How Do UK Exam Results Translate to US SATs for Admission to Harvard?

In summary: I'll just have to wait and see if I can get into Harvard with my current qualifications!In summary, the SAT is a standardised test that is non-subject specific, and is similar to AS General Studies but without any required knowledge of science. If you study in the US, you will likely need high SAT scores to get into the best universities. Without any real knowledge of the UK system, I would guess that the SAT is easier than your A levels.
  • #1
Unredeemed
120
0
Hi there,
I live in England but want to go to uni in the US, preferably Harvard. I am predicted all A*s in my GCSEs which I'll take in the summer and would hope to get all A's in my AS and A levels. However, I have no idea how the UK examination results would translate into the US. As in, how do GCSEs, AS and A levels relate to SATs? Are they easier/harder?

At my current UK examination expected results, what should I expect if I take SATs?

And what kind of an SAT result would I need to get into Harvard?

Thanks,
Jamie
 
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  • #2
You need as high of an SAT score as you can get. Harvard regularly rejects people with perfect SATs.
 
  • #3
I see. But my main question was how do GCSEs, AS Levels and A Levels in the UK compare to the SATs in the US? Are they harder or easier? What are the differences?
 
  • #4
Unredeemed said:
I see. But my main question was how do GCSEs, AS Levels and A Levels in the UK compare to the SATs in the US? Are they harder or easier? What are the differences?

Well, the SAT is a standardised test, and is non-subject specific, thus it cannot require as much information as one requires for A levels, since the latter are quite specialised qualifications. If I had to guess, I'd say the SAT was similar to AS General Studies, but without any required knowledge of science. Of course, I should mention that this comes from someone with no experience of the US system at all! The best way for you to tell would be to get your hands on past SAT tests and see whether you can do them.
 
  • #5
Without having any real knowledge of the UK system, I would guess that the SAT is generally easier than your A levels. The math section is just first-year algebra.

I don't know exactly what university admissions are like in the UK, but also keep in mind that grades and test scores are actually less important than you would think for the top American universities. Sure, bad scores can keep you out, but if all you have in your favor is good scores, you'll never get in. Extracurricular activities and "leadership" are what's important.
 
  • #6
I would suggest applying many US colleges if you want to study here. Even a well-qualified US student can get rejected from several of the top schools before getting into one, and international acceptance tends to even lower.
 
  • #7
TMFKAN64 said:
Without having any real knowledge of the UK system, I would guess that the SAT is generally easier than your A levels. The math section is just first-year algebra.

First year of what: high school, university? There isn't any algebra (in the sense you mean it) in university courses over here.
 
  • #8
The SAT is an unimaginably stupid way of measuring readiness for university studies. It's basically a test of how many very, very, very easy questions (in math) and vague, stupid questions (in English) you can answer in a limited period of time. I got a really high score, which I attribute completely to luck... I know people smarter than me who bombed it. My advice is to buy an SAT practice book online and go over it. Make sure you take the mock exams while timing yourself and working under exam conditions since speed and endurance are what are really being tested. Your A-level scores will have no bearing on your SAT scores since it's not at all the same sort of test (in the sense that A-levels probably measure something useful, while the SAT doesn't).
 
  • #9
Not to rain on your parade but even if you do perfectly on your A levels and your SAT Is, I wouldn't think that admission is a sure thing. As others have said, Harvard regularly rejects people with perfect grades and test scores, especially foreign students since there is a unofficial quota for internationals at top US universities. If you don't have any astounding extracurriculars (leadership positions at clubs, regional-level awards in sports, something creative like starting a charity or awards in contests) then I would apply to other colleges as well. Good luck anyways :)
 
  • #10
cristo said:
First year of what: high school, university? There isn't any algebra (in the sense you mean it) in university courses over here.

High school. University algebra is a different kettle of fish entirely. We're talking "3x + 5 = 11, what is x?" here. Well, a little more than that, but not much...
 
  • #11
They teach algebra (not high school algebra) at universities? Wow.

Anyway, there is geometry on the SAT too. Just so you know...
 
  • #12
They teach about groups, rings, and fields in universities in the US. None of that on the SAT, just simple math problems.
 
