Applying for UK University and don't have my AP scores yet

I’m taking three AP courses this year (senior), all related to the uni course I want to take. I only have one previous AP score, and let’s just say that it wasn’t good enough, so I’ll need all the required scores from these three tests. Obviously the tests are in May, and the results even later, but the deadline for admissions is January. Will I just have to apply next year instead, or is there a solution? Thanks.

The norm in the UK is to apply with “predicted” scores- your teacher/GCs prediction of what scores you are likely to get. You then get a response- rejection, “unconditional offer” or- by far the most common- “conditional offer”.

Either kind of offer will be very specific, eg “marks of 5,5,5 in each of subject a,b,c”. They will never be for higher scored than you have been predicted.

If you are going through UCAS, once you have replies from all of the places you applied you can “firm” your first choice and “insure” your second choice- the insurance is a school whose offer is more certain, in case you don’t make the offer from your first choice.

US students will often also accept a place at a US university as a backup plan.

So will my teachers just give me a predicted score?

Usually your GC, based on info from your teachers.

In the UK getting the predictions right is a big deal- teachers and schools build reputations for reliability. In the US it’s not an issue, and most GCs/teachers that I have known are happy to predict what the student wants (unless it is manifestly unrealistic). The unis put their expectations on their websites. If you are predicted less you won’t get an offer- but if you get an offer you will have to meet the predicted mark, so you need to be realistic about it.

Actually a high proportion of UK predictions tend to be wrong.

Predictions are often wrong- for lots of reasons- but the teachers/schools (esp those who aim to send students to the top tier) have a vested interest in establishing a reputation for having reliable predictions. US teachers/schools don’t have that as a factor.

Sorry, what is a GC?

Guidance counselor / college counselor

GC = Guidance Counselor.

My daughter, class of 2021, is looking at applying to UK schools too. We found a group called study across the pond to be very helpful. They help North American students navigate the UK system. It’s free. They don’t work with all of the UK unis, but about 40 or so.