<p>Again, don’t forget about the tests. In Oxford, it’s usually separated from the interview, in Cambridge, it’s a part of the interview. So you have to perform extremely well on both to get in.</p>
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<p>A-levels are normally divided into 6 modules studied over the course of two academic years. Typically, the first 3 modules are studied and tested in the first year and provide a stand-alone qualification known as an AS-level. The final 3 modules are then studied and tested in the second year, known as A2. You are awarded an A* if you get an A overall (i.e. a score of 80 % or higher) in all 6 modules ** and ** a score of at least 90 % in the second-year (A2) modules. </p>
<p>Many top universities, most notably Cambridge and a few competitive courses at the London universities (e.g. economics at LSE and engineering at Imperial) now have a minimum entry requirement of 3 full (i.e. 2-year) A-levels with minimum grades A<em>AA. For economics in particular, A</em> is required in A-level maths (roughly equivalent, I guess, to AP Calculus AB/BC + AP Statistics in the US, plus some additional topics).</p>
<p>Oxford is an exception among the top universities in the sense that its minimum entry requirements still remain AAA. In practice, however, most admitted students have academic qualifications that greatly exceed the minimum requirement, typically at least 4 full A-levels at grades A*AAA or higher, or 4 full A-levels plus a fifth contrasting subject at AS-level, or even 5 full A-levels. </p>
<p>If, based on your school record, letters of reference and aptitude results, you are likely to meet the minimum requirements, Oxford and Cambridge colleges will invite you to attend a college interview, which is more like an oral exam really where you will be tested in subjects/skills related to your intended major. Admission decisions are based mostly on your interview performance, conditioned on your meeting the minimum entry requirements later when your final A-level exam results are out.</p>
<p>Thanks so much 
Is it possible to self study for A Levels though, because my country doesn’t offer them anymore. Also, it says internationals may be considered without an interview. So that means that internationals would just be considered based on test results then, whether it be A Levels or some other suitable replacement?</p>
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<p>Theoretically, but it would be very difficult. As discussed above, UK A-levels take 2 whole years. They are not just a multiple choice test on one day. To sit the exams you have to attend a registered test centre. In the UK every school is a registered test centre. I have no idea if there is such a centre in your country. Also, for some subjects you have to submit course work to be graded.</p>
<p>There are also exams called A-levels in other countries such as Singapore. These may be different. I suspect some of them are based on one single exam.</p>
<p>Before you start doing anything radical, I would just send the admissions office an email and ask about the school qualifications available in your country. Even if they do not accept the CAPE exams which you talk about above, it may be possible for you to take APs for example. This would be a lot simpler than trying to self-study A-levels.</p>
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<p>I don’t know anything about this kind of exams but I highly suspect this means you have to take 3 subjects from this list and get As in all three of them. Take subjects relevant to the course you want to apply for. eg if you want to study Chemistry, take Chemistry combined with any of Biology, Maths and Physics.</p>
<p>^^^^</p>
<p>I agree with cupcake. As long as you have some form of matter between your ears, AP exams are easy to self-study. Buy one of the AP test prep books. Sit down with it and you are golden. AP exams stress concepts as opposed to specific details. If you go into your study strategy with this principle you’ll be fine. Don’t get caught up on the specifics, just focus on the whole picture.</p>
<p>Thank you so much This has all been helpful. I have been thinking about self studying some APs since Caribbean countries don’t do them but its just which ones to self study, and what are the best books to buy. Once again, thanks for all the info and help.</p>
<p>Decide which course you would like to apply for at Oxford or Cambridge. look up which A-levels they require and/or recommend for that course. Study APs in these subjects.</p>
<p>But I still think before you do this you should send the admissions people an email and ask then about the requirements for your country. You may not have to do this extra work.</p>
<p>OK I will email them, thank you.</p>