I want to go to Oxford. Is it possible to succeed in AP/SAT II exams without actually taking the courses?

Question

I'm in a bit of a weird situation. I left my Canadian high school with average grades (A's and B's), got into my local uni, dropped out and worked for a year and am now in junior college with a new goal in mind. I want to go to university in the UK, specifically Oxford. I know they've got very strict entrance requirements, so right off the bat I know my high school record won't hack it. I've e-mailed Oxford before asking whether they'd consider an associate's degree from my local college as a proper credential for undergraduate admission. They told me it was fine, but I'm still a bit weary. I want to do this right, you see, and I don’t want my lack of proper qualifications to be my downfall.

That's why I'm considering doing a few AP exams/SAT II’s because the material being tested is pretty much what I'll be learning in my college courses anyway, or not?

Where do I go to register and take these exams around Vancouver, specifically? And do you guys think my plan is viable?

Answer 1

It is possible if you've studied and understood the material being tested. Even though you're taking a college course, it will differ from what is being taught and what will be tested on an AP test. Consider investing in AP/ SAT II prep books first and take a few practice tests to see how you do first. However, considering that you're already attending college already, I'm not quite certain what AP and SAT II test scores can do to boost your chances. These tests are used to show that the student has mastered a college level course and can handle a college level courseload. You're already doing that by attending a junior college. I'd suggest that you concentrate more on your courseload and grades there. Best of luck!

Answer 2

Those exams have nothing to do with what you will be learning in college. These standardized tests try to measure not how knowledgable you are, but how smart you are.

I can read the entire encyclopedia and tell you anything about everything, but that does not make me smart.

Now, if you're smart and have the money, you should take the courses. They prepare for what will be on the exam and what to expect. No matter how dumb or smart you are, being prepared and taking the courses will raise your score. So if you're dumb and take the courses, you might get a half-decent score. And if you're smart and take the courses, then you will get a genius score! Good luck!

Also I would try very hard to beef up your credentials. Whatever you lack in educational accomplishments you can always make up for in 1) extra curricular activities or 2) accomplishements at work. Grades mean a lot when during admissions, but it doesn't mean everything.

Answer 3

Yea my school allowed me to take AP US History, AP Calc, AP English, and AP Economics tests without taking the proper courses. I passed all of them with 4's or better. They are not that hard, I just passed the Economics one a little bit ago, and that was a breeze.

Answer 4

it would depend what your taking in College, remember the SATs are American based and not Canadian based, therefore different requirements.
If Oxford says that your College degree is good enough then go with that.

Try contacting your guidance people at either your HS or at the College about SATs and transfers to Oxford, they will know all about it, google came up nil for me.


Good luck!

Answer 5

Oxford is extremely difficult to get into, and you need to follow their requirements, not your own. AP and SATs are North American exams, and they probably won't help you to get in (besides, you would have to do extremely well for them to help, and I'm not sure why you would think this would happen.