Hey guys,
I have a 35 on the ACT and 5 5’s on AP tests (Calculus BC, English Language and Composition, Physics C Mechanics, Spanish Language and Composition and US History). Additionally, I received an 800 on the math II subject test but didn’t take any others. I got 4’s on the Computer Science and Statistics exam. Next year I will take, AP Biology, AP Psychology, AP Government, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Computer Science Principles.
However, I got ill for the Physics C Electricity and Magnetism test and got a 2 as well as a 3 in the Physics 1 Mechanics test (which happens to be easier than the calculus-based exam I got a 5 on). Additionally, my transcript isn’t so great, but from what I’ve heard, Oxbridge doesn’t care (?) about transcripts.
My rec letter will be fine as well as personal statements. I won 6th place out 25,000 people in an international history fair, won multiple model UN gavels, and have done research at the University of Chicago.
Do I have a chance at Oxford/Cambridge economics?
Thanks!
What subject are you interested in applying for?
Assuming you know this, but just in case: you can only apply to Oxford OR Cambridge (not both), and only Oxford has PPE. PPE is the course that Americans most commonly apply to, so the PPE tutors are very familiar with APs / US qualifications, etc. You have the stats to get past that hurdle (though you are light on essay-based classes & you should know that PPEists write a LOT of essays- figure at least one research paper per week). The next, crucial hurdle is the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA): TSA scores are a big part of making the cut for interviews. There are actual old TSA papers online, along with marking guidelines. Go take a crack at that & see how you get on. Be thinking about what relevant reading you have done outside of schoolwork (you will want it for your essay), and if you don’t already read the Economist start now.
You do have enough APs, and your weaker scores are not in directly relevant subjects, so I think you are OK to apply. Howver, PPE is a very competitive subject, so nothing is guaranteed.
If I were you I would take another history AP instead of CS Principles (which is a step back from the CS you’ve already done) or Psychology.
Applied to Cam with AP’s this past cycle. You have the 5 5’s AP requirement down as well as the SAT II scores, which is excellent. However, Oxbridge may question why you haven’t taken Micro or Macro econ AP’s. You are right when you mention that they don’t care about GPA/grades on your transcript, neither will they bat an eye towards failed AP tests unrelated to your course of study.
With your EC’s and AP test choices, it sounds like Oxford PPE might be a better fit for your interests as it involves math AND history/politics. Cambridge’s courses is focused on economics, and they probably wouldn’t consider any EC’s unrelated to economics.
The admission tests for Cambridge Econ is very difficult, I don’t know much about the TSA. I would begin studying for whichever one (depending on which course you apply for) right away. Each website should have some mock exams you can practice from.
Keep in mind Oxbridge hopes to see OUTSIDE READING, i.e. books/political and economic theory/newsletters/articles you read habitually. Most likely you already do this if you are interested in your subject, and will help form the basis for your personal statement AND your interview if offered one.
First step is picking a course. Then consult either the Oxford or Cambridge websites, they have a lot of useful information.
Economics AP (or A level for domestic applicants) is not required.
It is not required, but gosh, I’f I was reading the app I’d wonder, why AP Psychology, and no Econ?
Anecdotal, but I have been told by PPEists that the Oxford econ tutors are a bit sniffy about the calibre of the econ tutors.
FWIW, on my son’s CAS form for his visa, as his qualifications, Oxford listed his AP 5s in Comp Sci, Calc BC and Physics C - Mechanics. He also had a 5 in Physics C E&M, USH, Micro/Macro & English, but those seem to have been gravy. Looks like you’re over the basic hurdle. It will really boil down to how well you do on the TSA to get shortlisted for interview.
OK, you made me go check. St. Andrews listed “Evidence used for offer: High School Transcript with a GPA of 3.0 or better from XXXXXXX High School, CA, USA and combined SAT score of 1250 or better”