Hi!
I am a Sophomore in a nationally ranked high school, and I have an interest in applying for Imperial College, LSE, Cambridge, King’s College, and Royal Holloway. I understand you have to use UCAS but I am just wondering about A-Levels and how these colleges make decisions on their applicants. I understand that AP exams are considered appropriate substitutes for the A-levels, but is my GPA calculated or is my SAT or both?
Your APs are what will matter most. As more Americans apply to UK unis, some are beginning to note that they want a (say) “a strong GPA” or a GPA above X, but it is rarely either particularly high or a particularly important element. Some unis specify a minimum SAT + APs. Some accept SAT subject tests. Depending on your subject, Cambridge is likely to require either an aptitude test and/or written work, and of course they have a mandatory interview which is academically focused.
You may already know this, but all UK unis have extensive information about the requirements for admission as well as the curriculum of the course on their websites. Be sure to cross check for specific subject requirements: it’s not just having x number of APs with scores of y- the expectation is that the APs will be in subjects relevant to what you are applying to study, and in many cases there are required courses. Especially if you are going for a science subject (which I assume you are, b/c of Imperial), specific courses are often required. Be aware that A level math means Calc BC. Also, just b/c some people still think this: if you are applying to Cambridge b/c you think Cambridge = Science and Oxford = Humanities, be aware that is a myth, so be sure to compare the individual courses that you are looking to study. Be sure to read the course descriptions carefully (you will generally find information right down to what classes you take each year / what options you have). UK courses are much more prescriptive that the US and courses with the same name at different unis can be quite different.
Aside from test scores, for the non-Oxbridge unis your Personal Statement (PS) and LoR are keys to the admission decision. The PS is a ‘why I am a good candidate for this course’ essay- the core of it is academic, not an American-style personal essay. Note that all of the unis that you apply to will read the same essay. In the PS you demonstrate your understanding of, aptitude in, and suitability for the subject that you are applying to study. There are lots of places online to get info on writing a good PS. You will also find guidelines for writing a LoR, which would be helpful for your recommender to have.
Cambridge and Oxford have SAT score cutoffs I think, not sure about the others. There is information on all the websites but if in doubt the admissions teams are very friendly!
Oxbridge aside, most UK unis make decisions based on grades. For more competitive courses or those with lower grades, the unis will use your personal statement and teacher recommendations more. For Oxbridge grades will only get you so far (to an interview most likely), from which point they look for your ‘way of thinking’ in an interview and the tests they set applicants.
Just for the record, there’s quite a difference between Cambridge and Royal Holloway…is Royal Holloway more of a safety school? (It’s still a great uni, just not the same level)
"Applicants from the USA taking College Board SATs and Advanced Placement (AP) Tests should note that offers are usually made on an individual basis. High passes in the High School Diploma and the SAT are expected. Recent reforms have altered the SAT scoring system and the new format has been in place since March 2016. " - Cambridge website