I decided to study in America after my curiosity for alternatives to Oxbridge was aroused. When my AS level results came out I browsed American university websites and found myself motivated to complete an application to Harvard. The lists of extracurricular opportunities were almost overwhelming and I loved the idea of Harvard’s international status and diverse assortment of students.

I completed the application in six weeks and generally found the process to be more toil than challenge. Although the SAT exams ( the standardised US tests for college admission) are long, the multiple-choice format is not too difficult. However, I needed advice from those familiar with the American system in order to write my application essays, as the focus on personal character means they are completely different from the more academic British essays.

I was accepted and have spent the past two years at Harvard, which have passed at whirlwind speed. In my first semester, I found myself being taught by a Pulitzer prizewinner and was submerged in a level of work comparable to the A-level cramming period.

I soon became accustomed to feeling star-struck, as incredible achievements among faculty and students are the norm, while renowned figures, including Al Gore and Ban Ki-moon, frequently visit to give talks to students.

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I don’t know a single Harvard student who is content with merely tackling the immense amount of work, and most take on two or three serious extracurricular activities. My own biggest commitment is as a journalist for the opinion section of the college newspaper, The Harvard Crimson. The daily paper owns its own printing press and presents an incredible opportunity to practise professional journalism.

Living on another continent has had a major impact on my university experience. In addition to having to adjust to a new set of customs and being a foreigner, I have gained perspective on Britain’s place in the world. My close friends from New Zealand, Brazil and Egypt mean I no longer consider English customs, education and politics to be standard practice and have been exposed to a huge variety of cultural backgrounds.

Life at Harvard can sometimes seem overwhelming, simply because of the range of opportunities on offer. However, the breadth of my university experiences and the diversity of students I meet mean that the challenge is worthwhile.

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