In the summer of 2025, Godalming College student Karina secured a place on the US Sutton Trust programme, an opportunity designed to support and inspire UK students considering higher education in the United States. The programme is highly competitive, with around 150 students being selected each year from over 1300 applicants. The first part of the experience for Karina was a week-long trip to the US, exploring a range of universities and gaining first-hand insight into student life overseas.
During her visit, she travelled across several cities and campuses, including a memorable visit to Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. The programme not only provided valuable exposure to American universities but also offered guidance on the application process and what it takes to study abroad.
With a growing interest in environmental and geographical studies, Karina continued to work hard towards her goals. That dedication paid off and she secured a place at Smith College, a prestigious women’s college in Northampton, Massachusetts, alongside a generous financial aid package.
She credits much of her success to the support she received along the way, particularly from Adam Duce, the Director of Student Futures at Godalming, whose guidance was instrumental throughout the application process.
We caught up with Karina to find out more…
How did you feel when you found out you’d secured a place on such a competitive programme?
I was totally shocked when I read the e-mail regarding my acceptance onto the programme. I found out about the opportunity quite late and my application was completed close to the deadline, and so I did not expect to be successful. The shock was immediately followed by excitement though, and it felt like a huge honour to represent not just myself, but the wider college community on such a large-scale.
What differences did you notice between the UK and US university systems?
In the US, there are different types of universities, such as research universities and liberal arts colleges. I have found that liberal arts colleges especially offer a much different experience than UK universities; they are much smaller, undergraduate-focused, and their curriculum is much broader. Students are allowed and even encouraged to take classes across various disciplines. UK universities, and education generally, require students to specialise and hone specific skills from a young age, hence I found the idea of a liberal arts education a breath of fresh air. Through conversing with alumni, I have learned that US professors tend to be more actively involved in their students’ educational experience, which is ideal for students who prefer a more structured, supportive environment.
What advice would you give to other students considering applying to study in the US?
My biggest piece of advice would be to just go for it! I never imagined that I would have such an opportunity, but it is truly accessible, even to those with high financial need. If you are prepared to put in the hard work and meet the academic criteria of these universities, you will have a fantastic chance of admission. The barriers to studying at US university that you may currently be imagining may not exist or be barriers at all – US universities can provide incredibly generous financial aid where it is needed and deserved, and have great support systems available for first-generation, international, and minority groups. Although it may feel daunting, you will also receive lots of support from your teachers and relevant teams at Godalming College.
How did the Student Futures Team and Adam help you through the process?
Since my university route was atypical compared to most students at Godalming College, I was a bit nervous and unsure about how I would be supported through the process, however, I have only positive things to say about Adam and the Student Futures Team as a whole. Adam was incredibly professional throughout and I feel so lucky to have had him as my mentor during this unfamiliar, demanding experience. He was always accessible to me, whether I was popping in for an in-person chat or communicating virtually. Adam was extremely reliable, meeting all deadlines and liaising with teachers on my behalf when needed, and produced strong supporting materials for my application which were instrumental to my success.
What attracted you to Smith College, and how did it feel to receive your offer?
Smith College was one of eight universities that I got to experience physically last summer, as part of my week-long trip to the US. I was initially drawn to the campus, which is very green and walkable. Smith implements a unique housing system where students reside in one of forty houses and complexes, with varying sizes and architectural styles. This smaller-scale living and having the chance to connect with others under my roof was really appealing to me. I was also drawn in by the friendliness and confidence of the students there, experiencing firsthand the uplifting, empowering atmosphere curated by historically-women’s colleges like Smith. Receiving my acceptance was honestly a dream come true and hard for me to believe for a while after.
"We are delighted that Karina is able to pursue this fantastic opportunity to study in the US. It's clear that her preference for a broader, interdisciplinary education is possible at Smith College and we wish her the best of luck!" – Adam Duce, Director of Student Futures