<p>Hi Guys, </p>
<p>Since this is my first post, I'll start off by introducing myself. I'm 18, in sixth form (senior year of high school) doing physics, maths, economics and chemistry. Got a decent set of GCSE's (6 A's and 3 A*'s). I will soon have to start applying to universities here, but I feel that the American system is so much better, as in you don't have to decide a particular subject you want to get a degree in until the end of the second year. That sort of course-flexibility is rare in British universities. So I have decided to apply to universities in America. I would like to do modules mainly in finance and maths as well as some modules in organic chemistry if possible. </p>
<p>Now, I do realize that I will have to take the SAT exams in order to be considered for a place at an american university. However, there are different types of SAT exams and I am not sure as to which ones or how many SAT's do I need to take? What is a good score on an SAT exam? Also, it has been about three years since I last studied English, History, Geography, etc. Will I have to take exams for these subjects, even though they are not directly related to the course I want to study. </p>
<p>Are my A-Level (Hish School) and GCSE (Year 10) results be taken into account or are the SAT scores the main priority? </p>
<p>What apart from good scores can I do in order to increase my chances of securing a place? In terms of extra curricular activities I have got work experience at a law firm along with work experience at a holding firm. Will that be sufficient or do I need more work experience? </p>
<p>After I get my results for the SAT's, how do I go about the application process. In the UK, we use UCAS for applying to all the universities. The main drawback in my opinion is that you can only apply to five courses, all of which need to be quite similar, since there is only one application form, you need to write a personal statement that will go to all the universities irrespective of the course. So if you have applied to four finance courses, and one for chemistry, your personal statement will be based mainly on finance, which won't make much sense for the chemistry course, which means you probably won't get into the chemistry course.</p>
<p>From Wikipedia: UCAS
"Nearly all British higher education institutions are members of UCAS, all those wishing to study for undergraduate degrees in the UK must apply through UCAS. This applies to all categories of applicants - regardless of whether qualifying as a home student (generally British and EU students) or as an overseas student. Applicants submit a single application via UCAS's website with a list of up to five courses for which they are applying."</p>
<p>Do american universities have a common application body? Or do I need to apply to each university individually? Is there a limit to the number of universities I can apply to? </p>
<p>Sorry for the awfully long post, but I will be glad if someone could help me out </p>
<p>Regards,</p>
<p>WreckTangle</p>
<p>:D</p>