<p>I’m an American high school student from Arizona looking to apply to Cambridge next fall for the three-year degree in classics. I have the requisite grades in AP Latin and will supply qualifications in Greek (those being the “essential” A-levels), but I was wondering what other AP exams it would be wise to take for Cambridge. Currently I am planning to take five this year:
Latin Literature,
Latin Vergil,
Physics C (both parts),
English Language, and
US Government and Politics.</p>
<p>In my senior year, I mean to take:
Comparative Government and Politics,
Microeconomics,
Calculus BC,
English Literature, and
German Language.</p>
<p>My school does not offer any formal AP courses, but I am taking courses or have already taken courses at a very similar standard of instruction (both level and content) in four of the five APs for this year (my physics class is Physics B level but I have a good understanding of calculus and am self studying the additional content). Next year’s exams are less certain, particularly Micro, as well as German, which I have not formally taken, although I have spent significant time in German-speaking areas of Europe.</p>
<p>More about my qualifications: I anticipate having 4-5 800s on SAT II subject tests by the date of my application (2 now, Biology and Lit), and 1-2 more scores in the 700s (1 now, American History). Predictive tests and the advice of my teachers, who are familiar with APs although they do not teach them, place me at a 5 on 4 of this year’s APs, and either a 4 or 5 on Physics C (as I mentioned earlier, I may take Physics B, on which I would certainly get a 5). I have taken college courses in Greek and am engaged in two independent research projects, one involving Greek history and the other in tragedy (which will terminate in the performance of a Greek tragedy a la the Cambridge Greek Play, translated by me).</p>
<p>Considering these qualities, I have a few questions about admissions:</p>
<li><p>Do UK students typically take A-levels outside their intended university subjects? I have no interest in pursuing science or mathematics, but I am taking AP Physics this year and Calculus the next. Will this appear to show lack of “commitment” to my subject?</p></li>
<li><p>As a consequence of 1, should I drop the quantitative exams? What arts-focused exams should I use to replace them? Should I replace them?</p></li>
<li><p>This seems silly, but will English colleges view my taking US Government & Politics with any kind of rancor? I am also taking Comparative next year. The test is largely on basic concepts in political science.</p></li>
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<p>I also have a few specific questions about internationals at Oxbridge, Oxbridge life, etc., as well as admissions.</p>
<li><p>I am extensively involved now in both sports (track and cross-country) and academic clubs and teams. I know that at the American Ivies, and even at liberal arts colleges, athletics is usually not compatible with either unusually intensive study (I plan to continue to a doctorate) or other extracurrriculars. Is this also true at Oxbridge? Can one realistically both compete in sports on a semi-serious level and participate in debate, community service, or other societies?</p></li>
<li><p>I am also vegan (i.e. I do not eat meat, fish, poulty, milk, eggs, or honey). Is vegan food easily and-or cheaply available in university areas? I assume it is not served in dining halls.</p></li>
<li><p>I have heard from friends who have studied abroad that libraries in Oxbridge close very early in the evening. Is this true? Is it necessary to purchase one’s own textbooks?</p></li>
<li><p>On a more specific note, which college at Cambridge is most friendly to American students (if anyone knows)? I will only be 17 on beginning my first term and will need to apply to a specific college.</p></li>
<li><p>On the same note, how do Oxbridge colleges view gap years by international students? As I mentioned, I will be 17 in the fall of 2009, and my birthday is not until March 31. Could I be admitted directly from high school, or should I apply with the intention of a gap year?</p></li>
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<p>I apologize for the considerable length of this post. Thank you for reading it!
Amalia</p>