SATs, USA universities, and all that jazz

Hi- speaking here as a current university student applying to a UK college. SATs are the least important aspect of your application if you're applying to Ivy League Unis. US universities (especially top ones) place great emphasis on extracurriculars, grades (In the US we don't have A levels at the end of our educational career, but grades every semester. This forms our GPA), and CommonApp + Individual College Essays **** THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. The College Board Common App Essay would be like the UCAS PS. Each college has its own set of essays too, which are often quite creative. Also, which major you apply for in the US does NOT matter. You can apply as an anthropology major and end up declaring a major (in your sophomore year) in economics or business. That being said, applying as an 'undecided' Major candidate is disadvantageous. That's because you need a hook- a subject which you're strong at, and could show dedication in - especially in the extracurricular section. Finally, Collegeboard is the testing app, and they are connected with Common App. The Oxford equivalent would be like Collegeboard being Pearson VUE, and Common App, UCAS. You register, take, and receive results on Collegeboard. You submit and deal with your individual applications on Common App. Hope this helps

Hi! I'm currently a year 12 student who decided very suddenly I want to explore university and scholarships in the US. I'm sitting my SATs this year in the December slot (1 month to go...), and I'm hoping to get around a 1500. I'm also applying to Oxford in the UK, so doing SATs is a bit of a safety net for me (hoping I can apply with my SAT score if my A Levels aren't quite where they ought to be). The issue is I didn't do incredibly in my GCSEs (I can provide a breakdown if needed), and wanted to ask about if I'm being realistic by thinking about applying to T20 schools. I know that university in the USA is an entirely different ballgame to the UK, and I don't want to get my hopes up. I do a large range of extracurriculars, but nothing extraordinary. I still have some time to beef up my application though! I'm applying for PPE in the UK, so my equivalent would be a Philosophy major and politics minor- I don't know if I can do 2 minors or if I'm meant to do lots?? The American system is confusing me soooo much. Also, what is the difference between collegeboard and commonapp??? Should I have both??