  • #13
Thanks everyone, I can see that the US and UK systems are very different :p

A teacher of mine mentioned that some US students take something called an "ACT" instead of the SAT. He said this seemed more similar to the UK system than the SAT. What are the differences between the SAT and the ACT? Which is harder? Which is more highly thought of?

MissSilvy said:
Not to rain on your parade but even if you do perfectly on your A levels and your SAT Is, I wouldn't think that admission is a sure thing. As others have said, Harvard regularly rejects people with perfect grades and test scores, especially foreign students since there is a unofficial quota for internationals at top US universities. If you don't have any astounding extracurriculars (leadership positions at clubs, regional-level awards in sports, something creative like starting a charity or awards in contests) then I would apply to other colleges as well. Good luck anyways :)

I realize it will be extremely difficult to get in, but I'm going to try anyway :p
I will definitely apply to other colleges and UK Universities as well though.
 
  • #14
In general, schools in the midwest like to see the ACT, and schools everywhere else like to see the SAT. However, hardly any schools only accept one or the other, so you're fine taking either.
 
  • #15
Monocles said:
In general, schools in the midwest like to see the ACT, and schools everywhere else like to see the SAT. However, hardly any schools only accept one or the other, so you're fine taking either.

But what's the difference between the two?
 
  • #16
Same ****, different wrapper. I took both and they are almost exactly the same except for a few minor details. They're both made by different companies for the same purpose and both cover almost the same topics.
 
  • #17
Unredeemed said:
But what's the difference between the two?

In the past the SAT was had questions that where intended to measure reasoning skills that tried to mimic the kinds of questions on an IQ test, but now it's just a standardized test that covers almost the same things as ACT. ACT has math questions that includes trigonometry, and has a section to test basic science skills. They both have a reading, writing, and math section. http://www.kaptest.com/College/SAT/Learn-About-the-SAT/CO_satact.html [Broken]
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #18
When I took my SATs (2 years before the 2400 point system), the test was simple arithmetic algebra and simple geometry. (If this angle is x, then what is that angle?)
 
  • #19
descendency said:
When I took my SATs (2 years before the 2400 point system), the test was simple arithmetic algebra and simple geometry. (If this angle is x, then what is that angle?)

oh, has there recently been a new system?
 
  • #20
Ya they added a writing section worth 800 points in which you have to write an essay and do some English grammar. Most colleges if I'm not mistaken are more concerned with math + reading scores but I guess an excellent writing score couldn't hurt.

I read an article about students who had perfect grades near perfect SATS and were apart of world renown orchestras and/or researching for NASA and had awesome interviews and still didn't get in.
 
  • #21
Have you considered applying for a course in the UK which includes a year abroad? I'm currently in the 2nd year of my course and my 3rd will be in the US. As well as being much easier to apply for, this has the advantage of only paying UK tutition fees.
 
  • #22
tom717 said:
Have you considered applying for a course in the UK which includes a year abroad? I'm currently in the 2nd year of my course and my 3rd will be in the US. As well as being much easier to apply for, this has the advantage of only paying UK tutition fees.

Out of interest, which uni are you studying at?
 
  • #23
calvinuk said:
Out of interest, which uni are you studying at?
In the UK? Manchester
 

1. How do I apply to a US college as a UK student?

As a UK student, you will need to apply to US colleges through the Common Application or the Coalition Application. These are online platforms that allow you to submit one application to multiple universities. You will also need to take the SAT or ACT and submit your scores as part of your application.

2. Do I need to take any additional tests or exams?

In addition to the SAT or ACT, some US colleges may also require you to take subject-specific tests such as SAT Subject Tests or AP exams. It is important to research the specific requirements of each university you are applying to.

3. Can I use my UK qualifications to apply to US colleges?

Yes, most US colleges will accept UK qualifications such as A-levels or the International Baccalaureate. However, it is important to check the specific requirements of each university as they may have different expectations for international students.

4. Are there any language requirements for UK students applying to US colleges?

If English is not your first language, you may be required to submit English language proficiency test scores, such as the TOEFL or IELTS. However, if you have completed your education in English or are a native English speaker, you may be exempt from this requirement.

5. How does the application process for US colleges differ from UK universities?

The US college application process is more holistic and takes into account factors such as extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation in addition to academic achievements. It is also important to note that US colleges have different application deadlines, with some having early decision or early action options.

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