<p>Hi! I am currently an American sophomore in high school, and I'm looking at UCL (eventually Oxford, but that's more of a dream.) Next year, I will be in IB, and I will be high leveling in English, Euro History, and Psych. This year I will be taking the AP U.S. History Test and also the AP English Language test. I will also be taking various AP tests in addition to the IB tests. Does anyone have any advice for my academic (and extracurricular) career to get into UCL? Also, how does UCL compare to the likes of Oxford and Cambridge? Are there any other schools that you would recommend in the UK (I'm also looking at St. Andrews?) I would like to study English or possibly International Relations.</p>
<p>I apologize for my title error. I was researching different unis at the time I was making this post, so I must have made the error then! And I am making doing the full diploma. Thank you for your input!</p>
<p>Personally I think UCL compares very well to Oxford and Cambridge, especially for English which is one of the most competitive programmes to get onto. UCL does not offer straight IR; it has a politics degree but that is very much focused on Russia and Eastern Europe. You can also specialise in IR through the European Social and Political Studies programme.</p>
<p>I do not think extracurriculars are important, only mention ECs on your personal statement if they are directly relevant to the course you’re applying for.</p>
<p>I’ve applied to UCL twice now. First time I got rejected (to one of the most competitive courses in the country). Second time, for a different subject, I’ve been accepted. Yes, it is true, academics are priority. They’ll only start looking at your application is you fall under their entry requirements for the course you apply to. Note that higher grades will, of course, help you. However, you have just as much chance with slightly lower grades, but considerably better personal statement as opposed to your competitors with higher grades and somewhat poorer statement. Therefore, it’s not all about the grades. You may have them, but so will many others probably. It is essential to, therefore, write a great personal statement. Also, ECs aren’t as important, but they want you to show your interest in the course, so work experience of even clubs in school will support your position.</p>
<p>Thank you! And I know the specify that they want APs relevant to your degree. If I applied for English, what would you consider relevant? Obviously AP English Lang or Lit, but would a test like European History be considered relevant?</p>
<p>Yes, history is absolutely relevant to English. Any arts / humanities subject will be relevant. I’d also just say if you opt for either politics or ESPS at UCL, a language would be very useful indeed.</p>
<p>Thank you! And I am looking at St. Andrews as well. Thank you Ll for your advice! Does anybody have any opinions on how UCL and St. Andrews are compared to HYPSM?</p>
<p>I don’t understand why St. Andrews is such a big deal in the US. It’s hardly considered to be one of the best in England. Just because the prince went there it doesn’t instantly label it as a school of excellence… Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good school, but I’d say UCL and schools such as Imperial and LSE are in a far superior league. Even in Scotland itself, Edinburgh is arguably better than St. Andrews. I’m speaking in terms of Europe, though. In the US, I’m not sure to what extent these two schools are considered. Overall, I’d say HYPSM would have a small edge on UCL. However, of course, it does matter for what courses you’re talking about.</p>
<p>All right, thank you for the input! I would only go to St. Andrews if I was for sure pursuing International Relations. I would prefer UCL for any other degree. Thank you!</p>
<p>Look at the A-level subjects recommended for UK applicants. These are relevant subjects for your APs to be considered. </p>
<p>I am put off St Andrews because it seems to attract US students who want to say they have studied abroad but do not want to meet or interact with any one who is not American and do not want to experience a foreign culture in anyway. but that’s just my impression.</p>