Apply to oxford? And other help

Hello,

I am a rising senior looking to study history in the UK. I was planning on applying to top unis in the UK (especially cause my family lives there), but I just got my AP scores back today and need some advice. I’ll put my stats below.

GPA: 4.87 weighted & 4.0 unweighted

AP: Human Geography (5); United States History (5); English Language & Composition (4); Art History (4).

SAT: have not taken yet due to COVID (but normally score around 1520 on practice tests)

SAT Subject Tests: scheduled to take world history in December and US History in October

I also have some experience with history out of the classroom, which I think sets me apart from other applicants. I won a prestigious history research paper award, secured a research internship at the New-York Historical Society, and was accepted into the National Academy of American History and Civics at the Gilder Lehrman Institute.

Overall, I’m not really sure where I should apply because of my AP scores. I have two 4s, which puts be in a sticky situation. The school’s I’m thinking of applying to are UCL, Manchester, St. Andrews, Oxford, and LSE. Should I change anything. Any advice? I’m taking APs next year, so maybe they’ll give me a conditional offer? Idk tho. Thanks in advance.

All UK unis give either ‘unconditional’ or 'conditional ’ with ‘conditional’ being very much the norm. Your recommender ‘predicts’ your test scores when you apply , and if you get a conditional offer the conditions are spelled out in the offer. Because final year exams are in May (US) or June (UK), you don’t know 100% that you have your place until results are released (July in the US, August in the UK).

What APs are you taking senior year? Your SAT World Hx subject test (if you get over 700) would count, but US Hx won’t, as it’s doubling up on the AP which is seen as more rigorous.

On your list:

Oxford: In addition to APs there is the aptitude test (HAT), which all candidates sit in early November. You have to find your own testing center- there are several around the US, and your school can become a test site (but it takes time to organize!). Oxford admissions is a series of hurdles- the test scores (achieved or predicted) and the HAT score are key to getting an interview invitation, and the interview is key to getting the offer. Info on the HAT is here: https://www.history.ox.ac.uk/history-aptitude-test-hat

LSE: you have to have 5 AP scores of 5. I would drop it from your list in favor of Durham.

St Andrews & UCL: they will actually notice & appreciate your GPA (Oxford & LSE won’t). StA’s is almost American in their admissions, and your ECs will carry weight there. You would have a decent shot at either, as they accept 4s & 5s for AP scores

Manchester: Barring a hopeless PS or LoR, should be a straight admission- but so should Exeter, which I would rate over Manchester for undergrad history.