Any US students applying for undergrad in the UK?? - Page 2

julia.tran · 10-14-2009, 11:46 PM

I'm confused as to the #1 point under pinkpineapple's post...as far as I knew, I paid the regular fee of 9 pounds (I think that's what that is?) Also, I applied PPE--no written work, right?

sorenemrys · 10-18-2009, 08:00 PM

hello, another american applying for undergrad in the uk! sorry to hijack but I've a couple questions. First, can anyone explain the whole 'firm choice/insurance' thing? I sort of understand it as a firm choice being the #1 'yes i'll go if i meet the conditions' an the insurance being an offer that i know i can meet. So assuming I got into more than two, I would be forced to pick a firm and insurance, then drop the others?

I'd also like to ask if I should include a 3 I made on an AP exam in 10th grade. I have 5's on the two that I've taken in 11th so I wasn't going to include the 3 because a university might look at that and reject me despite the two 5s and a predicted 554 next year (the 4 is not in a related subject). But then again, I may be able to get an unconditional from one school because I would have three APs already. Can somebody shed some light on this?
I'm applying to U of Exeter x2, KCL, Leeds, and Durham. I have a 2120 SAT, forthcoming subject tests, and two fives in related subjects for the AP. Do you think I'll get an offer from a couple of these school or should I aim a bit lower just to make sure I get in someplace? Good luck everyone!

Dionysus58 · 10-18-2009, 10:36 PM

Quote:

First, can anyone explain the whole 'firm choice/insurance' thing? I sort of understand it as a firm choice being the #1 'yes i'll go if i meet the conditions' an the insurance being an offer that i know i can meet. So assuming I got into more than two, I would be forced to pick a firm and insurance, then drop the others?

Yup that is pretty much it. Except you're not forced to have an insurance. Most people do but you dont have to have one if you only want to go to your firm. Cant answer your other questions because i dont understand your grades. What courses are you applying for and is Exeter your preferred uni?

Spriteling · 10-19-2009, 02:50 AM

Quote:

I'd also like to ask if I should include a 3 I made on an AP exam in 10th grade. I have 5's on the two that I've taken in 11th so I wasn't going to include the 3 because a university might look at that and reject me despite the two 5s and a predicted 554 next year (the 4 is not in a related subject). But then again, I may be able to get an unconditional from one school because I would have three APs already. Can somebody shed some light on this?
I'm applying to U of Exeter x2, KCL, Leeds, and Durham. I have a 2120 SAT, forthcoming subject tests, and two fives in related subjects for the AP. Do you think I'll get an offer from a couple of these school or should I aim a bit lower just to make sure I get in someplace? Good luck everyone!

You must declare the 3. You're required to declare all grades that you've earned, and universities can revoke your offer if they find out you hid something from them.

sorenemrys · 10-19-2009, 06:04 PM

Thanks so much to Dionysus and Spriteling! I'll be sure to declare the 3.
I'm applying for Politics and Philosophy across the board (along with a second flexible combined honors course in Politics and Archaeology at Exeter) except at KCL where its War Studies and Philosophy. And yes, Exeter is my top choice as of now.

caracas10 · 10-20-2009, 10:06 PM

Ok, I have a 2 questions...

1.)Does our school have to send our transcripts, because I don't see that on UCAS?
2.) Do we have to send them our scores directly from the testing agency like here in the U.S?

brunhein · 10-20-2009, 11:49 PM

1) not initially, the colleges may ask you for them later
2) no

Laylah · 10-21-2009, 09:00 AM

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to let you know, if you have any specific questions about life in the UK generally or applying to universities, feel free to PM me. I went to Oxford for my undergraduate degree and UCL for grad school. I'm not American, but I know both the US and UK systems pretty well and I would be happy to answer any questions.

FinalCut10 · 10-21-2009, 04:09 PM

Hi Laylah, my mom was actually wondering about this question and I find it pretty interesting too: What is the general male:female ratio at a college at Oxford?

Laylah · 10-22-2009, 04:33 AM

Hi FinalCut - that totally depends on the college!

Because the colleges are so small, the ratio can fluctuate hugely every year when the difference is actually only a few people. E.g. one year at Corpus Christi, the ratio of male first year students to female first year students was 55:45. The next year it was 60:40. While that looks like a huge change, it's actually only 5 people, since there are only about 100 students per year anyway.

Also, because each college offers different subjects, some will attract more females than males or vice versa. E.g. Corpus Christi doesn't offer Modern Languages. Most modern languages students are female, therefore the ratio gets skewed, since all Modern Languages students go elsewhere.

Sorry, I know that doesn't exactly answer the question!

pixeljig · 10-22-2009, 05:07 AM

How was UCL? I heard it is good for Computer Science. Do they have housing for freshman?

Laylah · 10-22-2009, 06:35 AM

I love UCL.

I'm halfway through my grad degree now, and I will definitely miss it when I leave! First year students are guaranteed accomodation, but after that you have to find your own (this is the case at most UK universities actually).

You can see more info about housing here: Eligibility & Deadlines

FinalCut10 · 10-22-2009, 08:46 PM

Thanks so much! I figured as much, but your insight really helped! About UCL, is it difficult to find decent accommodation around the university?

Dionysus58 · 10-23-2009, 03:18 AM

Quote:

About UCL, is it difficult to find decent accommodation around the university?

As a first year? No, but a lot of people end up having to share. After that it depends on your budget and if you want to live in private or uni accom. If you go private then expect to live quite a bit further out, London is expensive!

Laylah · 10-23-2009, 04:07 AM

^^^ Totally agree. UCL is located in one of the most expensive areas in London. Luckily, it's also very well connected to many different Tube lines, so it's possible to live quite a distance away without actually needing to spend too much time travelling.