<p>I know this isn't something really mentioned that often, but I was wondering about British Universities. I have an interest in International Relations, as well as degrees similar to IR, and I'm really interested in some British universities, especially Oxford (PPE sounds really cool) and LSE. I have a couple of questions as to their criteria in admissions and the learning style in UK universities vs. US ones.</p>
<p>First off, I was wondering for the SATs, can they be superscored?</p>
<p>How important are the classes you take? Is that a factor, or is the SAT subject Test (for Oxford) and AP scores more important?</p>
<p>If your extracurriculars/summer programs are relevant to the field you want to study, is that a factor in admission?</p>
<p>How does LSE decide to admit a student or not? I'm more clear about Oxford, but I'm slightly more hazy on LSE.</p>
<p>Is there other criteria besides APs/SATs that is used for admission, such as essays. (I still have a couple more years before I actually start applying for college)</p>
<p>In terms of curriculum/school life:</p>
<p>What is the difference between studying IR/PPE at UK than the US? What does the UK do better than say, the US, and vice versa? (I'm assuming that the academics at those two unit are very solid)</p>
<p>Do a lot of students from the US (I'm an american) study in the UK? What are some cultural differences you need to be aware of?</p>
<p>Then a detailed process of interview, logic test (Oxford version of SAT, loosely) and personal statement. LSE takes a look at your transcript while Oxford does not.</p>
<p>Neighbor’s daughters, both interested in international business, attended LSE, University of Bath and Richmond, the American International University in London. Good reports on the girls’ experience at the latter two. Not a good experience at LSE, which sounds like a better choice for grad school or for a one year study abroad. LSE has no campus or school identify in the American sense, so her D felt very isolated. D reported that most of the other students were a year or two older, appeared to come from very wealthy families, and seemed to place a low priority on attending classes. Much happier after transferring to University of Bath.</p>
<p>The studies in England are very different from US universities. You only “read” your own subject and no other focus. At Oxford, you apply for a program and are distinguished as such and interviewed by a tutor for that program. The interview is fairly hard-core. 3 years obviously and a much more focused education. Tutor system at Oxford. Not really the same college experience as the US, although not necessarily worse. Depends on what you want out of it.</p>
<p>while I love the UK from london to the rural towns, I think you would be better off studying there for a semester or junior year abroad. going to a british school will be very different then what you may think or want! once the “cool” factor wears off, you may question your choice!</p>
<p>Have you consider St. Andrews or University of Edinburgh? Not England, but both are great options for American students (with no financial constraints.) Do a search on the forum here for more info on both schools.</p>
<p>If you are fortunate to be admitted to read PPE at Oxford, I would not hesitate to take up the place if you are passionate about the subjects. This is one of Oxford’s flagship courses, has been the route for many British Prime Ministers, politicians, and statesmen, and it world-renowned. It has the advantage for an American of having a little more breadth than the typical British single subject choice, and you will be rubbing shoulders with an incredible array of intellectual thinkers and other bright students. It is an extremely competitive choice. Fortunately, if your scores make the first cut, you will have e opportunity to sell yourself at interview. This is an integral part of the admissions process, you will be interviewed by an don in one of these areas, so be prepared! They are not looking for encycledic knowledge, but they are looking for people with a genuine curiosity and passion for the intellectual side of the subject - they will immediately see therou any surface bs - just don’t go there! Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks guys! Is the competition as an american more competitive than a British person? Additionally, is it common for americans to apply to Oxford at an undergraduate level?</p>