Destination USA Using your Cambridge qualifications to study in the US Contents A pathway to US university success with Cambridge ....... 1 Applying to study in the USA ...............................................2 Student success stories: A passport to study in the USA ...............................................4 Cambridge International AS & A Level recognition ........... 7 Cambridge IGCSE recognition ............................................10 Learn more ..............................................................Back cover About us Cambridge Assessment International Education prepares school students for life, helping them develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning. We are part of the University of Cambridge. Our Cambridge Pathway gives students a clear path for educational success from age 5 to 19. Schools can shape the curriculum around how they want students to learn – with a wide range of subjects and flexible ways to offer them. It helps students discover new abilities and a wider world, and gives them the transferable skills they need for life, so they can achieve at school, university and work. Cambridge Assessment English Our sister organisation, Cambridge Assessment English, help millions of people learn English and prove their skills to the world. They provide the world’s leading range of qualifications and tests for learners and teachers of English. Globally recognised by more than 20,000 leading universities, employers and governments, these research-based assessments are a mark of excellence that open doors. Find out more about Cambridge Assessment English Recognition by visiting their website at www.cambridgeenglish.org/recognition A pathway to US university success with Cambridge Every year, students with Cambridge qualifications from around the world are successfully admitted to top universities across the USA. Many universities also offer advanced credit to students holding Cambridge International A Levels, which means that Cambridge students are already ahead in their undergraduate programme before they even begin their college enrolment. Cambridge qualifications prepare students for the next stage of their educational journey. We believe that it is Did you know? essential to make sure that students holding We also work with over 400 American schools to Cambridge qualifications don’t just get into universities offer Cambridge qualifications in the USA. In 2019 in the United States, but also that they are well prepared to succeed in their studies and are well over 130,000 Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge equipped with the necessary academic skills. International AS & A Level qualifications were taken More than 740 institutions across the United States in the USA. formally recognise our qualifications and many more will accept them upon application. Universities with formal recognition policies include all of the Ivy League institutions, as well as other Chris Hanson studied Cambridge renowned universities across the country. International AS and A Levels at Bay High School in Florida, USA, before Cambridge US Higher Education being admitted to Stanford University Advisory Council in California. The Cambridge US Higher Education Advisory Council “ I took Cambridge International AS Level Biology, gives us expert advice on admissions policies and the and I have since had a very successful career in the skills and knowledge required by American universities, biological and natural sciences at Stanford. The same as well as helping to raise the profile of Cambridge applies with mathematics and English. I can’t qualifications across the country. The council meets recommend the Cambridge program highly enough. It twice a year and its current members include the got me into one of the top universities in the world and universities of Arizona State, Brown, Columbia, Duke, in the US. A brilliant program, fantastic teachers and a Florida State, Maryland, MIT, Rice, Southern California, lot of hard work have given me a wonderful head start, UCLA,Virginia, Vanderbilt and Washington. and I am grateful to Cambridge for that.” We think the Cambridge curriculum is superb preparation for university Christoph Guttentag, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, Duke University, USA Please note: All information is correct at June 2020. For the latest information and statements on US universities accepting Cambridge qualifications, search our recognitions database atwww.cambridgeinternational.org/recognitionsearch Destination USA – Using your Cambridge qualifications to study in the USA 1 Applying to study in the USA Choosing a university programme is a very important decision. You will need to think about the type of university you are most interested in, the location of the university, the choice of activities on offer, and the costs. Information on all of these areas is readily available How do I apply? through university websites. Many universities also All universities will require you to complete an have admissions counsellors who can talk to you application form. Many universities, but not all, use about your options. We recommend that you think the Common Application form (www.commonapp. carefully about what choices are right for you and org) which allows you to apply to multiple institutions then choose an undergraduate programme that suits using one form. This must be submitted online. A your needs. Levels are specifically listed in the ‘Testing’ section, There are a large number and variety of higher under Senior Secondary Leaving Examinations, and education institutions in the USA. Four-year can also be inputted as current year courses in the institutions typically offer full bachelor degree ‘Education’ section. Universities may also offer their programmes, whereas two-year colleges usually offer own institution-specific applications and most are associate degree programmes. You will need to begin available online. researching college options as early as possible so that You will be required to answer one or more essay you can meet all the application and testing deadlines questions and provide information regarding your where applicable. extra-curricular activities. Your school will need to submit other forms, including a transcript (your detailed academic record while at school), one or more recommendation letters and a letter from your guidance counsellor/tutor/head teacher or equivalent. The US-UK Fulbright Commission’s website (www.fulbright.org.uk) provides useful hints on how to complete the Common Application, as well as tips on the application process, for international students. What subjects can I study? Many US universities allow you to take a range of subjects in the first two years of your undergraduate degree before specialising in Years 3 and 4. This means that you will have the opportunity to explore the different subjects on offer before making a final decision on your major field of study. In some disciplines, however, curricula begin in Year 1. Course requirements vary widely from university to university and are typically available on the institution’s website. It is important to note that in the American university system, medicine, pharmacy, veterinary science and law are only available as postgraduate courses. If you are interested in studying one of these fields, you should plan to meet with an advisor at your university once you have enrolled in your undergraduate degree to discuss your postgraduate plans. 2 Destination USA – Using your Cambridge qualifications to study in the USA Do I need a Grade Point Average (GPA)? Do I need to take an English language Cambridge qualifications are awarded using grades proficiency test? and do not have a numerical grade point average. The most common English language proficiency tests Most universities prefer that you apply giving details required by universities are TOEFL and IELTS. You of your grades and do not enter any information may be required to take one of these tests if you about grade point averages. They understand the are not an English native speaker. However, some meaning of the grades for their systems and will be universities will waive this requirement because you able to assess your application using this information. have been educated in English or if you hold a good Credential evaluators can be used to obtain a GPA if grade in at least Cambridge IGCSE English (First or you are specifically requested to provide this. The Second Language). university may suggest which credential evaluator you should use in this case. We often recommend Can I apply for a scholarship? that students seek a credential evaluation from more Financial aid is available for students at some US than one evaluation service. There is no universal universities although it is often limited. Financial aid is method for calculating the GPA, so differences can either merit-based or need-based and can be used to occur between credential evaluators. cover some or all of your tuition and/or living expenses. There may also be scholarships available If you are unsure what is required, check with your from organisations in your home country or your local chosen university, explaining which qualifications you US embassy. Remember that competition for merit- hold or are studying. based scholarships is high and they often require an early submission of your application. You can usually Do I need to take SATs? find details of the scholarships available at each Entry to many universities in the USA requires students university by searching the institution’s