Converting the Cambridge (English) system for American University Admission

Student Lounge International Students
1

<p>Hi There, </p>

<p>I take the English exams (Cambridge) but want to go to an American university - preferably Columbia or NYU but of course they're very selective so I'm not sure. We have no GPA's, SATs, ACTs, APs or anything (I'm going to start taking SATs next year) which are all required for American university. </p>

<p>Basically I'm just asking for as much information as possible on how to apply to American Universities with Cambridge marks. How are our GPAs calculated. How do IGCSES, AS and A levels compare to American exams? What about required courses? Most importantly, how do American Universities view the Cambridge exams. Are they considered more difficult or disregarded?</p>

<p>For my IGCSES i got four A*s two As and a B (damn french haha) so what would be my GPA roughly. Im currently taking 8 AS courses - is that the same as APs or is IGCSE the same as APs. How do I apply to American Unis with these grades and no APs etc How will it affect my chances? Would four or five As at AS be enough for Ivy League? </p>

<p>Oh, I'm also from New Zealand. Thanks for any information/help!</p>

2

<p>APs are not a requirement to go to college in US and so they should not be compared to the cambridge exams. </p>

<p>Normally, your transcript would be from your regular school exams. In addition to that your SAT exams and subject exams give an indication to the schools you apply to about your academic standards. Your cambridge exams are an added level of information but unlike UK schools, they don’t determine your admission in US colleges.</p>

3

<p>“preferably Columbia or NYU but of course they’re very selective so I’m not sure”</p>

<p>They’re far from being in the same league (Stern is great, of course)…</p>