About me

Having spent over a decade helping US students to study in the UK, I know that university admissions can be very challenging. 2021 saw a 48% growth in UK applications from US students; the largest proportional increase in applicants of any major nation! Furthermore, the number of placed applicants increased by 32%; yet, frustratingly, there is still limited information and support for interested families.

I decided to do something about it and created UK College Admissions so that families and counsellors can access the information they need. I offer comprehensive guidance for a US audience, all located in one single place, and in an easy to access format.

Whether you’re starting from scratch, or already have some knowledge about the UK, I will provide you with relevant information, enhance your understanding and enable you to make informed choices.

Meet Gary Coulter

Gary Coulter

Founder & Director

I have worked in international student recruitment for 13 years and have spent the last 11 years supporting North American students interested in studying in the UK. Having met hundreds of families from North America over this period, I have come to appreciate the frustrations that students, parents and counselors encounter in trying to make sense of UK Higher Education, its suitability for students and the application process. Prompted by this lack of easily accessible information for North American counselors and families, I founded UK College Admissions, hoping to provide a comprehensive overview of UK Higher Education and applications in an easy to follow format.

I have a BA Hons degree in History and Spanish and outside of work I am a keen amateur rugby player, captaining my local team. I have grown to love and understand (more or less) American football, and I am a fan of the mighty Cincinnati Bengals; Who Dey!

Christine A Kelly, College Counselor

I've worked with Gary and Lydia for several years, and have found their knowledge, and expertise invaluable as I navigate the international university admission process from the USA. I admire their sincere drive to help students find and enter the university of their choice and appreciate their consistent availability to provide that expertise in a friendly, easy to understand manner. I'm very excited about this website!

Joanna C. Tudge, University Counselor

I have had the pleasure of working with Gary and Lydia for over ten years and they have been a tremendous resource for myself and our students and families who are interested in applying to the UK. Not only have they been amazing advocates for their own institutions, but they have a broad and detailed knowledge of universities and programmes across the UK and have frequently shared their network of contacts with me to help students find the perfect fit. I cannot praise them enough.

Jamie M Rueger, College Counselor

I have not only had the opportunity to work with Gary and Lydia, but also have been able to meet them personally. They are very knowledgeable and helpful in guiding students, parents and counselors through the process of applying through UCAS. I knew next to nothing about directing students through this process and their expertise has been invaluable to me.

Letitia Peterson, Director of College Counselling

As a college counselor in the U.S., I often need some details about the UCAS process for my students who are applying to universities in the UK. Lydia and Gary are very well-informed and responsive if I have any questions or need direction to the appropriate resources. Their combined years of experience with applicants from the U.S. is important, since many families here are unfamiliar with UCAS. On a personal level, it is a pleasure to work with both of them, and I highly recommend their services.

Claire Shepro, College Counselor

Gary and Lydia have been a great resource for both me and my students. They are extremely knowledgeable not only about UK admissions, but about how to "translate" the process so it makes sense to American applicants! My students who have worked with them have really appreciated the time and care they have taken to respond to their inquiries.

Sherrie Tasnady, Guidance Counselor

Both Gary and Lydia understand the questions that international students have and are able to balance their knowledge with the human touch. Their experience of hosting college counselors in the UK make them brilliant guides through the university search and application process and they have the unique ability to look beyond the buildings and programs of study to bring to life the many dimensions of university life. This site will provide all you need to navigate the promising world of the UK educational landscape.

Danny Reynolds, Associate Head for External Relations

I have worked with Gary and Lydia for several years assisting our families in Miami to understand the application process to U.K. universities. Applying via UCAS is so different than applying via the Common Application, especially with the difference in writing the personal statement, but their guidance has alleviated the stressful application process for my students. Anything I was unsure about as a counselor, a quick email to Gary or Lydia would answer my questions. Their guidance has helped me feel more confident about recommending UK universities to my students. Our applications to the U.K. have increased each year.

Tiffani Hooper - Co-Director of College Counseling

Gary and Lydia have years of experience explaining the U.K. university and application system to American students. They are informative, relatable, and an invaluable resource to students applying to universities in U.K. I value them as colleagues and respect their professional expertise.

About me

Meet Gary Coulter

Referral Form

How to use UKCA as a Student

How to use UKCA as a Counselor

How to use UKCA as a Parent

UKCA Website Video Tour