SLU-Madrid: What it's really like
Renee from Unifrog interviews Heidi from Saint-Louis University Madrid
It's an American university... in Madrid. We investigate some of SLU-Madrid's most important features, what it's like to be a student there, and how to make a successful application.
SLU-Madrid at a glance:
| Founded | Madrid campus founded in 1967 (the main campus, in the US, was founded in 1818) |
| Locations | Madrid, Spain (the main campus is in Missouri, United States) |
| Length | 4 years (on average) |
| Majors | 15 full degree programs in Madrid and some 70 programs that can be started in the US and finished in Madrid |
| Students | Madrid campus: 900 (Missouri campus: 13,000) |
| Great for | Students interested in flexibility and variety - SLU follows an American liberal arts approach to education where everyone studies specific foundational topics. This allows you to major and minor in a variety of different subjects at the same time. |
| Not for | Students interested in highly vocational courses which need to be accredited in the European Union, like medicine or law. |
Heidi Buffington, Director of Admissions at SLU-Madrid, explains what makes SLU-Madrid unique - and how to put together a strong application.
What is SLU?
Saint-Louis University (SLU) is a dual-campus US teaching and research uni. The main campus is in Missouri and has 13,000 students.
SLU was the first US institution to have a European campus. Located in Madrid, Spain, the SLU-Madrid campus was founded in 1967 and is home to 1,000 students from over 50 countries.
SLU-Madrid offers a great deal of flexibility for students interested in moving between the campuses. The uni offers students the chance to earn undergraduate degrees entirely in Spain, study abroad for a summer, semester, or an academic year, or start a degree in Spain which can be finished in the US.
What is the education system like at SLU?
Both campuses follow a liberal arts system which is common in the US, but which isn't often seen elsewhere. Some cool things about the system include:
Students can apply ‘undecided’, meaning not for any particular subject. They then have up to two years to decide their majors and minors. This could be any combination of subjects. For example, students could potentially graduate with a major in computer science, and a minor in art history.
As well as each student’s chosen major and minor, they have to take standard courses that develop their public speaking, writing, and critical thinking skills.
This approach is very different to other uni education systems, like the UK’s, where students apply for a specific programme, and then spend their whole time focussed on that programme. (For example, where, if you apply for computer science, then you will spend all your time studying computer science).
What’s the application process like?
During the application process, SLU is committed to getting to know their students personally and holistically, which fits their liberal arts theory of education. Students need to submit one written application essay and attend an optional interview (which can be done remotely). The uni is test-optional, meaning you don't have to submit an SAT or ACT score.
If you're not a native English speaker, you must show proficiency in English. This can be by submitting scores from a standardised test like the TOEFL or IELTS. Or you can submit proof that you have completed a college-level class taught in English.
SLU also asks you to submit transcripts, which are a record of your grades and academic history. Typically, transcripts should cover the last four years of your school education, so going back to GCSEs or equivalent. They should include what you got or are predicted in your school leaving exams (A levels or equivalent). Your sixth form / high school can produce a transcript for you.
How can students make a compelling application to SLU-Madrid?
Students can apply to SLU-Madrid in two ways: through the SLU-Madrid direct application system online, or through the Common Application. The Common Application is an online portal, similar to the UK’s UCAS, which allows students to apply to multiple unis in the US, Canada, and Europe.
SLU-Madrid is looking for students who can show that they could thrive in the US education system, evidenced through their range of interests and hobbies. SLU encourages students to highlight their strengths and how they can contribute to the wider community in their personal statement. This isn’t just about what you can contribute in the classroom, but also beyond the classroom. Whether you're into sports, debating, or music, SLU wants to hear about it!
Ahead of making an application, SLU encourages prospective students to attend an information session or book a virtual call with uni representatives or students. These are great ways to find out more about how you can make a stellar application, and meet staff or students directly.
Where can a degree from SLU-Madrid take students after graduation?
In graduating from SLU-Madrid, you receive a US degree qualification from a highly-recognised institution, as well as the chance to apply to internships and job placements in Madrid and elsewhere. SLU-Madrid has long-standing relationships with a wide range of employers which can be useful for sourcing internships. The top sectors for SLU-Madrid graduates include business, education, communication, and IT.
Because SLU-Madrid is such an international community, you can also make use of personal connections to pursue a wealth of other exciting post-degree opportunities. SLU graduates are spread across the globe!
