I am an American student interested in St. Andrews. I know some people have negative thoughts about the school and how a high percentage of students are American but I still am thinking about applying. I am a high school junior so I am looking for more detail than the school’s website has. What range of new SAT scores should I have and what exactly the personal statement is? I know I am interested in international relations, history, and languages, so I also was wondering if I can put down more than one subject when I apply or if I can just apply to the Faculty of Arts rather than a specific major.
Thanks!!
The personal statement is you saying why you want to study the subject you’re applying for. It’s rather different in scope from a US college essay.
The St Andrew’s website has details of SAT etc required: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/entrance-requirements/usa/
You do need to apply for a specific subject or combination, but St Andrews is more flexible than many UK universities, so you have a good chance of being able to switch after the first year. You can apply for a combination, eg IR and history, or one of them with a language - but be aware that IR is one of the more competitive subjects at St A’s, particulalry for Americans.
15% of students are Americans overall, but I believe it is much higher in IR.
The joint degrees are listed here:
https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/international-relations/international-relations-ma/#992544
There will be more UK specific information on the UK student site called the student room. As you say, there are varying opinions about St Andrews.