Navigating US University Admissions: What Is the Equivalent of A-Levels?
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An EPQ, or Extended Project Qualification, is a project that can be undertaken by A-Level students, and it’s worth 50% of an A-Level.
Your EPQ could be a:
There are few restrictions on what topics could be chosen for your EPQ, as long as it’s approved by your institution. You could focus on a topic you’re studying, or a topic not covered in an A-Level course to demonstrate your interest and intellectual versatility.
Some of the best teachers in the world tutor at Crimson! Our expert teachers have identified 5 significant benefits that you gain from undertaking an EPQ:
Top UK universities seek students who exceed the standard curriculum.
The EPQ enables you to demonstrate your super-curricular engagement with a preferred academic subject, showcasing not only knowledge but also a genuine passion for learning.
The EPQ provides an opportunity to study subjects not taught at A-Level. It allows you to display your intellectual versatility, something that top universities highly value.
By exploring a subject not offered at A-Level, you demonstrate broad academic curiosity and a thirst for knowledge.
The EPQ is an excellent opportunity to develop independent research, critical thinking, and project management skills – all essential for success in higher education.
When working on your EPQ, you will confidently navigate complex research, make informed decisions, and manage a project from inception to completion – skills that distinguish you in the competitive admissions landscape.
In the intense competition for university places, every point matters. Completing an EPQ not only enhances your academic profile but also adds those valuable extra UCAS points.
The EPQ could provide you with up to an additional 28 UCAS points!
The EPQ is a gateway to acquiring invaluable transferable skills – from effective presentation to confident decision-making.
These skills extend beyond the classroom, positioning you as a well-rounded candidate prepared to excel both in university and future professional endeavours.
As mentioned above, a dissertation or essay is only one way to approach your EPQ. The EPQ opens doors to numerous project possibilities, allowing you to explore your interests and showcase your skills in various creative ways.
20 EPQ Examples:
The EPQ carries up to 28 UCAS points, depending on the grade you achieve.
Essentially, the EPQ is worth half the UCAS points of an A-Level. Here are the different UCAS points you’ll receive for different grades on your EPQ:
A-Level Result | EPQ UCAS Tariff Points |
---|---|
A* | 28 |
A | 24 |
B | 20 |
C | 16 |
D | 12 |
E | 8 |
An EPQ is time-consuming, but the UCAS points and its other benefits could very well be worth the effort.
The question you’ll need to ask yourself is whether you can comfortably dedicate the time needed for it. Are the extra UCAS points necessary for your dream university?
Speak with one of our expert advisers to find out if an EPQ is the right step for the perfect application. Students working with Crimson are 7x more likely to gain admission to their dream university!
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