<p>I have applied to some UK schools, and I am wondering what my chances are? I think I am in the ball park for most of these places; any input would be appreciated. </p>
<p>I am American and graduated from highschool in 2011. I spent my "gap year" working (independent tutoring business) and traveling (fundraising internship with overseas NGO). Currently I am working two jobs and studying at a local university (taking stat and further calculus). I mention all of this in my personal statement. </p>
<p>I applied to the following:
Oxford - Economics and Management
LSE - Management
UCL - Statistics Economics and Finance
Imperial - Math with Stat for Finance</p>
<p>My SAT is a 2350 superscore from two sittings (790CR, 760Math, 800Writing).
I took 8 AP Tests, receiving 5s on all of them (Micro, Macro, Calc AB, English Lit, English Lang, Chem, US Gov, US History). I took the SAT IIs and got a 790 in US History and a 780 in Math 2. I also graduated first in my class and participated in some relevant ECs. </p>
<p>I think my personal statement and rec are solid, and I have to take the TSA for Oxford in about two weeks. Assuming I do well, is there a good chance I will have an Oxford interview, and what about my chances at the other schools? Thanks!</p>
<p>The unusual circumstance is that I graduated in 2011 and have been working since then (though also taking classes at my local uni this year). Not sure how they will view this.</p>
<p>Taking a gap year is very common in the UK, and it’s far from unheard of for people to take two. I took one, as did half the people in my flat in first year. So long as you have used your time productively (which you have) then they will be absolutely fine with it. </p>
<p>What about a fifth choice? You get 5 spaces on the UCAS form, so it seems silly not to use them, and you can still add one now by phoning UCAS. If nothing else, then your fifth choice would make a good ‘insurance’ choice as the universities that you have applied to are all very competitive, to the point of being something of a lottery. </p>
<p>There is, I promise you, life outside Oxford / Cambridge / London! Don’t underestimate the costs of living in London - the rents are some of the highest in the world, and those areas where rents are cheap tend to be less than savoury places to live. You should have a look at some other universities that are just as prestigious as the likes of UCL in the Russell Group - the RG is broadly equivalent to the US Ivy League. Bristol, Durham (which has a collegiate system that has similarities with that of Oxbridge), Birmingham, Edinburgh, Manchester, Leeds etc. </p>
<p>With regards to your personal statement, did you focus on why you wanted to study the subject, or on you as a person? UK PS are very different to US college admissions essays; if you want more detail on the matter (although I appreciate it’s a bit too late for this application!) then The Student Room is a good place to look.</p>
<p>Thanks all; my fifth choice was actually a second (very similar) course at UCL, so I can’t apply elsewhere at this point. I read the personal statements that a few of my friends submitted in years past, so I think I did a fairly good job of articulating why I am fit for a business (economics, management, finance) oriented course. I am hoping to get in to at least one school (LSE or Oxford would be best), but I realize it is difficult. Hopefully my scores and statement are enough. </p>
<p>Anyone familiar enough with the standards for Americans who can weigh in on my odds?</p>
<p>I agree with everyone who says you have GREAT chances to get into the colleges you have chosen. It looks like you are doing everything absolutely correctly, including taking a productive gap year. Which will give you a further advantage over the other applicants.</p>