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Applying To American Universities As A British Student
No doubt you'll have seen many of these threads pop up before, but I'd appreciate it if you could help me. I've had a look through other threads here, but they all seem very confusing! 
Basically, I'm just about to start my AS levels, having completed my GCSEs (grades in my sig if it matters!). I'm seriously considering applying to a number of American universities for a number of reasons which are a bit long to go into detail here! I'm still not 100% sure what I'd like to study yet, but I'm interested in languages, politics and history. If I did apply, I'd like to go to a Californian university, preferably Berkeley (
). I know the fees are extraordinarily high, but I'd still try and consider it.
However, I know little to nothing about the university application system of the US. I've heard A Level grades aren't accepted, so would I have to take the SAT? If someone could just guide me through how to apply to a US university as a British student, and then answer questions i had afterwards, it'd be very much appreciated.
Thanks
Basically, I'm just about to start my AS levels, having completed my GCSEs (grades in my sig if it matters!). I'm seriously considering applying to a number of American universities for a number of reasons which are a bit long to go into detail here! I'm still not 100% sure what I'd like to study yet, but I'm interested in languages, politics and history. If I did apply, I'd like to go to a Californian university, preferably Berkeley (
). I know the fees are extraordinarily high, but I'd still try and consider it. However, I know little to nothing about the university application system of the US. I've heard A Level grades aren't accepted, so would I have to take the SAT? If someone could just guide me through how to apply to a US university as a British student, and then answer questions i had afterwards, it'd be very much appreciated.
Thanks
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Honestly, look in other threads. I personally have answered this question about 10 times here.
BTW why not Stanford if you want to go to California?
BTW why not Stanford if you want to go to California?
shady lane
Honestly, look in other threads. I personally have answered this question about 10 times here.
Sorry. I just thought I'd like a direct answer to my question, seeing as I'm in a different situation to most people, ie only just finished GCSEs.BTW why not Stanford if you want to go to California?
Berkeley has always had more of an appeal to me.
Just so you know, Berkeley is a huge university. My friend went there and her smallest seminar was 40 people.
How come you want to study in America? Also, why Berkeley?
Anyway, generally you have to take the SAT I, and for some unis the SAT IIs. If they need it it will be on their website under admissions. I don't know about Berkeley but places definitely look at your A-levels as well (it'll be on your school transcript which gets sent to them, along with your GCSEs).
Oh and you might as well start studying now and take them early, that way you get a lot of time to retake.
Anyway, generally you have to take the SAT I, and for some unis the SAT IIs. If they need it it will be on their website under admissions. I don't know about Berkeley but places definitely look at your A-levels as well (it'll be on your school transcript which gets sent to them, along with your GCSEs).
Oh and you might as well start studying now and take them early, that way you get a lot of time to retake.
University of California Applications are all processed together as an entire system (kind of like UCAS), and go online in either late September or early October, and Berkeley is due on November 30th (I think. Don't quote me on it )
The essays are pretty much the same every year, and they are pretty straightforward. I've already got a "smiley face" on my UC application (I finished all their general education, so I have an edge in admissions) , which is nice
The UCs seem to be pretty vague about the entrance reqs, but they all seem to want "superior grades" and the SAT. UCs have a point system, and you get points for the SAT, volunteer work, college credit, AP and honors classes, etc.
Good luck
(I'm with Shady on the why Berk though...)
)The essays are pretty much the same every year, and they are pretty straightforward. I've already got a "smiley face" on my UC application (I finished all their general education, so I have an edge in admissions) , which is nice
The UCs seem to be pretty vague about the entrance reqs, but they all seem to want "superior grades" and the SAT. UCs have a point system, and you get points for the SAT, volunteer work, college credit, AP and honors classes, etc.
Good luck
(I'm with Shady on the why Berk though...)
brimstone
No doubt you'll have seen many of these threads pop up before, but I'd appreciate it if you could help me. I've had a look through other threads here, but they all seem very confusing!
Basically, I'm just about to start my AS levels, having completed my GCSEs (grades in my sig if it matters!). I'm seriously considering applying to a number of American universities for a number of reasons which are a bit long to go into detail here! I'm still not 100% sure what I'd like to study yet, but I'm interested in languages, politics and history. If I did apply, I'd like to go to a Californian university, preferably Berkeley (). I know the fees are extraordinarily high, but I'd still try and consider it.
However, I know little to nothing about the university application system of the US. I've heard A Level grades aren't accepted, so would I have to take the SAT? If someone could just guide me through how to apply to a US university as a British student, and then answer questions i had afterwards, it'd be very much appreciated.
Thanks
Basically, I'm just about to start my AS levels, having completed my GCSEs (grades in my sig if it matters!). I'm seriously considering applying to a number of American universities for a number of reasons which are a bit long to go into detail here! I'm still not 100% sure what I'd like to study yet, but I'm interested in languages, politics and history. If I did apply, I'd like to go to a Californian university, preferably Berkeley (
). I know the fees are extraordinarily high, but I'd still try and consider it. However, I know little to nothing about the university application system of the US. I've heard A Level grades aren't accepted, so would I have to take the SAT? If someone could just guide me through how to apply to a US university as a British student, and then answer questions i had afterwards, it'd be very much appreciated.
