My Chances in Getting into a UK uni

International Students
1

<p>Hi Everyone,
I am a US Student Interested in studying architecture in the UK. My school grades are pretty good (3.8 GPA), however my standardized test scores are not particularly good (SAT: 580 Math, 580 Reading, 600 Writing; ACT: 27). I will be retaking both the SAT and ACT this fall, as well as three SAT subject tests (either Chemistry, Math I or II, Biology, US or World History, or Literature), and one or two AP tests in May (English Language and Physics). The schools I am interested in are: University of Bath, University of Liverpool and Nothumbria University. What are my chances?</p>

<p>I should mention what classes I took/will take in high school, even though I have no idea what use it might bring to this post or applying in general (brief summary of important subjects):
College Prep Humanities (Combination of English and World History)
Honors English 10, 11 and AP English Language
College-Prep Chemistry, Honors Biology, Honors Human Anatomy and Physiology, Honors Physics
Basic Design, Drawing, Advanced Drawing, Sculpture
College Prep French 2,3 and Honors French 4+
College Prep US History and Honors Macroeconomics
College Prep Geometry, College Prep Algebra II, College Prep Pre-Calculus, College Prep Calculus
Athletic Training/Sports Medicine
Advanced TV Production
College Prep Psychology</p>

<p>Any answer helps, but please do not post anything rude or inappropriate. Thanks :)</p>

2

<p>In addition, I have some college credit from a community college that allows to gain college credit via high school classes (Honors Macroeconomics, Honors Anatomy and Physiology, CP Calculus, and Honors Physics). Should I mention it on the application?</p>

3

<p>I won’t be rude, but I don’t think you have done even the first level of research into the programmes you are considering. The good news is that it is pretty easy to calculate how likely you are to get an offer from a UK university (not counting Oxbridge): each uni posts the entry requirements in the subject page for the course. For example, here is the link to the requirements for architecture at Bath: [Entry</a> requirements for Architecture | University of Bath](<a href=“http://www.bath.ac.uk/study/ug/prospectus/subject/architecture/entry-requirements/]Entry”>http://www.bath.ac.uk/study/ug/prospectus/subject/architecture/entry-requirements/)</p>

<p>As you can see, they require A*AA at A level, in any subjects, but with a preference for a mix of math/science and humanities. Also, that the course is competitive, so that having just that may not be enough.</p>

<p>Translated to US terms, that means you need a minimum of 3 5s in “A” group APs (here is a link to A & B AP:[Advanced</a> Placement Programme - US & Canada | UCAS](<a href=“http://www.ucas.com/how-it-all-works/explore-your-options/entry-requirements/tariff-tables/app]Advanced”>http://www.ucas.com/how-it-all-works/explore-your-options/entry-requirements/tariff-tables/app)). Bath’s International Students page (link here: [United</a> States of America | University of Bath](<a href=“http://www.bath.ac.uk/study/international/country/united-states/]United”>http://www.bath.ac.uk/study/international/country/united-states/)) also says that it will accept SATIIs (in which case you would need scores comfortably over 700 for Bath) instead of APs, but I will note that for competitive courses AP scores are usually necessary in practice. </p>

<p>UK colleges care about 1) your standardized tests; 2) your recommendation; 3) your personal statement (which shows why you are suited for an architecture course, not why you are a great person) and 4) <em>relevant</em> ECs -ONLY. They do not care about your GPA, your coursework (except where specific classes are required), your other ECs or anything else about you. Note also that all your colleges will see the <em>exact</em> same application, because you apply through UCAS, up to 5 courses, for a flat fee. On UCAS you can enter all your courses- there is a way to mark the type of school- but the UK sees course grades as too difficult to compare, so the real emphasis is on standardized tests.</p>

<p>I haven’t looked up the requirements for the other courses you mentioned, but I think that should help you evaluate your odds. Quick and dirty, for an “A” on A levels, read “5” on AP or 700+ on SATIIS; for a B on A Levels, read a 4. So, for Bath unless your scores come up a whole lot, you are not (to be blunt) likely to get an offer. </p>

<p>One last point, in the UK system you can get an ‘unconditional’ offer, if you have all the exam scores the uni wants, or a “conditional” offer. The vast majority of UK students get conditional, based on getting certain marks on their A level exams, which they sit in June of their Senior year. When you apply you list all the exams you are expecting to take during your last year, and your college counselor fills in the marks you are expected (predicted) to get. If you get an offer it is likely to be conditional on getting those marks. In that case you won’t know for certain that you have your place until exams results come outn(ie, July for APs). Just FYI</p>

<p>Hope that all helps</p>

4

<p>I’m thinking you will look much more impressive to American colleges than to British. The Brits really want to see good scores on standardized tests. What scores do you expect to get on all these tests you are taking in the future?</p>

5

<p>Thank you College Mom! I knew my chances weren’t that great, but I will still try.
To TheRealKEVP: I was hoping for 650 or higher on each of the tests, and then a 30 on the ACT. I am not so great at test taking, but I have been studying and practicing the tests all summer.</p>

6

<p>What grades do you think you will be getting on your AP tests and SAT subject tests? That’s what almost all UK colleges and unis will really be paying attention to.</p>

<p>Why do you want to go to college in the UK? I really think you will be much more attractive to USA colleges and unis.</p>

7

<p>You are very welcome, aps! </p>

<p>Real is right, UK unis really only care about testing, and that continues once you get to the UK. It is worth thinking about how you would be evaluated during your course: typically, most (in some cases, <em>all</em>) of your marks are based on final exams. If you are somebody who shines through continuing assessment (marks on homework, quizzes, tests, papers, etc), you may not be as happy. For example, at my daughter’s university, they have mock exams twice a year, and year end exams to give them predictions of how they would do on the real thing, but her final degree result will depend 100% on the exams she takes at the end of her final year. That may, or may not, suit you!</p>

8

<p>All the talk about grades is very accurate for UK universities…however, I’d be willing to bet they would matter a bit less for you, applying for architecture, than for most students. It may be worth looking into whether different things are given more weight (e.g. a portfolio). You should be able to find information on this on the websites of the architecture departments at the colleges you’re looking into.</p>

9

<p>One thing that hasn’t yet been mentioned - are you aware of the structure of architecture training in the UK? </p>

<p>Firstly, you need to do your first (three year) degree, then one year in architectural practice, and then return to uni for a two year masters course. Only then are you qualified as an architect. </p>

<p>You’ll need to check out the visa situation when it comes to doing your one year in practice, as I doubt that you’ll be counted as a student whilst doing that. </p>

<p>Also, you’ll need to produce a portfolio, as architecture can be very design focused.</p>

10

<p>Does he have to do his year of architectural practice in the UK? Or could that year be spent–in architectural practice–in some other country?</p>

<p>KEVP</p>

11

<p>My knowledge of these things is somewhat limited, but I do know someone who spent his year in practice in Australia. However, I don’t know what the requirements for the year in practice are, and whether or not they can realistically be fulfilled in the US.</p>