Six hopeful students count the hours till A-level results day

Carnun Marcus-Page, 18, from Tottenham, is predicted three A*s for his A-levels in maths, further maths and physics. He has a full scholarship to study liberal arts and sciences at the Ivy League Dartmouth College in the US, which he got with support from the Sutton Trust, and he doesn’t need to meet the terms of an offer on results day.

I’ve had my university place since last Christmas because I applied through an American system rather than Ucas. Grades are just what get you through the first stage of the filtering process in the US, so I have to get roughly my predicted grades, but if I drop a grade or two they won’t mind.

In the US you choose your specialism, or “major”, in the second year. I’m torn between maths and physics so I intend to do a double major, which is essentially two degrees. I’m sure I would’ve been happy studying in the UK, but I love that I’ll be able to do fun things outside my subject that will count towards my degree.

The American application process was challenging, especially with regards to finance because it’s very intrusive. American parents are expected to pay for their children and I haven’t seen my dad for about 10 years, but thankfully Woodhouse corroborated my circumstances.

I don’t know how long the culture shock will last. Going to the US for the first time with the Sutton Trust last year was surreal – it felt like a movie set. There are national flags everywhere. I’m not the biggest fan of the States politically, but that’s part of the reason I’m going. I’m looking forward to being shown that the people don’t necessarily line up with the country’s international image.

My future plan is to stay in academia and do a PhD; although volunteering on the Sutton Trust US summer school recently has made me think I might also consider teaching.

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