<p>My son is in 10th grade at a high school ranked in the top 5 of U.S. News and World Reports. He has a 4.0 GPA with scores of 5 in AP Calculus AB, Physics and Government & Politics (the 3 tests he took as a freshman). He is also a gifted classical pianist appearing on NPR’s “From the Top” and has done well in national competition.</p>
<p>He is passionate about studying at Cambridge and I am attempting to help him in this process. We are trying to determine where he can take the AS tests in Mathematics and Physics. In checking the Cambridge site, it seems they have an affiliate program for U.S. schools but no test sites are listed. He feels that he can take the November test with the material he has covered in school to date. The application deadline for the November test is in 4 days. I have encouraged him to reconsider and take the test at the May date. </p>
<p>Two questions, 1) is the test given in the U.S. and where might I find location info? and 2) would he be better served to prep for the test in May?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance for your guidance.</p>
<p>I am a junior in the Cambridge Program at my high school, and how the program works is we take the class all year and then take the A or AS level test in May. The classes are extremely rigorous, and the teacher’s main priority is preparing us for the tests. In no way am I trying to shoot your son down, but a great deal of preparation is needed if he hopes to pass. The material itself is very challenging- I’m taking AS Math this year (I’m assuming the same test you are referring to) and I have to have 2 80 minute classes in my schedule dedicated to this class alone.
I suggest that he studies the syllabus for each respective class thoroughly and makes sure he knows everything- the syllabus is the exact material that will be found on the test. acceleratedstudynotes.com is a great resource for any A/AS level science course. Also make sure you can get your hands on the textbooks for both classes, as they will prove to be the best tool in assuring his success on the tests.
Furthermore, Cambridge is very strict on how candidates format their answers. Though it sounds stupid, it often happens that a student will write the correct answer, but get it wrong because it was formatted incorrectly. A great example of this is when it comes to graphing (this applies to math as well as physics) you must mark the specific marks on a graph with small X’s, rather than a regular dot. There are many other things to watch out for like this, and I’m sure you can find some information about that online somewhere (I was taught it all in school and can’t name everything off the top of my head)
Overall, I would suggest he opt for the May test. Using the methods I suggested above, STUDY STUDY STUDY! Not having took the class will place him at a dissadvantage, and even the best students have been known to crack from some of the harder tests (AS Math- yikes!). I believe the tests cost about 80 dollars (I may be wrong, my school pays for mine) and will secure him with college credit if he passes.
I’m happy I could help, and please, let me know what he decides and how he does! :)</p>
<p>Ooops I ignored the last part of your question- as for location, I live in Florida and the tests are given at my school as well as two other schools in my county. I’m assuming that you’ve already visited cie.uk.org (the cambridge program website) and if you do a little research, there’s a list on there somewhere of every high school that has the Cambridge Program (sorry I don’t know exactly where it is). I’m guessing he would go to whichever school you choose to take the test, but yes, there are quite a few in the US. The test is proctored by someone who works for the primary Cambridge Program which is located in the UK. They fly in to proctor the tests. Then, whenever all the tests for November and May, respectively, are finished, they are shipped to the UK to be graded. The grades are sent back to the schools, and you will probably be able to pick up your results from the school where your son opts to test. It takes quite some time for scores to get back- I took four AS level tests during the May testing season and my scores are scheduled to be released next week. </p>
<p>Thanks so much for the wealth of information! Do you have the ISBN numbers for the texts (Math & Physics)?</p>
<p>I’m sure my son will add a post tomorrow after he’s had a chance to read yours.</p>
<p>I had an opportunity to communicate with my son’s guidance counselor who reached out to the admissions office at Cambridge. Here is what he said:</p>
<p>"…I did some reading and also got in touch with an admissions counselor at the University. Here is what I found. American applicants are not required to take A or AS level exams. Rather, they must take a minimum of 5 AP exams, receiving scores of 5 on each. Additionally, American students must submit SAT scores (they suggest a minimum score of 2100) and an American high school diploma. I also called the Computer Science department to get a sense of any specifically required AP exams for admission to their program. They told me that no specific exams are required, but they recommend that all entering computer science students take at least one Math AP and one Physics AP as part of their portfolio…"</p>
<p>Hopefully, this helps any other prospective applicants to Cambridge from the U.S.</p>