<p>Hi, does anyone here know how Cambridge treats international applicants?
I understand this has been asked several times, but I've seen so many multitudes of answers that I'm not certain what to be aiming for any more. </p>
<p>I'd prefer Cambridge (or a good UK uni in general for that matter) because I know I want to do economics, and I see no point in going to the US and spending two years bumbling around before choosing my major. Additionally, there's no financial benefit due to my Aussie citizenship- but I am in the SAT & AP system, which might complicate things (hence I'm making my own thread). </p>
<p>I understand they want 3-4 AP scores, preferably all 5s, which is not much of a problem since I'll have taken 8 by the time I graduate, and I'll have AP Calc AB + BC, AP Stats, AP macro/micro, AP physics AB + C, which should all justify my taking economics.
My real question is about the SAT and transcript side. I understand that GPA's are a nonfactor in the UK, but do they still view transcripts on top of AP grades? </p>
<p>and I've heard anything between 2150-2250 on the SAT to be a cut-off, and I'm completely and thoroughly confused now as to what I'm suppose to be satisfied with when I take the test.</p>
<p>Cambridge doesn’t really recognize the ACT. Cambridge has a code on the SAT site, so clearly Cambridge recognizes the SAT. It will accept SAT II Subject Tests, but doesn’t put much weight on them. It really wants to see the AP exams and, yes, it wants to see all "5"s in those you take relevant to the subject you wish to study (AP Calc, etc.). These are the basics. After this, you need the absolute devoted support of your school (you get one and only one recommendation) who essentially has to write how brilliant you are, blah blah. Then, you have to write a compelling one page personal statement that makes people sit up and notice. If all goes well, you will be invited to interview at Cambridge or via Skype. If at Cambridge, after the interviews, you will take one or more tests in your subject area (these are on the web in various places). After that, in January, you will get a yeah or neah, or be “pooled” (essentially a waitlist) if not admitted to the college you applied to and hope that other colleges may want you. That’s the process, but the most important thing is the AP exams. They really do trump everything!</p>
<p>thanks so much! Hopefully the 5s will be easy pickings given the large array of AP’s I’ll have taken, and I guess I’ll just go for 2300 SAT to be safe :)</p>
<p>Cambridge cares about your AP scores, in relevant subjects. </p>
<p>What I would say is that if you are invited for interview, and if there is any way you can attend in person, do so. It makes a MAJOR difference. Interviews are exceptionally important at Cambridge and Oxford, since essentially they only look at students who have 4/5 on APs or As on their A-levels.</p>
<p>The personal statement is also very different from that used in the US. Get some advice on this point. British universities simply do not care about your life story. Personal statements over here focus on your academic objectives, achievements and aspirations.</p>
<p>I strongly, strongly urge you to contact the Cambridge or Oxford Students’ Union. They have people who specialise in overseas students and will provide you with helpful and relevant advice.</p>
<p>Hi redane
You sound very qualified and I think you have a realistic shot at being admitted. I think you might be over thinking the SAT score a bit, though; just shoot for somewhere around that range and you will be fine. Oxford interviews around 50% of applicants from what I hear, and Cambridge closer to 80-90%, so the interview is where you really shine. Your scores are really only used to get your foot in the door.<br>
You can also apply using an ACT score; I was admitted to Cambridge last year coming from the US, and I applied without a SAT I score, only 3 SAT IIs and an ACT (and AP tests of course). Also be prepared to study hard your senior year - Cambridge will most likely make you a conditional offer in January (they asked me to get 5’s on 3 AP tests at the end of my senior year), and unless you meet that offer, they will tell you in August that you no longer have a place. It’s generally a good idea to double-enroll somewhere else in the states so you have a backup in case your AP scores don’t come through.
If you get called for an interview, I would also recommend doing your best to attend in person. I know it’s a big financial commitment, and it would require some time off of school, but it makes a much better impression to show up in person rather than by a shoddy transatlantic Skype connection. Plus it’s great to get to go visit - the town is beautiful, and it’s amazing to just wander around for a couple of days visiting all the major sites.
As kellybkk said, the AP exams are essential, and make sure that your passion for the subject shines through in your personal statement as well as at interview. They are looking for students with interest and potential rather than current knowledge when considering who to admit.</p>
<p>Also, email the admission office at your college of choice - they are really friendly and will be more than willing to tell you what they’d expect of a competitive applicant coming from the American education system, as well as answer any logistical questions you might have about the application or interview.</p>
<p>If you have any more questions, please PM me as I’d love to help!</p>
<p>Thanks so much guys and I prefer Cambridge to Oxford because I visited both over the break, and there was just something about Cambridge that Oxford was… lacking. I think Cambridge just felt more home-y Oh, one other thing, does AP mac/mic count as one or two APs for their intents and purposes?</p>
and I prefer Cambridge to Oxford because I visited both over the break, and there was just something about Cambridge that Oxford was… lacking. I think Cambridge just felt more home-y