A-Levels vs SAT II Subject Tests?
Discussion for those studying in the United States and Canada
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A-Levels vs SAT II Subject Tests?Do universities in the US consider SAT II scores as more important than A-levels scores?
Eg. If I got lousy results for my A-Levels in Bio, Chem and Maths but excellent ones for my SAT II subject tests (in the same subjects) will the Uni overlook my bad A-Levels in favour of the SAT results???
Say, I want to apply to an Ivy League, will they scrutinise EVERYTHING??
Thanks
Oh......and do my IGCSE scores have anything to do with my chance of being admitted???
(cuz they're pretty good ^^)Last edited by Tayl0r; 04-06-2012 at 20:30. -
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Re: A-Levels vs SAT II Subject Tests?If your Sat II's are good, they will like it because they know more about that testing system and can compare you better to other applicants. A levels are required, they expect you to have them but don't know as much about them. and yes, they do scrutinise everything. if by IGCSE's you mean regular GCSE's (?) then yes, they are important because they account for half of your academic highschool record (years 10 &11). The A levels are the other half. But the SAT's are essential because they show how your uk education 'converts' in the american scoring system.
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Re: A-Levels vs SAT II Subject Tests?I would say A levels are definately thought of as harder, and equivalent to APs, however I guess SATs are more standardised.
They won't overlook bad A levels
@Lumos, I wouldn't say they need them to 'convert' the eductaion system, as your application will be seen my special admissions people who are familiar with the UK system.
Also IGCSEs are generally thought harder than standard GCSEs and will be taken into account, but A levels will be much more important. -
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Re: A-Levels vs SAT II Subject Tests?Thanks Lumos! I sure hope that's true because I'm planning to apply to a good school.(Original post by Lumos)
If your Sat II's are good, they will like it because they know more about that testing system and can compare you better to other applicants. A levels are required, they expect you to have them but don't know as much about them. and yes, they do scrutinise everything. if by IGCSE's you mean regular GCSE's (?) then yes, they are important because they account for half of your academic highschool record (years 10 &11). The A levels are the other half. But the SAT's are essential because they show how your uk education 'converts' in the american scoring system.
Oh and the IGCSEs are the International GCSE. They're supposed to be equivalent to the UK ones however some ppl think they're harder :P -
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Re: A-Levels vs SAT II Subject Tests?If you apply to Ivy-level schools you can be sure that your application will be read by someone who is very familiar with the significance of A-level exams (UK or otherwise) and will give them their due. It is impossible to say whether or not they will weigh them more heavily than subject tests, but they certainly will not be ignored. I think it is likely the relative weight might depend on the particular test as well as the particular reader. Of course strong scores across the board will make the reader's task easier.
