I'm an American student thinking of applying to British schools

Student Lounge International Students
1

Hi, I’m currently studying in the US and I’m thinking of applying to a few British schools on top of my common application schools. I am thinking of applying to UCL and either Oxford or Cambridge. I’m not sure whether I have a better chance at Oxford or Cambridge because Oxford requires 3 AP’s while Cambridge requires 5AP’s. I’m applying to majors related to psychology, here are my stats:

SAT (out of 1600): 1540
SAT Physics (taking it again in Sept.): 700
SAT Math (taking it again in August): 760
AP scores-
Got 4’s on: Physics 1, Physics 2, Chemistry, Computer science, Seminar, Music Theory
Got 5’s on: Psychology, Research, Chinese
Courses I’m taking my senior year: AP Physics C: Mechanics, AP Physics C: Electricity, AP Calculus ab, AP Spanish lang., AP English lang., AP Gov, AP Econ, AP Stats
Leadership positions: President of National Social Science Honors Society, Vice-President of English Honors Society, Direct Relief club founder & co-president, NSHSS Ambassador
I’ve also won a few awards in speech competitions and track events (league and invitational).

I’ve started my application through UCAS, however, it is very complicated to fill in academic information due to the differences. So should I go through all the trouble to apply to these prestigious schools? Do I have somewhat of a good chance to get into one of them? I’m just worried because I’ve heard the British Universities are heavily academic-based and because I’m applying to be a psych major so I’m not sure if my AP scores are relevant to the admissions officers (since there really is only psychology that is truly related to psychology).

2

I also carried out two of my own experiments with the help of an advisor.

3

You need to do a deeper dive into the details of each course- they are very different. Read carefully, as you won’t have many choices in the beginning. They aren’t ‘majors’ in the sense that you are used to: you are applying to study a subject. Your whole application is about why this is a good course for you, and that means understanding what the course is.

Most students applying for psych don’t have a psych A level and the courses that the universities ask for are at least one of math/bio/chem/physics. Your 4’s in those subjects won’t help for Oxbridge. Also, Oxford has the TSA exam- check that out.

4

Your 4s make Oxbridge pretty much a non starter.
Look into UEdinburgh, Durham, York, Bath, Queen’s Belfast?

5

The lack of Calc BC may also be a problem for courses requiring A level maths.

6

Yes, Calc BC would be more useful than AB, and your existing 4s are problematic for Oxbridge.
Have you looked at St Andrew’s?

7

Even St Andrews will frown at 4s I think.
The proper entry level to look at would be ~ ABB.

8

Would it matter to the colleges if I get fives on the AP’s I’m taking this year?

9

Also, would they take into consideration my high school GPA?

10

It will matter if you get a conditional offer, because they will ask for 5s. It will also matter that your reference predicts that you will get 5s in the APs that you are taking this year. But the 4s will count against you and are likely to lead to you being rejected by top UK schools such as Oxbridge and UCL.

11

…& except for StA’s they won’t be interested in your GPA.

12

Would it still matter if I’m applying for the Psychology, philosophy, and linguistics course at Oxford?

13

I feel so too that’s why I’m kind of worried. But I took most of the APs in 9th and 10th grade and most of them is STEM-related because many of the APs that I want to take (and are more relevant) are only available to seniors.

14

Do you think I can make up for my 4 in physics and chemistry by getting a high score on the subject test?

15

Basically you’re aiming for 800 since the material tested on the subject test is similar to what
The 4s will make Oxford etc impossible. APs are so basic compared to what they look for that they expect an easy 5.
If your recommender states you can get a 5 in 3 relevant APs then you may have a shot at universities such as UEdinburgh or Durham.
I mentioned a couple possibilities already, look them up.

16

Take a look at the TSA and the MLAT tests (both are required for PPL @ Oxford). In general dual subject courses are harder to get into, b/c both departments have to accept you.

Have you really looked at the course content for these programs?

17

I’m wondering why folks are saying the OP will have trouble with U Ed and St Andrews, when they seem to be well above qualifications for both schools. Is psychology particularly competitive?

18

I got 5 on AP Psychology, AP Research, and AP Chinese up until now. I think I’ll get a few more 5’s this year since I’m taking courses that I’m actually interested in.

19

Honestly you might reconsider studying in the UK where all those 4s will hurt your application. In the US they won’t even be looked at.

20

I doubt AP research is counted , is it even a credit in the USA?
Personally I think some other schools could be in play. Look at other Russell group schools that are not as out of range as Oxbridge/UCL (would you apply to HYPMS?). Location is going to be something to consider though. English schools are going to be nervous of the effect of Brexit, Scotland maybe less so. There just may be more spaces than in previous years that need filling.