<p>zfox, it may just be because your friends are from Switzerland and the entry requirements are different. For instance:</p>
<p>Oxford requires APs or Subject Tests from American students.
[International</a> Qualifications - University of Oxford](<a href=“http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate_courses/international_students/international_qualifications/index.html]International”>http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate_courses/international_students/international_qualifications/index.html)</p>
<p>Exeter requires APs or Subject Tests.
[The</a> University of Exeter - International Students](<a href=“http://offices.exeter.ac.uk/international/Country/USA.shtml]The”>http://offices.exeter.ac.uk/international/Country/USA.shtml)</p>
<p>U Brighton requires Subject Tests.
<a href=“Sign in to your account”>Sign in to your account;
<p>Lancaster expects Subject Tests from American Students.
[Entry</a> requirements - Lancaster University](<a href=“Undergraduate entry qualifications - Lancaster University”>Undergraduate entry qualifications - Lancaster University)</p>
<p>Just check the admissions websites for each individual school. You shouldn’t have much trouble finding out.</p>