u/Comfortable-Rip689

I’m a UK student looking for some honest advice on my chances of getting into a US university (and whether financial aid is realistic). I want to major in Marketing and possibly minor in media/advertising

My background:

•	GCSEs: 5, 5-6 (combined), 6, 6, 6, 6, 8

•	Currently doing a Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketing Apprenticeship (finishing Feb 2027), will be in full time    work once I get qualified.

•	Qualification is roughly equivalent to 2 A-levels

•	Will be applying for Fall 2027 entry

Extracurriculars:

•	Competitive Allstar Cheerleading

•	Worked on TEDx-related projects

•	Marketing apprenticeship (real work experience in digital marketing)

(Also launching a non profit next month)

Questions:

1.	How competitive is my profile for US universities?

2.	Are there specific universities that might suit my background?

3.	How realistic is getting financial aid as an international student like me?

4.	Does my apprenticeship help or hurt my application compared to A-level students?

I’d really appreciate any honest feedback or suggestions, especially from other international students or people familiar with US admissions.

I’m a UK student looking for some honest advice on my chances of getting into a US university. I want to major in Marketing and potentially minor in media /advertising.

My background:

- GCSEs: 5, 6-5(combined science), 6, 6, 6, 6, 8

- Currently doing a Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketing Apprenticeship (finishing Feb 2027) I will most likely go into full time work in this field once the apprenticeship is finished

- Qualification is roughly equivalent to 2 A-levels

- Will be applying for Fall 2027 entry

Extracurriculars:

- Competitive Allstar Cheerleading

- Worked on TEDx-related projects

- Marketing apprenticeship (real work experience in digital marketing)

(I’m also working on a non profit, this will launch next month)

Questions:

1.	How competitive is my profile for US universities?

2.	Are there specific universities that might suit my background?

3.	How realistic is getting financial aid as an international student like me?

4.	Does my apprenticeship help or hurt my application compared to A-level students?

I’d really appreciate any honest feedback or suggestions especially from other international students or people familiar with US admissions.