’. In the UK, university admissions focus mainly on grades and a short, very general personal statement. The US however, offers a much wider and comprehensive approach. Everything from extra-curricular activities to essays and teacher recommendations all play a part in the admissions process – a technique universities use when selecting a diverse and distinctive student body.

Although every activity and session we participated in was amazing in its own way, the one thing that holds most significance to me was stepping out onto the deck of the Top of the Rockefeller. It was raining and slightly overcast but that didn’t matter; because we were there. Who would’ve thought after that initial last minute application, I be standing with the world at my feet.

I looked down upon New York with great hope and awe, as the ant-sized taxis and bustling pavements continued on, it was then that I stopped to take it in. With the help of the Sutton Trust, in one week I had experienced what many could only dream of, what I could only dream of. The breathtaking sight of the city was the best way to conclude our trip as it fully put into perspective how far we had all come, as well as the opportunities that lie ahead.

Before this trip, I always had the desire to study in the US. Upon returning, I can say that this aspiration has only further grown in intensity. Experiencing some of the world’s finest institutions alongside such extraordinary people who I never would have known outside of this programme, has only heightened my inclination towards the US.

After touring and meeting with some of the most established universities, I find it hard to see myself settling for anything less. Through my exposure to life on the other side of the pond, the Sutton Trust has equipped me with the belief and the confidence towards attaining my once-dreams. Because from now on, they are not only dreams but  real prospects. Valid prospects that will guide me far, wherever I may go.