<p>Hey everyone!</p>
<p>I'm an American sophomore looking to eventually apply to UCL. Their entry requirements (as an equivalent to their A-Levels) are outlined as: </p>
<p>"To be eligible for consideration students must have usually obtained passes in four, full-year Advanced Placement (AP) examinations at grades 4/5."</p>
<p>Now, I'm scheduled to take two APs (Psychology, US History) next year. My school truly doesn't offer very many APs to juniors. Senior year, I intend on taking four more (World, Government, Biology, English Literature). One of my concerns is that the four I am taking senior year would not fall under this 'required four APs to apply' business, seeing as though I wouldn't take the exams until the end of senior year, thus being too late to put down on my application. Is this correct, or am I just assuming for the worst?</p>
<p>My intended major (or course, as they refer to it as) is Human Sciences. I was considering self-studying for the Human Geography since it goes hand in hand with my intended degree, which is considered to be quite important. Would this still be applicable since I'm technically not enrolled in a school-based course? Also, what other AP would I be able to effectively self-study for?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>My son just finished his final exams for a BA in History at UCL. During his junior year in high school he studied AP Geography and World Government on his own. His school administered the exams, and he got the marks he needed for UCL.</p>
<p>He was also accepted to King’s College London and the University of St Andrew’s. The University of Durham accepted him on the condition that he make a 4 or 5 on the AP exams he took his senior year. He met that condition but preferred UCL, where he is very happy.</p>
<p>So I would certainly recommend that you take one or two AP exams after self-study your junior year. But do remember that in an English university you have to choose a major field of study at the outset and concentrate on that field. If you know what you want to study, then UCL is an excellent choice–and a bargain, as it only takes three years to complete most degree programs.</p>
<p>Thank you very much for your response, Irishdoctor!</p>
<p>This is reassuring to know. It’s nice to hear that your son enjoyed a successful experience at UCL, as well. </p>
<p>My major field would be Human Sciences, a degree that brings together biochemistry as well as aspects such as psychology and sociology. Keeping this in mind, I figured that submitting my AP scores for Biology, Psychology, Human Geography and Lit would be the most helpful (should they be up to the UCL standard). You’re right for mentioning that this school is fiscally a great deal - that’s part of the appeal I’m trying to convey to my parents! </p>
<p>This may be a silly questions but would my degree transfer properly should I want to attend grad school back in the states?</p>
<p>Although not well known among the general public here, UCL is very well regarded in the academic world. Your degree would be considered very favorable for graduate studies.</p>
<p>Some of the science degrees at UCL are four-year programs. You should be able to tell from their website.</p>
<p>I’m not sure whether it would be a real advantage to take AP science classes self-study, but if that’s what you’re most comfortable with, go ahead. Some of the others might be quite a bit easier, however.</p>
<p>as for applying senior year AP exams to UCL application - your referee on your ucas form will be able to list predicted grades for you upcoming exams and you may get offers based on these expected scores or you may get an unconditional offer if you already have top-notch grades.</p>
<p>UCL is very prestigious and is internationally regarded. both the name and the world-perspective that comes with it will greatly help you if you decide to continue to a masters.</p>
<p>self study exams if you are comfortable with the concepts. most class B exams (semester long courses) are fairly easy to self study (Econ, Geography, Enviro) and there are a few class A exams that you might only need a few hours study to get a 4 (English, History). </p>
<p>the history exams feed nicely into each other. I self-studied all 3 this year and feel quite confident</p>
<p>also… your school might not offer the AP course to juniors but they will let you sign up for the exam regardless of age or status (as long as you pay the fee).
If your school gives you any problems you can always take the test through another school (all my AP tests this year were done at two schools, neither of which was my home school…)</p>
<p>best of luck on your uk applications.</p>
<p>another note: uk schools dont put too much weight on your GPA or whether you really took the course. at your level there are three main things theyll be looking for: a completed high school diploma, strong AP scores, anything else education related (science fair awards, other standardized test scores, whatever). it might also be helpful to note that uk schools only like sat scores because american uni’s like them however, the major emphasis will be on your AP scores as they are loosely-comparable to the british A levels</p>