We have changed the way we log in on College Confidential. Read more here.
Chances at Uni Bath BSc Arch (Hons) or Uni Sheffield's Arch BA Programmes?
Koflach
5 replies2 threads New Member
I am coming from the American education system and have a 3.71 Weighted and a 3.30 Unweighted GPA. I have a 32 ACT, but the only thing I am missing is the three 5's on relevant AP tests (AP Calc, AP Physics, etc.) I am planning on taking these at the end of the school year—in May—and planning to achieve 5's in AP Calculus AB, AP Physics 2, and AP Statistics at least. Along with this I have taken Drafting courses and other similar Arts courses. Would I be able to receive admission into these programmes based off of my given qualifications, and due to the situation with AP Scores, would I be able to submit these at a later date whilst still applying before or on the January 15th deadline for these Unis and their programmes? Any and all help is very much appreciated.
9 replies
Replies to: Chances at Uni Bath BSc Arch (Hons) or Uni Sheffield's Arch BA Programmes?
The person who writes your LoR "predicts" the scores for your APs, and the uni gives one of 3 replies to your application: rejection, "conditional" offer or "unconditional" offer.
If you are applying with "predicted" scores (and you aren't rejected outright) you are likely to get a "conditional" offer, which will say something like "we are pleased to offer you a place on X course commencing in Sept/Oct, conditional on the attainment of scores 123, on exams XYZ.
A lot of Americans accept something in the US, to have an option in case they do not make their offer (ie, the scores don't meet the condition(s)). and then just forfeit the deposit if they make their offer.
As for whether you would get an offer from either of these programs in the first place...I'm assuming that when you say AP Calc you mean BC, as Bath requires that, and that you have a portfolio that meets Sheffield's requirements. Your PS should be highly academically focused.
In general, UK unis like US $$ and an applicant who meets the requirements has a high likelihood of success. However, some courses are less predictable, and Architecture is one of them- for a start, it is highly competitive, but equally, they want to be sure that you are able for the course, and art/design background/abilities are tougher to assess.
What should my course of action be in this case? Should I trash the idea completely? Self teach BC and make the attempt for a 5? Or something different?
As for the portfolio I have many of the things Uni Sheffield is looking for, it would be a matter of assembling them in one place. Although it would not take me long to do that.
Also, UCAS has a section on how to write a reference. When you ask the teacher give them that (kindest would be to print it off, but at least the link), and (same as for US schools) a cheat sheet of why you are applying for this, what makes you a good fit for the course and specific examples / reminders of relevant things from their experience of you. As with your PS it’s not about what a great person you are but how good a fit for the course.
https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/prospectus/courseDetails.do?id=K1002020
A couple rows down there is a row of buttons- first one is "course" and last one is "Our Selection Process".
It really pays to burrow into the UK websites- there is a lot in there :-)