A WIDNES student has beaten hundreds of hopefuls to apply for a scholarship at an elite American university.

Emma Humphries, aged 17, competed against more than 3,700 applicants to secure a place on the prestigious Sutton Trust US Programme 2015.

Only 150 were selected.

Emma was chosen for a residential at Yale University this summer.

Cronton sixth former Emma, of Gloucester Avenue, said: “I was shocked and very excited when I found out I had been accepted onto the programme.

“I am hoping to study in the USA, ideally English Literature.

“The experience will help me to choose my options.”

The highly competitive programme is aimed at giving high achieving students the chance to study at top US universities.

With fees of up to £37,580 per year, this can seem like an impossible dream.

The Sutton Trust, which promotes social mobility through education, works with the American Fulbright Scholarship Programme to help British pupils study in the US.

Tuition and living expenses will be covered for students who win a place on the four-year course.

Former Wade Deacon pupil, Emma yearns to travel and study abroad.

She is currently studying A levels in history, French, English literature, and government and politics, and is on course for A grades.

She added: “The trip will be primarily hosted at Yale University, with visits to other colleges planned.

“There will also be a university fair at Harvard which I am especially looking forward to.”

Dr Luke McMahon, history lecturer at Cronton Sixth Form, said: “I am extremely pleased for Emma.

“This is a fantastic opportunity which will give invaluable experience of university life in completely new surroundings.

“The programme will be an inspirational experience and will help her to make important decisions when deciding on universities to apply for in the future.”