Do US Universities Like A Levels? What British Students Need to Know

The idea that US universities don’t get A levels is a total myth. Most American colleges—even the Ivy League ones—know exactly what A levels are. In fact, they often see them as strong proof that you can handle heavy academic work, maybe even more so than US high school courses.

But here’s where it gets real: what you take and how you explain it matters a lot more than just having the grades. Not every A level subject carries the same weight, and some play better on applications than others. Plus, colleges care about context—like if your school even offers APs or IB, or if you took the hardest subjects available, or why you dropped Math at AS. They want the full story, not just a list of scores.

• How US Universities View A Levels
• Which A Level Subjects Make a Difference
• Grades and Predicted Scores: What Counts
• Application Tips for A Level Students
• Common Pitfalls and How to Dodge Them

How US Universities View A Levels

You might be surprised just how many US universities know and respect the A levels. To them, A levels prove you can master deep academic content, and the curriculum usually lines up with their own college-prep courses like Advanced Placement (AP). In fact, schools like Harvard, Yale, and Stanford actually spell this out on their admissions websites—they treat A levels as a sign you’re ready to jump into tough classes right away.

Here’s the cool bit: A levels can give you a leg up during admissions. While US students piece together transcripts full of APs and honors courses, British students with solid A levels often show up as among the best-prepared in math, sciences, or languages. Some universities will even grant you college credits or let you skip intro classes if you’ve got strong grades in certain A levels. But the way they judge A levels still isn’t exactly uniform, so always double-check with any university you’re applying to.

For the big state schools—think University of California, the University of Michigan, and NYU—they officially list A levels as valid qualifications. Even smaller colleges, like liberal arts schools, have admission officers who know A levels well. Here’s a quick look at how a few top US universities view A levels:

If you’ve got questions or something about your courses seems unusual (we've all got that one subject that just didn't go our way), most US universities actually encourage students to explain their choices in their applications. Don’t hide stuff—give them context if you dropped an A level or opted for an unusual subject. They’d rather understand your story than guess what happened.

Which A Level Subjects Make a Difference

The truth is, not all A levels are equal when it comes to impressing US universities. They like to see you taking advanced subjects that really stretch you. Math, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, English Literature, and Further Maths always look strong. History, Politics, and Languages (like French or Spanish) also carry a lot of weight, especially for top colleges.

If you’re eyeing science or engineering, admissions teams want to see at least Math and one science subject. Skipping Math for, say, Media Studies rarely goes unnoticed by US colleges—especially places like MIT or Stanford. For business, Math is just as important, and Economics is respected, but you don’t need to overload on weird niche subjects.

They call these “facilitating subjects.” Most universities trust them because they show you’re not dodging a challenge. On the other hand, softer subjects—like General Studies, Photography, or PE—don’t always get full credit. They might count as a third A level at some colleges, but at the really competitive ones, they just don’t stack up the same way.

For students thinking about something off the beaten track, here’s what sets you apart: mixing strong STEM subjects with an arts or humanities A level. For example, Math, Chemistry, and English Literature. It screams well-rounded.

• Subject choices matter a lot more for STEM-heavy courses.
• Avoid relying solely on subjects like Media Studies, Film, or Art unless your chosen major is directly related.
• Most Ivy League schools recommend at least two “core” A levels, or even three for top STEM programs.

If you’re curious which A levels American colleges like best, check their specific freshman profile data or contact admissions—the info is out there. More schools even list subject preferences on their websites nowadays. And as a fun fact, a 2023 survey from the Council of International Schools showed 84% of US universities actively recommend applicants stick to traditional A level subjects for the strongest shot.

Grades and Predicted Scores: What Counts

If you’re applying to US universities with A levels, both your final grades and your predicted scores matter—and sometimes in different ways. US colleges usually get your final A level results after you’ve already applied, so they look at your predicted grades and your AS results first. These give them a solid idea of your ability because most applications are due before the final exams happen.

Let’s talk numbers. A level grades are usually compared to AP scores in the US. A grade of A* or A usually signals to admissions teams that you can hack it in their toughest classes. Some places—like MIT—go so far as to say they “highly regard A levels in admissions decisions.” I’ve seen data from places like UC Berkeley showing that almost 1 in 5 accepted international students had A levels with at least three Bs or better. That’s not bad odds!

