Is it possible to not include some subject test/AP scores in UCAS application? I’m a non EU international student and my school does not offer APs, I’ve self studied them and took scores varying between 3 and 5. Those AP courses are not in my school diploma. It seems low AP scores like 3 hurt application. What are the exact procedures? And also is it is possible to select the scores to send, do scores of 4 in European History and Comp. Government hurt PPE application to Oxford?
Yes you do have to fill in all your AP scores, and at the end you have to agree to a declaration - see
http://help.ucas.com/contract12/index.html
Universities do run spot-checks on this kind of thing.
If you’ve self-studied for tests,do include this information as universities will take it into account.
As @howful says, you are required to put ALL standardized testing scores on the UCAS form.
For Oxford, you must have at least 3 scores of 5 on APs. For PPE, it’s helpful to have a math and essay-based (eg, History, English) exams. In theory, if you have enough 5s to meet the requirements, your other scores don’t matter, but PPE is an extremely competitive course and these are relevant subjects.
If possible, instead of you noting that you self-studied for the APs, it would be better for the person writing your recommendation to note that your school does not offer those classes and does not offer APs, and it is a measure of your interest that you self-studied for them. Tbh, though, lots of students self-study for APs w/out having the class.
Obviously, it’s not wonderful to have low scores in relevant APs (esp. Comp Gov, which only counts as 1/2 an AP, but actually is really useful to the first year Politics module!), but if you really nail the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) test, it could work out.
Well it goes like:
2060 in SAT reasoning in last year, will take again in Oct and will uptade the score in 22 Oct. Taking ~2280 in practice tests.
790 World History
770 Math 2
760 French
(Some unrelated subject tests like Latin)
Macro/Micro AP 5
Comparative Government, French, Europ. Hist., Environmental Science 4
English, Calculus BC 3
TSA practice scores above 75.
I can take Calculus, Government and History again, and it is more probable to get 5 this time. I also think of not sending AP scores at all, and studying intensely for A levels if APs will really hurt my application.
Your SATIIs are strong (and btw, Latin is as relevant as French!), and your SAT is close to the requirement.
Your practice TSA score is pretty strong- the average for accepted students is ~70.
Write your Personal Statement carefully.
Tbh, I wouldn’t be hugely optimistic- but I have seen people come through with not much more than you have now*. The key is to get to interview: if you you shine in the interview it could happen.
*there have been a few posters on CC recently who have wanted to cheat and not report scores they don’t like: really, truly don’t do that.
Is there any legal way to overcome this, for example making my teacher to explain that I’ve taken Calculus before learning in school, and that I will retake it? Or trying my chances in A levels, and not sending any scores from Collegeboard?
If you send some APs you send them all.