<p>My high school grades and SAT I/ACT test scores are mediocre to say he least. However, that was due to a learning disablement in math and my grades and test scores in the areas that I am currently studying/will study are very strong, with myself scoring 4's and 5's on two AP Exams respectively. In addition to scoring well over 600's on the SAT II subject tests.</p>
<p>I have also completed a year of undergraduate coursework with very strong grades at my current university in the US, achieving a 3.4-3.7 GPA which would be considered first class or on the verge of so in many UK universities overall. As well as achieving what would be in comparison, first class in my majors of history/political science.</p>
<p>So I would be applying for a program in both or history/political science and related fields like war studies, defense studies, or international relations/studies.</p>
<p>With all of this, do I stand a chance at the following universities in England and Wales. If some people on here know about the process of US students gaining admissions to universities in these regions?</p>
<p>I think you do have a shot at Kent. King’s is selective. And I think so is Leeds, due largely to the sheer number of applicants Leeds receives each year.</p>
<p>What are English and Welsh Universities looking for in an American applicant overall though? From what I garnered, admissions to the various colleges and schools are looking to see that you do well in your subject area both in terms of grades and test scores?</p>
<p>If I’m being cynical, money. Foreign students pay higher fees. :-)</p>
<p>In all seriousness, test scores and a clear academic focus (you only study your major, no other subjects). Also, you need to be independent and self-motivated.</p>
<p>It is hard to give you any concrete advice as admissions in the UK depend on subject/course as well as university.</p>
<p>Look at the requirements for a UK student.</p>
<p>They will say A-level in subjects A-Z grades A-E.</p>
<p>I advise US students to try and get APs in these A-level subjects.</p>
<p>eg if the course requires history grade A, try and get AP 5 in history. </p>
<p>I know you have already left high school so you can’t get more APs, but this will give you a rough guide.</p>
<p>I would advise contacting the universities directly and ask them if they think you would have a shot at entry into specific courses. Most UK schools get very very few direct US applicants (as opposed to US students on study abroad programs) so they might ask you for more information. </p>
<p>In the UK there is no difference between grades and test scores. A-levels take 2 years and the final grades are based on exams and coursework over 2 years. </p>
<p>This year the government has cut cash to universities massively in the UK. This could be bad for you are there are more applicants competing for fewer places. However, ITA with sagerobinson about the cash! On the flip side the universities might accept more foreign students with lower grades to get the money (note there is zero financial aid for foreign undergraduates in most cases).</p>
<p>My daughter is going to Durham University for three years starting in October. If you really want to do this I would encourage you to contact the admissions department of the Unis you’re interested in and ask them if they think you have a chance. Yes, I think they want international students because they pay about 3 times more than a domestic student but that’s only part of the picture. You will have to prove to them that you can do the work and bring something to the university. It will also depend on the subjects you want to study. Students pick the university on the their department strength so certain subjects are incredibly competitive - Politics could be one of them. You may find with History that there are set prerequisites because of the difference in the History content between the US and UK courses in school.</p>
<p>Remember that you have a choice of 5 schools on the UCAS application. You’ve only mentioned 3 so look at the Times university rankings, The Guardian rankings or the Good University Guide and add two more making one a really clear safety school. Go for it.</p>
<p>University of Leeds and Kings are pretty competitive and so is Kent depending on what you want to take. Leeds and Kent are very social though, my brother is at Leeds and I’m in Kent and I had to get AAB and my brother had to get AAA to get into our Universities.</p>