Thanks
im basically in the same situation, apart from sciences and economics instead of the arts. id prefer to go to harvard/MIT/Stanford or the Ivy league unis. i know the competition is tough, and i have to basically apply this academic year. so can someone go into the kind of things they ask in the SATs and how the US unis compare with oxbridge and the top uk unis , esp with regard to economics. also how should i go about applying?
brimstone
No doubt you'll have seen many of these threads pop up before, but I'd appreciate it if you could help me. I've had a look through other threads here, but they all seem very confusing!
Basically, I'm just about to start my AS levels, having completed my GCSEs (grades in my sig if it matters!). I'm seriously considering applying to a number of American universities for a number of reasons which are a bit long to go into detail here! I'm still not 100% sure what I'd like to study yet, but I'm interested in languages, politics and history. If I did apply, I'd like to go to a Californian university, preferably Berkeley (). I know the fees are extraordinarily high, but I'd still try and consider it.
However, I know little to nothing about the university application system of the US. I've heard A Level grades aren't accepted, so would I have to take the SAT? If someone could just guide me through how to apply to a US university as a British student, and then answer questions i had afterwards, it'd be very much appreciated.
Thanks
Basically, I'm just about to start my AS levels, having completed my GCSEs (grades in my sig if it matters!). I'm seriously considering applying to a number of American universities for a number of reasons which are a bit long to go into detail here! I'm still not 100% sure what I'd like to study yet, but I'm interested in languages, politics and history. If I did apply, I'd like to go to a Californian university, preferably Berkeley (
). I know the fees are extraordinarily high, but I'd still try and consider it. However, I know little to nothing about the university application system of the US. I've heard A Level grades aren't accepted, so would I have to take the SAT? If someone could just guide me through how to apply to a US university as a British student, and then answer questions i had afterwards, it'd be very much appreciated.
Thanks
You evidently have a good deal more money than sense so if you'd like to cut me a check for $50,000 as a retainer I'd be happy to assist you getting into the US university of your choice.
Something to keep in mind is that UC schools are required to set aside a certain number of places for California students, which means that students from other states and other countries are competing for a very small number of slots, that makes it much more competitive for them. Berkeley happens to be among the most competitive in the UC system. If you really want to be in California, you may want to consider private schools such as Stanford or USC. You are more likely to get individual attention for your application at these schools simply because they have fewer applicants and don't have to meet state quotas. In this case USC is a good choice because it accepts a very high number of international students and makes this a priority(sorry I graduated from USC and used to work in admissions, I'm biased). Courses will be smaller at these schools and because you are not a California resident the cost will be fairly similar. It is possible to get scholarships for studying in the US, but don't count on getting a scholarship from the Uni. Those scholarships are very competitive and often hinge on criteria that may be difficult for you to meet considering your international status. Instead try to find fellowships or private foundations looking to sponser students to study abroad.
As others have mentioned you will have to take the SAT Is and possibly the SAT II subject tests. I believe when I applied the subject tests were required. Also keep in mind that US universities weight extra curricular activities, volunteerism etc. more heavily than British schools.
I'm not particularly familiar with the high school system you go through in the UK, but I would like to point out that American Universities are very competitive, more so than UK unis. Be prepared for that. You may be familiar with the GPA system which assigns points for grades on a 4.0 scale. Many students applying today are awarded extra points for AP/IB classes and therefore carry a GPA that is off the scale, in addition these students are prepped intensively for the SAT tests and have been padding their resumes with after school activities since elementary school. I'm not trying to discourage you, just suggesting that you think of insurance schools in the U.S. very carefully if you really want to be there.
As others have mentioned you will have to take the SAT Is and possibly the SAT II subject tests. I believe when I applied the subject tests were required. Also keep in mind that US universities weight extra curricular activities, volunteerism etc. more heavily than British schools.
I'm not particularly familiar with the high school system you go through in the UK, but I would like to point out that American Universities are very competitive, more so than UK unis. Be prepared for that. You may be familiar with the GPA system which assigns points for grades on a 4.0 scale. Many students applying today are awarded extra points for AP/IB classes and therefore carry a GPA that is off the scale, in addition these students are prepped intensively for the SAT tests and have been padding their resumes with after school activities since elementary school. I'm not trying to discourage you, just suggesting that you think of insurance schools in the U.S. very carefully if you really want to be there.
For Berkeley, this should provide you with most of the information you need: http://students.berkeley.edu/admissions/freshmen.asp?id=55&navid=N
Have considered Richmond (American University in London) as that is where I plan on studying and the accept A Levels (the minuimiun is two I think) check out UCAS as it is under the American system and Bristish with only about 1500 students overall (again dont quote me) and 6% from Britain.
Go to the website for College Board. It lists dates and you can search UK locations.
Not if your school doesn't rank.
Xrypto
Have considered Richmond (American University in London) as that is where I plan on studying and the accept A Levels (the minuimiun is two I think) check out UCAS as it is under the American system and Bristish with only about 1500 students overall (again dont quote me) and 6% from Britain.
I've heard only bad things about Richmond. I looked in to it briefly, but was very expensive for a not so great education.
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