American Student Loan, UK College?

[nicolev 3]

I am an American student currently in my Senior year of high school. I am looking to study in England for various reasons.

I was originally going to attend a University in London which I've been told I have a 99.9% chance of attending based on many different things. But, I've been looking into this education situation, and I feel as though perhaps I would prefer to first go to College and then University, as I would prefer to receive the most out of an education as possible, and, considering the fact that everyone else in an English University would have completed their A-Levels already once beginning University, whereas I will have not ... well, I just feel as though I would feel a bit out of place. (whoa, run on sentence!) It's a personal feeling and preference, I do realise that to many this will not make any sense at all. But, it's how I feel, and it is what it is.

I do realise that in most people's eyes, the smart thing to do would be to just simply go directly to University. Currently, I know what I want to do, and I shall do what I wish to do. There's no need to give me suggestions on that, as that's not what I'm here for. :')

My concern is about the fees for college. I have done my research, and for the College which I wish to attend, the fee for A-Level Courses for an International student is 5,700 GBP. I do not have this exact amount of money saved up, so I was wondering if I could perhaps receive a student loan here at home as I would have had I attended a school here. I know that at American Universities in the UK (yes, a few do exist), student loans are immediately accepted as, technically, you are attending an American school.

My question is, if I get a student loan here, will I be able to use it at College? I do realise that this may be case-specific, so I am going to contact the school directly to find out, most likely tomorrow. Regardless, I just figured I would ask here in case someone has a general idea on this, or could point me in the direction of someone or something which explains this.

Thank you!

Edited January 16, 2012 by nicolev

[dustingthestars 9]

My thoughts to you would be to finish your Senior year at High School and then go to University in the UK.

As a Brit, and a teacher to boot, getting A-Levels for free is a waste, let alone paying nearly $6000 for one. I'm sure you could get a loan/scholarship to study at a British University once you've finished High School, but I doubt you'd get a loan/scholarship to study what is essentially the same as your Senior year at High School, which is provided to you for free I assume?

Good luck in your future studies, whatever you choose to do.

Edited January 16, 2012 by dustingthestars

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

There would very likely be many other international students who will not have done A-levels, so you wouldn't be the only one. If you feel pretty confident that you would be accepted (I assume you have already spoken to someone in admissions)based on your high school studies in the US, I don't really see the point.

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

I'll echo the others on this. My brother (USC) went back to study archaeology at UCL as a mature student. There was absolutely NO problem with him not having A-levels, and UCL accepted his high school diploma with no issues. He's now on to working on his PhD there, so it's clearly not been an impediment! British universities are used to dealing with people with qualifications from all over the world.

As for the loans, perhaps the best thing to do would be to talk to your college counselor at school. He or she may not have the answer to hand, but should be able to help you with a little research. Take advantage of the resource while you have access to it.