If I were to apply to Cambridge to study undergrad Philosophy, which five AP exams would they want me to get 5’s on?
Currently, my AP track record is:
AP European History - 5 (took this last year as a sophomore)
AP US History - 5 (projected)
AP Comparative Government - 5 (projected)
AP Art History - 5 (projected)
AP English Language and Composition - 5 (projected)
AP Physics - 2-3 (projected; that was not a good test for me)
(In addition to the aforementioned scores, I meet their requirements for the SAT)
Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!
Read this and sub AP tests for A levels.
http://www.phil.cam.ac.uk/prosp-students/prosp-ugrad-faq
Do I need to have Philosophy A level to apply? Is it an advantage to have Philosophy A level? No, it is neither a requirement nor a particular advantage. You will need of course to show at interview that you have read some philosophy and have some sense of what you are applying for! But private reading is fine (and someone who has merely stuck to the A level treadmill probably won’t impress).
What about other A levels? Is there any combination that is particularly looked for? Again, no. Some philosophers are admitted with maths and sciences; some are admitted with all arts subjects; some with a mix. Since philosophy involves a lot of close critical thinking and logical argument, it probably helps to do at least some A levels which involve accurate thinking (but that could be maths or it could be a subject like history where evidence needs to be carefully weighed and assessed).