What scores are needed to get into top universities in these countries

Okay, so I’m trying to figure out where I should apply to college. I’m interested in studying computer science or maybe engineering, and I’m open to going to school outside of the US. I’m really aiming high, so I’m talking about truly top universities in the following countries:

• United Kingdom
• Canada
• Australia

When I say "scores," I’m thinking about everything – standardized test scores (SAT/ACT or their equivalents, if applicable in those countries), predicted grades/final grades (like A-Levels, IB, or the local equivalent), and also any specific subject requirements. Like, do I need Further Maths for Oxbridge?

I’m particularly interested in hearing from people who have actually applied and been accepted, or who know someone who has. Specific numbers are great, but also any insights into how they weigh different parts of your application. For example, is a perfect score on the SAT enough, or do you really need to ace your interviews and have amazing extracurriculars too? Basically, what kind of profile does it take to get into a place like Oxford/Cambridge, University of Toronto, McGill, University of Melbourne, etc.? And if I don’t take the SAT/ACT, what other exams are applicable in these countries?

Thanks for your help!

Answer

To provide specific score requirements for top universities across different countries, I need to break it down by nation and examination system. Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and actual requirements can fluctuate based on the applicant pool in a given year, the specific program of study, and the overall strength of the application (including essays, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation).

United States

• Standardized Tests: US universities primarily use the SAT and ACT. However, a growing number of universities have adopted test-optional or test-blind policies. Even when tests are optional, submitting a strong score can still strengthen an application.

  • SAT:
    • Top-tier Universities (e.g., Ivy League, MIT, Stanford, Caltech): Typically, admitted students score in the range of 1500-1600 out of 1600. A score of 1550+ is generally considered competitive.
    • Very Highly Ranked Universities (e.g., University of Chicago, Northwestern, Duke): Scores often fall between 1450-1550.
    • Highly Ranked Universities (e.g., University of Michigan, UCLA, Georgia Tech): Scores often fall between 1350-1500.
  • ACT:
    • Top-tier Universities: A composite score of 34-36 out of 36 is common. 35+ is considered very competitive.
    • Very Highly Ranked Universities: Scores generally range from 32-35.
    • Highly Ranked Universities: Scores typically range from 30-34.

• GPA: US universities use Grade Point Average (GPA) to assess academic performance. GPAs are usually on a 4.0 scale, with A=4.0, B=3.0, etc. Many high schools also weigh GPAs to account for the difficulty of courses (e.g., AP or IB classes).

  • Top-tier Universities: Admitted students often have weighted GPAs above 4.0 (due to taking advanced courses) and unweighted GPAs close to 4.0.
  • Very Highly Ranked Universities: GPAs are typically very high, often above 3.8 or 3.9 unweighted.
  • Highly Ranked Universities: GPAs generally range from 3.7 to 4.0.

United Kingdom

• A-Levels: A-Levels are the standard qualifications for university entry in the UK. Students typically take 3-4 A-Levels in their final two years of secondary school.

  • Top-tier Universities (e.g., Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, LSE): Require A*A*A or A*AA in relevant subjects. Some courses may require specific subjects with A* grades.
  • Highly Ranked Universities (e.g., UCL, King’s College London, University of Edinburgh): Typically require AAA to AAB. Specific requirements vary by course.

• International Baccalaureate (IB): The IB Diploma is also widely accepted.

  • Top-tier Universities: Require 38-42 points out of 45, with high scores in relevant subjects (e.g., 6 or 7 in Higher Level subjects).
  • Highly Ranked Universities: Generally require 36-40 points.

Canada

• Canadian universities typically base admissions on high school grades. There are no standardized tests like the SAT or ACT required for most universities. Requirements vary considerably by province and university.

  • Top-tier Universities (e.g., University of Toronto, McGill University, University of British Columbia):
    • Admitted students generally have averages in the 90%+ range (out of 100%). Some programs, like engineering or medicine, may require averages closer to 95%+.
    • Specific course prerequisites are essential for admission.
  • Highly Ranked Universities (e.g., University of Alberta, McMaster University, University of Waterloo): Typically require averages in the mid-80s to low 90s, depending on the program. Competitive programs will have higher cutoffs.

Australia

• Australian universities use the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). The ATAR is a percentile rank that indicates a student’s position relative to other students in their state. An ATAR of 99.95 is the highest possible rank, indicating that the student is in the top 0.05% of their cohort.

  • Top-tier Universities (e.g., University of Melbourne, Australian National University, University of Sydney):
    • Most competitive programs (e.g., medicine, law) require an ATAR of 99+. Many other programs require ATARs in the 90s.
    • Specific course prerequisites are essential.
  • Highly Ranked Universities (e.g., University of Queensland, UNSW Sydney, Monash University): ATAR requirements vary considerably by program but generally fall in the 80s and 90s.

Germany

• German universities use the Abitur grade (or equivalent international qualification) for admissions. The Abitur is graded on a scale of 1.0 (best) to 4.0 (passing), with some exceptions.

  • Top-tier Universities (e.g., Technical University of Munich, LMU Munich, Heidelberg University):
    • Numerus Clausus (NC): Many popular programs, like medicine or psychology, have limited spaces and use the Numerus Clausus system. This means that admission is based on the Abitur grade.
    • Highly competitive programs may require an Abitur grade of 1.0 to 1.3. Other programs may have higher NC cutoffs. If your Abitur grade is not high enough for the course you want to study, there may be opportunities to take the TestAS.
    • For programs without Numerus Clausus, admission depends on other factors, such as relevant experience or a successful interview.

France

• French universities use the Baccalauréat grade (or equivalent) for admissions. The Baccalauréat is graded out of 20, with 10 being the passing mark.

  • Top-tier Universities (e.g., PSL University, Sorbonne University, École Polytechnique): Admission to these universities is often highly selective and may involve entrance exams or interviews in addition to a strong Baccalauréat grade. Grandes Écoles typically require passing rigorous competitive exams after preparatory classes.
  • A grade of 16 or higher out of 20 is generally considered very good. For highly competitive programs, students will need to be at or near the top of their class.
  • Specific course requirements are essential.

Important Considerations:

• Holistic Review: Many universities (particularly in the US) employ a holistic review process, which considers factors beyond grades and test scores, such as essays, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and demonstrated leadership.
• Program Specifics: Score and grade requirements vary significantly by program of study. Highly competitive programs (e.g., medicine, engineering, law) generally have higher requirements.
• International Students: International students may face different admissions requirements than domestic students, including English language proficiency tests (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS).
• Changing Policies: Admission policies and testing requirements are constantly evolving. It is crucial to check the specific requirements of each university to which you are applying. Always consult the official university websites for the most up-to-date information.
• Context Matters: The rigor of your high school curriculum and your performance relative to your peers are considered.
• Extracurriculars: Involvement in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and leadership roles can significantly enhance your application, particularly at universities that use a holistic review process.
• Essays/Personal Statements: Essays and personal statements provide an opportunity to showcase your personality, writing skills, and motivations for applying to a particular program. These can be critical for distinguishing yourself from other applicants with similar academic credentials.
• Letters of Recommendation: Strong letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors who know you well can provide valuable insights into your academic abilities, character, and potential.