<p>So one of my dreams as a child was going to school in England, not that I knew what that entailed, and now that I've reached my senior year, I've realized that's actually a thing people do. My intended major is international relations, so why not study in a foreign country, right?
My GPA is pretty mediocre, a 3.5, but I've read that test scores matter the most.
I have decent test scores, but I'm not sure at which schools I'd be competitive.
Here are my stats:</p>
<p>SAT 2140 R:800 M:670 W:670</p>
<p>ACT 35 composite
36 reading
36 English
35 science
31 math</p>
<p>SATIIs:
760 Literature
730 US History
670 math 1</p>
<p>APs:
4 AP World History
3 AP Chemistry
5 AP Language and Composition
5 AP US History</p>
<p>This year, I'm taking:
AP Comparative Governments
AP US Government
AP Environmental Science
AP AB Calculus
AP Literature
Spanish 3 accelerated through my local university
Journalism (I'm editor-in-chief)</p>
<p>I know ECs don't matter much, but I've interned with our local NPR affiliate for two years and hosted a radio show about international issues from teens' perspectives on our community radio station for three years. Also editor of the paper for three years. </p>
<p>What schools should I look into? Are my test scores good enough? Any tips?
So far I've looked at King's College and the London School of Economics and Political Science.</p>
<p>Thank you so much!!</p>
<p>You would have a shot at KCL, but not likely at LSE. Every UK Uni puts all the requirements for each course on their website, along with info for US applicants. I believe that Manchester and Warwick have good IR programs, and I know Edinburgh does. Durham might be a reach, and I don’t know about it’s IR program, but it is a top drawer school that is often overlooked. Do some online research- you will find lots online.</p>
<p>In general, you can figure that an A at A–level is a 5 on an AP that is relevant to the subject you are applying to study (or a 700+ on an SAT subject test). There are exceptions- some UK unis take a 4 for an A, and KCL takes a 650- but the more competitive the course and the more competitive the uni the more you need to be above the minimum. For most courses at most UK unis, however, if you have the numbers required you will get an offer. There is a thread called something like “I’m an American applying to uni in the UK” over at the student room, which is UK site, where you will find lots of fellow travelers.</p>
<p>Btw, read the subject descriptions carefully- they are much more prescriptive in the UK than in the US- you will have much less choice in classes than in most US unis, and there are no changies or take-backs once you are enrolled into a course. Be sure that you are excited about the <em>specific</em> course, not just the subject. </p>
<p>Also, if finances are a factor be aware that there is little financial aid for international students, and London is a fantastically expensive place to live. On the other hand, most courses (not in Scotland though) are 3 years, not 4, so you save there!</p>
<p>Thank you so much!!</p>