HELP! International student, took Cambridge AS/A Level courses but didn’t take the exams. How do I label the courses on the Common App?

[n4wa]

Hi everyone! I’m an international student from Indonesia applying to U.S. liberal arts colleges and seeking financial aid. My school follows the Cambridge AS/A Level curriculum, but the actual A Level exams are optional and not mandatory. Most students, including me, don’t take these exams. For me, my family couldn’t keep up with the cost of taking these exams due to financial constraints (i live in a single-income family and my dad doesn’t pay for child support and doesn’t contribute financially to my academics lol)

I completed all my coursework based on the Cambridge curriculum and earned mostly As (with one B). On the Common App, I’m unsure whether to label my courses as “Cambridge AS/A Level” or just “Standard.” Should I explain my situation in the Additional Information section, or let my counselor handle it? Would not taking the A Level exams put me at a disadvantage, especially since I’m applying for financial aid?

I’d appreciate any advice or insight from those with similar experiences. Thanks!

[n4wa]

someone pls help

[Sloan1]

I think it’s fine to classify your courses as A-levels on the Common App. I would make sure that your counsellor notes on your transcript that you completed Cambridge A-level courses, but did not take the exams due to financial constraints, but you could also note this yourself in the Additional Information section. Which A-levels did you take, and did your school use past/specimen papers as internal exams?

[n4wa]

hi thank u sm for the advice!! and yes my school uses past papers for internal exams, i should prob mention that as well!!