Hi,
I was planning on applying to Oxford (PPE) and LSE (Phil and econ), but I got a 4 on the AP microeconomics test :(. I have fives in Lang, macro, apush, and psych as well as an 800 on the lit sat subject test, 760 on the math 2 sat subject test, 770 on the WH sat subject test, and a 1510/1600 on the new sat( above the requirement but still a little low so I’m retaking). Is the four too damning to apply to an Econ related subject or apply at all?
Anyone?
Have you done any calculus? Your Math II test score is great, but the vast majority of successful PPE applicants have Math to A level, which means at least some calculus.
Have you looked at the TSA (Thinking Skills Assessment)? take a whack at that and see how it suits you: the TSA score is key to getting called for an interview for PPE at Oxford.
Fwiw (which isn’t much), Oxford doesn’t think much of AP Econ (macro or micro). Also, although the rules have changed so that macro & micro now count as full APs, until last year they were considered 1/2 an AP each (iirc, so was psych), and there may be some residual - though unofficial and informal- perception of them as lightweight APs.
Are you taking any APs this year? If so, any offer may well be conditional on those scores.
You have enough scores to get in- if they want you. Your PS, TSA and (crucially, if you get that far) your interview is what will matter.
Hi! I took AP Calc AB but the score isn’t showing up yet (it’s not available in my region and I used an ap student website) but I’m scared it may be a 4 because I was pretty exhausted taking it. I’m also taking BC next year. My APs next year are AP Comp sci, AP Music Theory, AP Calc BC, AP Lit, AP bio, and AP Gov. I’ve looked at the TSA and I think getting a high score is very doable because it complements a lot of my strengths. Thanks so much for replying! @collegemom3717
I’d reduce the number of AP classes - cut either CS or nusic plus bio. Can you take AP macro and another AP history?
@MYOS1634 I would cut AP bio but it’s a required science and I need music for the school music credit needed for grad. I think I can cut cs though or swap it for AP Human Geo (the only other history) or take Comp Gov @MYOS1634
I can also retake the AP micro test but since I got a five in macro I don’t think I have to
I didn’t realize you’d already taken macro. No, don’t retake micro.
Replace AP bio with an honors science.
Odds are that you’ll get conditions along the line of 5s in several subjects related to your degree so taking fewer and doing great in them is paramount. Do take Comp Gov.
Alright, I’ll definitely do that. Thanks a lot for your help, I appreciate it!
@MYOS1634
If your conditions are getting 3 5s, you MUST get those or you lose your place…
In addition, it’s a good idea to have safeties in the US, and hold a place (perhaps at your flagship’s honors college) by may first, just in case you don’t make your conditions…
Safeties in the US and also possibly applying to other UK unis as well.
@PurpleTitan I’m applying to LSE (they’re very set on 5s which is why the 4 in Micro scares me) as well as Kings, and Edinburgh. I’m also applying to a wide range of schools in the US because Oxford is so competitive and I really don’t want to pin all my hopes on it
As always, @collegemom3717 is right - the TSA to get shortlisted for interview will be your biggest hurdle. If you do get shortlisted and are successful receiving an offer, you should be able to cobble together enough qualifications between your APs, SAT & SAT 2s. Have you thought about which college you will apply to yet? Also think about the logistics of where you will take theTSA.
@HazeGrey I have been studying for the TSA and I am hopeful I will achieve a high score. I’m just a little afraid of the 4 in Micro and probably AB calc. Because my school has refused to be a test center in the past, I’m going to have to travel a few hours to take the TSA in NY. I haven’t put TOO much thought into it but I like Balliol College.
My son took the MAT at the facility in NYC and had no issues. As I recall, there was a separate room for each test.
If you do well on the TSA and everything else looks good, my guess is that the 4s on MicroAB are not going to keep you from getting shortlisted. Last year, 35% of PPE applicants were shortlisted (about 700 out of 2,000). Plus you will be a full fee paying international student, so you’ve got that going for you!
Sadly, for Oxbridge being full-fee paying doesn’t help…