Anonymous
04/07/2025 12:25
Subject: U of St Andrews - Admissions per State
Looking for input on St Andrews vs McGill as DS trying to decide between the two?
Anonymous
04/07/2025 11:58
Subject: Re:U of St Andrews - Admissions per State
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:We attended the in-person Offer Holders Day yesterday. Arrived in St Andrews on Friday morning, met up with a student (daughter of someone we know), wandered around the town the rest of Friday, spent yesterday doing Offer Holder activities, and spent this morning on a combination of breakfast, castle ruins and cathedral ruins before taking the train back to Edinburgh and on to EDI.
DD really enjoyed Offer Holders Day -- in addition to a campus tour, a Q&A with current students, residence hall tours, etc., they offered hour-long introductions to many of the courses (i.e., majors). We attended four (!) since one of the attractions for DD is that the first two years include "modules" in your course but also the opportunity to try other courses as well. And then the third and fourth years are spent mostly on your course requirements. DD did not apply for joint honors so she was partly trying on the idea of adding another course and partly just seeing what other kinds of classes are offered. Most of these introductions included a mini-lecture from department faculty, kind of a taste of what you would be learning, as well as an overview of the classes, requirements, etc.
There were admitted students from all over the world. We were lined up for registration behind a kid from Norway and in front of a kid from France; there were also lots of Americans, both admitted students and current students. The taxi driver who took us to Leuchers today said he never ran into students from the DMV -- the students he drives to the train (or the airport) tend to be New Yorkers and Texans.
The town is small. This could be a sticking point for DD. There are lots of coffeehouses, pubs, and a fair smattering of other restaurants for the size, but still small. And it feels remote. But also beautiful -- the beaches and the North Sea, in particular. We talked to several outdoorsy students who seem to really enjoy the location, do tons of hiking, etc.
Thank you for a great update!! What program is your daughter doing? My son was admitted to Mgmt and is really considering it. We toured it last year, but couldn’t go to admit day this weekend.
This time of year it is beautiful there! How did she feel there?
She applied for social anthropology and is thinking of adding international relations (if possible, given it is in high demand) or Spanish (seems very possible, if hours-heavy). Although she also likes the idea of doing a thesis, which she would be required to do if she took "single honors," so she isn't necessarily sold on a joint degree. She told me last night that she has decided she does want to go to a school outside the US, which means she is down to St Andrews, TCD and McGill. Academically, I think she is leaning St Andrews -- she like the lectures we heard, and the high expectations of students that were clearly articulated (I have no idea how that plays out in real life ....). And on Friday night we saw lots of students heading out for an event (or more than one), very dressed up, which I think was both surprising and intriguing to her. But as I noted above, I think the location might be a sticking point. She thought it was beautiful and enjoyed being there, but noted both the small size and the relative remoteness. Given that her other two options are in cities, which she prefers, I think she is really torn right now.
Anonymous
04/06/2025 20:39
Subject: Re:U of St Andrews - Admissions per State
Anonymous wrote:We attended the in-person Offer Holders Day yesterday. Arrived in St Andrews on Friday morning, met up with a student (daughter of someone we know), wandered around the town the rest of Friday, spent yesterday doing Offer Holder activities, and spent this morning on a combination of breakfast, castle ruins and cathedral ruins before taking the train back to Edinburgh and on to EDI.
DD really enjoyed Offer Holders Day -- in addition to a campus tour, a Q&A with current students, residence hall tours, etc., they offered hour-long introductions to many of the courses (i.e., majors). We attended four (!) since one of the attractions for DD is that the first two years include "modules" in your course but also the opportunity to try other courses as well. And then the third and fourth years are spent mostly on your course requirements. DD did not apply for joint honors so she was partly trying on the idea of adding another course and partly just seeing what other kinds of classes are offered. Most of these introductions included a mini-lecture from department faculty, kind of a taste of what you would be learning, as well as an overview of the classes, requirements, etc.
There were admitted students from all over the world. We were lined up for registration behind a kid from Norway and in front of a kid from France; there were also lots of Americans, both admitted students and current students. The taxi driver who took us to Leuchers today said he never ran into students from the DMV -- the students he drives to the train (or the airport) tend to be New Yorkers and Texans.
The town is small. This could be a sticking point for DD. There are lots of coffeehouses, pubs, and a fair smattering of other restaurants for the size, but still small. And it feels remote. But also beautiful -- the beaches and the North Sea, in particular. We talked to several outdoorsy students who seem to really enjoy the location, do tons of hiking, etc.
Thank you for a great update!! What program is your daughter doing? My son was admitted to Mgmt and is really considering it. We toured it last year, but couldn’t go to admit day this weekend.
This time of year it is beautiful there! How did she feel there?
