18 year-old Lucinda Denney, an A-level student from Blackpool, is one of 12 students already offered places at leading US universities, thanks to the Sutton Trust summer school. As our guest blogger today, she reflects on going to Yale.

When I was accepted to the Sutton Trust’s US Summer School Programme, I could never have even imagined the opportunities that would come as a result of being part of such an unprecedented and truly outstanding scheme.

The experience of travelling to America for the first time, staying at and visiting some of America’s most prestigious universities, having tea at the British Consulate, watching a show on Broadway and then, after I returned to the UK, having to undertake the extensive American application system and prepare for standardised testing was simply a whirlwind of excitement, joy, stress and pure satisfaction.

Despite the ups and downs of the process, the trials and tribulations, one thing did remain a constant: there is no way I would ever have been able to apply to university in the US, and get into Yale no less, without the help of the Sutton Trust and the US-UK Fulbright Commission.

The advice, dedication and sheer commitment of every single member of the team provided me with the support I needed to get through such a demanding process and come out the other side having fulfilled every dream I ever had when I set out on this programme back in the summer of 2012.

I made the decision to apply to university in America because their universities don’t just look at your academic results. They place a far greater value upon what makes a person who they are, the activities they enjoy, the things that inspire them, what drives them, and their past achievements and accomplishments. It cannot be said that universities in the US aren’t known for their superior academic excellence, as they regularly top world university rankings, but it is also the diversity and sheer talent that composes their student bodies that made me want to be a part of such a prestigious university system.

I feel that, before I have even started my time at Yale, that due to being a part of this process and by simply applying to American universities I have gained a sense of independence, the realisation that nothing is ever impossible if you give it your all, a greater feeling of self-worth in my own capabilities and achievements, and most importantly memories and friendships that will undoubtedly last a lifetime.

I found out on December 16th 2012 at 10pm that I had been accepted to Yale as part of their Class of 2017. Although that night is now quite I blur, I do remember the moment the Yale bulldog sung its song of congratulations to me and when I went on to read the Dean’s letter of acceptance.

I was overcome by emotion but I can honestly say that it really was one of the best moments of my life as it made me realise that all of my hard work and commitment to my studies and my extra-curricular activities had finally paid off and I would be hopefully heading off to the university of my dreams in the fall of 2013.