How important is A Level result for U.S unis? (I am from UK)

Student Lounge International Students
1

<p>How important are A Level results when applying to US universities? I have mediocre A Level result but better SAT scores. </p>

2

<p>US unis will only look at your SATs and recommendation letters. </p>

3

<p>The importance of SAT scores varies from school to school. Often they are required, but will be considered in relation to the rest of the applicant’s credentials. In general, though, grades and curriculum (degree of difficulty) will be very important. Most universities pay quite a bit of attention to grades and, for UK students will look at A level or IB results and predicted grades and to a lesser extent GCSE results.</p>

4

<p>A good source for admission criteria for UK students applying to the US universities is the Fulbright Commission:</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.fulbright.org.uk/study-in-the-usa/undergraduate-study/applying/admissions-criteria#academics”>http://www.fulbright.org.uk/study-in-the-usa/undergraduate-study/applying/admissions-criteria#academics&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Here are a few excerpts from their website which emphasize the importance of academic performance as measured by A-level, IB and GCSE results:</p>

<p>When selecting universities, first consider whether you meet the minimum academic qualifications. As you prepare your applications, you should also keep in mind your application will be reviewed holistically and that both academic performance and potential and non-academic, subjective criteria will be evaluated too, such as extracurricular involvement and compelling reasons for choosing a university.</p>

<p>…
As a general rule, US universities will expect to see a similar type of qualification and results as British universities of a similar level of prestige and competitiveness. </p>

<p>As a minimum requirement for four-year bachelor’s degrees, you should have completed at least five GCSEs at grade C or above (or five Scottish Standard Grades), including English and Math, plus be completing or have completed a post age 16 qualification. The most competitive universities will expect to see three A-Levels or their equivalent.</p>

<p>…</p>

<p>Your academic abilities will be evaluated in the first instance by your results in Years 10-13 (such as GCSE, AS-levels and predicted A-levels) as reported on your transcript. However, your academic aptitude will also be assessed through your performance on admissions tests. Admissions tests are used as a common denominator to compare applications from different US states (there is no national curriculum) and different countries.</p>

<p>The stronger your academic record inside the classroom and on standardised tests, the stronger your chances of admission. If you have done particularly well on your A-levels or have further education qualifications, you may be awarded advanced standing by US university you attend. However, academic achievements alone will not guarantee entrance to competitive US university programmes.</p>