Cambridge/Oxford Undergrad from US

Applying to College
1

Hey guys,

I’m a junior in a competitive, public, NJ High School. I am interested in applying to Cambridge at the end of the year, but I’m still a little fuzzy on the details. I’ve read through both their websites extensively, but I just want some clarification :slight_smile:

  1. For Cambridge, is it a requirement to have received 5s on FIVE AP exams to be only considered, or granted admission?

I am taking these AP Exams this year:
AP Calculus AB
AP Biology
AP English - Language and Composition
AP Computer Science
AP Psychology
AP Environmental Science

I am confident that I can earn 5s in Psych, Calc, Enviro, and Comp Sci because I have been practicing for them before I even entered 11th grade :stuck_out_tongue:

  1. Also, for Cambridge, is receiving a 2100+ on the SAT the minimum for guaranteed admission (with AP scores) or only for consideration?

My SAT: 2330 (Single Sitting)

  1. Is GPA really irrelevant?

I have read an another forum that they dismiss transcript because for international applicants from the US, they examine only Standardized tests.

  1. Recommendations? Extracurricular?

Do they really not care?! It bums me out because of all the summer research I did and the clubs I started.

Prospective Major: Biological Sciences - Natural Sciences.

Last thing, for my major ^… Cambridge vs Oxford :stuck_out_tongue: - I’ve already researched that Cambridge is slightly superior in the natural sciences department, but just for anyone who has experience.

For anyone who wants some background:

I’m applying to Cambridge because, of course, it’s one the most renowned research institutions in the world, and I’m EXTREMELY interested in their specialized-major plan. I also like the fact that undergrad is only 3 years opposed to 4. After I graduate, I want to do my PhD in the US and continue research.

Feel free to ask any clarifying questions and thanks.

2
  1. They also consider SAT II tests. Cambridge is like starting sophomore year at a US college, the students are older (19 or 20 usually) and they want to see mastery of the subjects needed for your major.
  2. Cambridge only admits about 50 students from the US. Nothing is guaranteed. Even with 10 '5's on AP + 2400 SAT you are still only under consideration.
  3. Yup

Also, tuition is high, and living costs are on-par with major city US colleges, and your travel expenses are also going to be higher. You will pay the international tuition rates. It is an extreme reach like Stanford and Harvard.

3

Oxford will consider SAT IIs, but Cambridge does not.

GPA is irrelevant for all applicants, not just those from the US.

4

This was discussed fairly recently, in a fair amount of detail:

http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/united-kingdom/1817382-how-does-one-apply-to-oxbridge-international-baccalaureate-p1.html