So basically all of the reach schools I’m planning on applying to are in the UK. I’ve been scouring the websites of every place I’m considering (York, Manchester, St. Andrews, Edinburgh) and all of them say that USA applicants should have AP test scores of 4+. St. Andrews (by far my top choice) even says that in my chosen major I should have a solid 5 on the relevant AP exam. I’m just wondering how much that factors into the school’s decision? Is this something that can make or break an application? Like, if I have a 3 on an AP test are they going to toss it? Could I send in an SAT subject test instead of the AP test, or do I absolutely HAVE to have the AP scores? And also, I’m only in two AP classes this year, and plan to take the same amount next year, focused on my area of study (English). Should I be doing more? Sort of terrified.
Thanks. Help. But thanks.
If a uni indicates a 5 or a 4 as a requirement, they mean it and it will break or make your application. AP results carry the most weight. Some unis allow to substitute APs with subject tests+SAT/ACT. Requirements are uni- and major-specific.
You can apply with predicted results for the courses you will be taking your senior year. In that case you will receive a conditional offer - acceptance will be tied to you achieving required scores.
^^@jupiter98 knows what s/he is talking about.
Fwiw, this is b/c the UK system relies on standardized, subject-based testing to even out the vagaries of different schools. The upside is that, as an international student, if you meet the requirements you have a solid chance of getting in (UK students have a harder time).
The other thing is that in many (most) courses, having done work to AP level is actually useful: your peers will have done work to that level already, and the tutors (professors) will expect you to have done work to that level- and they won’t be making the work easier for you.
I’m going to be sending in both Subject Tests and AP Scores. They don’t specify the score for subject tests.
Edinburgh does. It should be SAT 650 and higher. Check the requirements carefully