Predicted grades aren’t just rubber-stamped by your school. US universities want to see honest predictions that match your past work. If your predicted grades are way higher than your AS or GCSE results, admissions officers might think you’re stretching the truth—which could backfire.

What about how many A levels? Most top-tier colleges expect three full A levels, and a handful even want four if you're aiming for super-competitive spots, especially in STEM fields. Here’s a quick guide:

• Three full A levels = standard for admissions
• Fourth A level = gives a slight edge at places like Harvard
• Strong AS results = helpful if you’re still waiting for final grades

For British applicants, it’s also worth knowing how A level grades map to US expectations. Here’s a basic table to help:

Don’t hide weaker grades—US colleges value the story behind your transcript, like improvement or a tough subject mix. And if you’ve taken a blow because you were juggling sports, volunteering, or caring for siblings (shout-out to all the Cassians out there!), explain that in your application. It makes a massive difference.

Application Tips for A Level Students

If you're applying to US universities with A levels, you've got to play it smart. First off, almost every US college wants to see your predicted grades. Make sure your school sends these in and gets the wording right—colleges want clear, official predictions, not a vague letter from your form teacher.

When you fill out the Common App or Coalition App, list your A level subjects using their full official names (like "Edexcel A Level Chemistry") instead of abbreviations. Admissions people may not know all the UK shortcuts. Don’t assume they’ll connect the dots.

• Explain your exam system in the “Additional Information” section. A quick note about the difference between GCSEs, AS, and A levels is super helpful. Mention how many subjects are usually taken at each level.
• If you’ve sat exams early or accelerated, flag that. American colleges are impressed by people who push themselves.
• Highlight “rigor” in your classes. If you took hard subjects—like Further Maths, Physics, or Chemistry—say so. The US loves to hear you’ve challenged yourself with the toughest options your school offers.
• Seal the deal with strong teacher recommendations. US universities rely way more on teacher letters than UK unis do. Pick teachers who know you well and can explain your strengths, not just list your grades.

Don’t forget test scores. Some schools are now test-optional, but if you have a strong SAT or ACT, attach it anyway. It can back up your A level profile and show you’re ready for the American style of exams too.

Finally, send your official certificates as soon as your results come in. Deadlines matter in the US, and missing a transcript can put your spot at risk—yikes. Here’s a quick breakdown of what top US colleges often look for:

If you’re coming from the UK, you have to show you’re not just a number or a grade sheet. Personalize your application, explain what makes your story special, and give US admissions a window into what it means to take A levels.

Common Pitfalls and How to Dodge Them

It’s easy to trip up when you’re an A level student applying to US universities. Some mistakes are super common and can mess up your chances—even if you have solid grades. Here’s what tends to go wrong and how to fix it before you hit submit.

• Not Sending Predicted Grades: Most US colleges want to see predicted A level results. If your school doesn’t add these to your transcript, or your counselor forgets, admissions officers can’t gauge your likely final performance. Make sure your school sends predicted grades, not just AS scores or GCSEs.
• Dropping Core Subjects: Skipping subjects like Math or a science too early can raise eyebrows. Some US universities prefer well-rounded students with a mix of rigorous courses. Try to stick with at least three hard subjects, including one math or science, to show you’re up for a challenge.
• Poor Subject Choices: Picking only ‘soft’ A levels (like Media Studies, Photography, or General Studies) might make your application appear less competitive compared to someone with Physics, Chemistry, or Further Maths. Colleges in the US are used to seeing applicants push themselves, so balance your passion with some classic academic subjects.
• Skipping Standardized Tests: Even in the test-optional era, submitting strong SAT or ACT scores can help. Since most US students still send these, an international applicant with good standardized test scores stands out—especially if your A level choices don’t directly match what a US applicant would study.
• Unclear School Profile: If your school doesn’t explain its grading or course system, American admissions officers might feel lost. Ask your counselor to send a school profile that explains what A levels are, how grades are awarded, and how many A levels most students take.

Here’s a quick look at what top US universities generally expect from applicants with A levels:

The best way to dodge these pitfalls? Stay organized. Check every US university website to see what they want from A level students. Stay in close touch with your school counselor so nothing falls through the cracks—and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re not sure. Trust me, the details matter in US admissions.