University of St. Andrew's chances

Chance Me / Match Me
1

My daughter has applied to SA for International Relations (1st Choice) and Sustainable Development (2nd). We are curious what her chances of being accepted for either major.

Here are her accomplishment’s:

28 ACT composite (33 English)
4.13 GPA weighted (3.87)
Top 10% of class
Most rigorous classes offered at her school (one of top public schools in the Louisiana). Several DE classes and straight A’s in those.
Chemistry Student of year at school as Junior. Chemistry District winner in Literacy contest and State competitor. Just led her team to being selected as one of 51 winners out of 4100 for the Samsung for Tomorrow Competition on Sustainable Development.
Beta Club, International Club, Math Honors Club, Cheerleader, Varsity Letterman in Tennis, Volunteer at a couple of charities for several years.
Attended week long LYS Leadership Camp at LSU for two years. Went on two International Educational Tours through school.
Poetry essay winner.
Excellent essays and letters of recommendation.
Has help the same job since she was a Sophomore.

Basically her weakest spot is the ACT and I’m wondering if that will hold her back.

She is supposed to find out by Friday!

Thanks you,

2

I’d love some feedback?

3

What about her AP exam grades and/or SAT subject tests?

4

Your daughter has a great list of ECs. However UK based schools don’t pay much attention to them during the admissions process. They care mostly about grades and standardized test scores. In particular they look for high scores on AP courses with relevance to the proposed coursework. In your daughter’s case you don’t mention whether or not she took any APs.

On the good side, I’ve read here on this forum that SA looks favorably upon full pay US applicants.

5

She has taken one AP in American History and made a 4. She will take two or three more, but after the school year. Thank you for your feedback!

6

Europe doesn’t care much about essays or EC’s. Most take tests and points will get you places. With a 28 ACT I would say chances are low.

7

If she has a 28 across all sections and 4s and 5s predicted on AP exam grades, she might get a conditional offer. Stay positive!

8

St A’s does like American students, but International Relations is one of the most popular courses at St Andrews, and simply meeting the stated minimum criteria might not be sufficient.

The minimums for IR are very specific:

=> SAT I: 1950+ across the three elements AND 700+ on EACH of the Critical Reading AND Writing elements;
OR

=>SAT Subject Tests: scores of 700+ on AT LEAST TWO subject tests (particularly recommended are subject tests in World History, US History, and languages);
OR

=>Advanced Placement (AP) tests: scores of 5 on AT LEAST TWO tests (particularly recommended are tests in Comparative Government and Politics; US History, US Government & Politics, World History, and languages).

These requirements are actually relevant: if your daughter has not done similar courses she will be at a disadvantage if/when she actually starts the course.

She has a much better chance for Sustainable Development, so if I was betting that’s where I would put my money :slight_smile: