How are A-level grades viewed by US colleges?

Student Lounge International Students
1

Hello!

I just wanted to ask, how well does 4A* in A level (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics) look like to US colleges? I have done IGSCE with 6As and I am predicted 4As for A level. I also have a top in the country award in IGCSE physics. I have also 1500 on the SAT and 800 on chem and 780 on Math II. How good are my chances for T10s like MIT or T20s in general?

Thanks!

2

As opposed to AAAA or AAA? They are all very strong academic scores. But for top colleges, that is just one part of the application. You also need strong extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations.

Look up the most recent acceptance rate for your target colleges. Then divide by 2.

3

does having something like 5A* make an applicant stand out or is it rather better to improve on other sides of the application?

“Look up the most recent acceptance rate for your target colleges. Then divide by 2.”

but that also generally include non-competitive applicants or applicants that are ruled out in the initial screening as well isn’t it?

4

Most applications to T20 schools are from students whose near 4.0 UW GPA and near 1600 SAT (or near 36 ACT) make them think they have a chance. You are just another one of them. Here is the FAQ: http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1525399-if-you-are-asking-for-your-chances-to-ivies-and-other-top-schools.html

5

No. You’ve passed the threshold for academics. More does not always equal better; it certainly does not in this case.

Yes.

Yes. But, as an example, Harvard has said that ~85% of applicants are academically qualified. Yet they still reject 95.5% of applicants. When you back out the 200+ athletic recruits, with whom you are not competing for a spot, you’re down to a 4.1% acceptance rate.

The reality is that top colleges impose a hard or soft cap on the percentage of internationals as part of the undergraduate school - typically 10% to 12%. Most colleges do not break out international acceptance rates, but as an example of one that does, MIT accepted 2.4% of international applicants compared to 7.9% of US applicants.
https://mitadmissions.org/apply/process/stats/