Anonymous
04/06/2025 19:25
Subject: Re:U of St Andrews - Admissions per State
We attended the in-person Offer Holders Day yesterday. Arrived in St Andrews on Friday morning, met up with a student (daughter of someone we know), wandered around the town the rest of Friday, spent yesterday doing Offer Holder activities, and spent this morning on a combination of breakfast, castle ruins and cathedral ruins before taking the train back to Edinburgh and on to EDI.
DD really enjoyed Offer Holders Day -- in addition to a campus tour, a Q&A with current students, residence hall tours, etc., they offered hour-long introductions to many of the courses (i.e., majors). We attended four (!) since one of the attractions for DD is that the first two years include "modules" in your course but also the opportunity to try other courses as well. And then the third and fourth years are spent mostly on your course requirements. DD did not apply for joint honors so she was partly trying on the idea of adding another course and partly just seeing what other kinds of classes are offered. Most of these introductions included a mini-lecture from department faculty, kind of a taste of what you would be learning, as well as an overview of the classes, requirements, etc.
There were admitted students from all over the world. We were lined up for registration behind a kid from Norway and in front of a kid from France; there were also lots of Americans, both admitted students and current students. The taxi driver who took us to Leuchers today said he never ran into students from the DMV -- the students he drives to the train (or the airport) tend to be New Yorkers and Texans.
The town is small. This could be a sticking point for DD. There are lots of coffeehouses, pubs, and a fair smattering of other restaurants for the size, but still small. And it feels remote. But also beautiful -- the beaches and the North Sea, in particular. We talked to several outdoorsy students who seem to really enjoy the location, do tons of hiking, etc.
DD really enjoyed Offer Holders Day -- in addition to a campus tour, a Q&A with current students, residence hall tours, etc., they offered hour-long introductions to many of the courses (i.e., majors). We attended four (!) since one of the attractions for DD is that the first two years include "modules" in your course but also the opportunity to try other courses as well. And then the third and fourth years are spent mostly on your course requirements. DD did not apply for joint honors so she was partly trying on the idea of adding another course and partly just seeing what other kinds of classes are offered. Most of these introductions included a mini-lecture from department faculty, kind of a taste of what you would be learning, as well as an overview of the classes, requirements, etc.
There were admitted students from all over the world. We were lined up for registration behind a kid from Norway and in front of a kid from France; there were also lots of Americans, both admitted students and current students. The taxi driver who took us to Leuchers today said he never ran into students from the DMV -- the students he drives to the train (or the airport) tend to be New Yorkers and Texans.
The town is small. This could be a sticking point for DD. There are lots of coffeehouses, pubs, and a fair smattering of other restaurants for the size, but still small. And it feels remote. But also beautiful -- the beaches and the North Sea, in particular. We talked to several outdoorsy students who seem to really enjoy the location, do tons of hiking, etc.
Anonymous
04/06/2025 18:36
Subject: U of St Andrews - Admissions per State
Anonymous wrote:we are in Houston, but another option here is Air Canada to Toronto and then direct to Edinburgh. It is basically a straight line from Tx to Scotland stopping in Toronto or Montreal. I believe Air Canada is also adding a flight to Edinburgh.
Just not sure if the inconvenience of not being able to check in bags directly to Edi from Texas by stopping in Canada and having to go through immigration there first is worth it.
For a roughly 3-day weekend visit, I cannot imagine any reason to need a large bag. Just take a backpack or rollaboard.
Anonymous
04/06/2025 18:26
Subject: U of St Andrews - Admissions per State
Anonymous wrote:DD was rejected at Sta. for a joint Honors program.
1500 SAT, 3.7 UW. He is in NYU, but really wanted to go to Scotland. Oh well. Good luck to those still waiting to hear from Sta.
Sorry. Hope he is not too bummed. His numbers were great though. I am sure he will thrive at NYU.
Anonymous
04/06/2025 16:45
Subject: U of St Andrews - Admissions per State
we are in Houston, but another option here is Air Canada to Toronto and then direct to Edinburgh. It is basically a straight line from Tx to Scotland stopping in Toronto or Montreal. I believe Air Canada is also adding a flight to Edinburgh.
Just not sure if the inconvenience of not being able to check in bags directly to Edi from Texas by stopping in Canada and having to go through immigration there first is worth it.
Just not sure if the inconvenience of not being able to check in bags directly to Edi from Texas by stopping in Canada and having to go through immigration there first is worth it.
Anonymous
04/05/2025 13:57
Subject: U of St Andrews - Admissions per State
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I think there are still daily non-stop flights to EDI on United. Fly out Friday and return either Sunday or Monday.
From there either rent a car or take the train to Leuchars station. If the train, from Leuchars take the 99 bus towards StA town.
It is a very small town. It has 3 main streets in parallel. One can see the whole town and uni in a single day. B&Bs should be readily available since it is not Golf season.
Unfortunately from Texas is a little more of a pain in the butt….DFW to JFK/ATL/BOS and then EDI or DFW to LHR/DUB/KEF then EDI…
I would not route via KEF. Not enough backup flights if irregular ops. If on AA, then I probably would route either via JFK or LHR.
You are right. For a while I have a done a lot of DFW-LHR and then Edinburgh since I was consulting there for a client for 3 months. But after the 4th flight I realized the PAIN that it is to do customs in London and then go from Terminal 3 to 5 at Heathrow. I tried one time to do DFW-JFK and then EDI and it was a much more pleasant experience. First, check in directly to EDI. 2nd much easier transfer at JFK not having to deal with the BS in London from Terminal 3 to 5.
If you dont have direct flights to EDI in your market, I highly recommend going to another direct US mkt first instead of going to London first.
With that said, last year I played at St Andrews and I did a DFW London light and then Loganair to Dundee on at ATR….that was interesting…..took longer in London, but ended up 15 mins from St Andrews vs 1:15 from EDI.
Anonymous
04/05/2025 09:31
Subject: U of St Andrews - Admissions per State
Also, Google Maps can be useful. StA town is quite easy to look at between satellite view and their street views.
Eat lunch at "The Central" because it is the largest pub in town and is frequented by the students/faculty. One can get a bit of the vibe by eating there at lunch (or maybe dinner).
Get a university map, probably available for download online.
Eat lunch at "The Central" because it is the largest pub in town and is frequented by the students/faculty. One can get a bit of the vibe by eating there at lunch (or maybe dinner).
Get a university map, probably available for download online.
Anonymous
04/05/2025 08:32
Subject: U of St Andrews - Admissions per State
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I think there are still daily non-stop flights to EDI on United. Fly out Friday and return either Sunday or Monday.
From there either rent a car or take the train to Leuchars station. If the train, from Leuchars take the 99 bus towards StA town.
It is a very small town. It has 3 main streets in parallel. One can see the whole town and uni in a single day. B&Bs should be readily available since it is not Golf season.
Unfortunately from Texas is a little more of a pain in the butt….DFW to JFK/ATL/BOS and then EDI or DFW to LHR/DUB/KEF then EDI…
I would not route via KEF. Not enough backup flights if irregular ops. If on AA, then I probably would route either via JFK or LHR.
Anonymous
04/04/2025 22:47
Subject: U of St Andrews - Admissions per State
Anonymous wrote:I think there are still daily non-stop flights to EDI on United. Fly out Friday and return either Sunday or Monday.
From there either rent a car or take the train to Leuchars station. If the train, from Leuchars take the 99 bus towards StA town.
It is a very small town. It has 3 main streets in parallel. One can see the whole town and uni in a single day. B&Bs should be readily available since it is not Golf season.
Unfortunately from Texas is a little more of a pain in the butt….DFW to JFK/ATL/BOS and then EDI or DFW to LHR/DUB/KEF then EDI…
Anonymous
04/04/2025 18:16
Subject: U of St Andrews - Admissions per State
Anonymous wrote:I think there are still daily non-stop flights to EDI on United. Fly out Friday and return either Sunday or Monday.
From there either rent a car or take the train to Leuchars station. If the train, from Leuchars take the 99 bus towards StA town.
It is a very small town. It has 3 main streets in parallel. One can see the whole town and uni in a single day. B&Bs should be readily available since it is not Golf season.
Thanks.
Anonymous
04/04/2025 13:16
Subject: U of St Andrews - Admissions per State
I think there are still daily non-stop flights to EDI on United. Fly out Friday and return either Sunday or Monday.
From there either rent a car or take the train to Leuchars station. If the train, from Leuchars take the 99 bus towards StA town.
It is a very small town. It has 3 main streets in parallel. One can see the whole town and uni in a single day. B&Bs should be readily available since it is not Golf season.
From there either rent a car or take the train to Leuchars station. If the train, from Leuchars take the 99 bus towards StA town.
It is a very small town. It has 3 main streets in parallel. One can see the whole town and uni in a single day. B&Bs should be readily available since it is not Golf season.
Anonymous
04/04/2025 12:10
Subject: Re:U of St Andrews - Admissions per State
Anonymous wrote:Has anybody had luck with getting their deadline to accept extended? My daughter’s is April 15, but she hasn’t had the opportunity to visit yet.
I agree. I think there is zero chance to get that extended. They need to know so that they can offer other internationals.
You can just accept and then not deposit. That buys you another 4 weeks.
Anonymous
04/04/2025 11:08
Subject: Re:U of St Andrews - Admissions per State
Anonymous wrote:Has anybody had luck with getting their deadline to accept extended? My daughter’s is April 15, but she hasn’t had the opportunity to visit yet.
VERY unlikely to be extended. You really need to either put down the deposit, get on a plane, or move on…