Why APs Are Superior to A-Levels?

By David Tian

(Admissions Consultant & Academic Instructor at The Edge Learning Center)

Why AP is Better than A-levels for Studying in the US?

If you are considering attending a top university in the US (or a parent contemplating which school to send your child to), you have likely heard of the following two names: AP and A-levels.

AP stands for “Advanced Placement” and is administered by the College Board, whereas A-levels are leaving qualifications offered in the UK. Having taught as a teacher at schools offering the American curriculum as well as a school offering the British curriculum, I can confidently say that I strongly prefer the AP curriculum. While both have their strengths, if you are aiming for American universities, AP is almost certainly the superior choice, and I will explain why below and include a case study.

This blog post is an opinion piece reflecting solely the views of the author, and does not speak for The Edge as a whole. In addition, it is not meant to disparage any particular school but is only meant to help parents make informed decisions when it comes to their children’s education.

A-Levels vs. AP: Understanding the Basics

A-Levels: A system used in the UK and some other countries, where students typically choose 3–4 subjects for in-depth study. British universities heavily consider A-Level results, and university programs in the UK generally last three years.

AP (Advanced Placement): A program in the US that allows high school students to take college-level courses and exams. High AP scores can earn college credit, making it possible to graduate early, lighten course loads in college, or double major.

Why is AP a Better Choice than A-Levels?

1. A-Levels Have Limited Subject Choices

A-Levels require students to specialize early, typically choosing only 3–4 subjects. Even among students who opt for 4 subjects, most of them drop down to 3 subjects in year 13. This means that these decisions made at age 15 or 16 will have a significant impact on university applications and even career paths.

The problem: What if you’re unsure about your major? Or what if your interests change before applying to university?

With AP, students have the flexibility to explore a wide range of subjects, helping them discover their true interests before committing to a major. Additionally, because they cover a wide array of subjects, you have more options for what you can major in during university as well.

2. American Universities Are More Familiar with AP

A-Levels are primarily recognized in the UK and some Commonwealth countries. While some American universities do accept A-Levels, their credit policies can be unclear or inconsistent compared to AP, or at the very least, somewhat stingy.

In contrast, AP is widely recognized by US universities, and many have explicit policies to grant credit automatically.

US colleges use AP scores both for admissions and course credit. A strong AP record signals academic preparedness, making it a valuable asset for college applications, whereas A-levels don’t even give you your scores until after you’ve applied; you apply with predicted grades, for which it is possible to get a lower actual grade in the end, which could theoretically cause you to lose your university admission. In contrast, there is no such thing as “predicted score” for APs and, even if you get lower scores than expected during your senior year, colleges generally won’t rescind for that.

3. AP Can Save You Money on College Tuition

Many people think, “UK universities are only three years long, so aren’t the A-Levels more efficient?”

However…

High AP scores can earn you more than a year’s worth of college credits in the U.S.

This means AP students can graduate early, saving tuition and time. Some students who take 10+ AP courses even start college as sophomores! In contrast, American universities are much more hesitant about awarding so many credits for A-levels (and even if they do, you almost certainly won’t be able to begin as a sophomore).

4. AP Is More Accessible

While A-Levels are mainly offered in the UK and select international schools, AP is widely available across many schools and can even be self-studied.

Even if your school doesn’t offer AP, you can study independently and take the exams at authorized test centers. This can help you look more impressive to colleges, and can even help you earn credits without even having taken a class!

Case Study: University of Chicago

As a University of Chicago graduate myself, I am quite familiar with its curriculum and credit policies. Let’s delve into UChicago’s policies toward granting credits for coursework completed in high school!

University of Chicago: A Top 10 Global University

The University of Chicago is one of the world’s most prestigious research institutions. Known for its rigorous academic standards and innovative teaching methods, it’s a dream school for many students.

Once accepted, one important factor to consider is that UChicago has a much more favorable credit policy for AP than for A-Levels. This means choosing AP can give you a strategic advantage.

A-Levels: Limited Credit Recognition

Let’s take a look at how UChicago recognizes A-Level credits:

✅ Biology: Students must petition the Senior Adviser in the Biological Sciences Collegiate Division to receive credit. It is not automatically granted.

❌ Calculus, Physics, Chemistry: Even if you have taken A-Levels in these subjects, you must take additional exams at the university to receive credit.

❌ Other Subjects (except languages and economics): Students must submit a petition to the Dean of Students, and there is no guarantee of credit.

❌ Humanities & Social Sciences: No credit is awarded.

📌 Conclusion: A-Level credit is not automatic and requires petitions or additional exams. Some subjects are not recognized at all.

AP: Automatic Credit Recognition

Now, let’s compare this with how AP credits work at UChicago:

✅ AP credits are awarded automatically!

📌 According to official University of Chicago policies:

“The following chart shows how AP credit is automatically awarded.”

Unlike A-Levels, AP scores alone are enough to earn credit. There is no need to take additional exams or submit petitions.

Here are some examples of how AP scores translate into university credits:

AP Calculus AB/BC → Earns credit for calculus courses.
AP Biology, Chemistry, Physics → Direct credit for science courses.
AP History, Economics, Psychology → Credit for general education requirements.

📌 Conclusion: AP credits are granted automatically, with no extra steps required.

Final Verdict: AP is the Better Choice!

UChicago, like many U.S. universities, is much more generous with AP credit compared to A-Levels.
AP scores automatically earn credit, whereas A-Level students must go through petitions and extra exams.
American universities are more familiar with AP, making it a better choice for admissions and credit recognition.
Earning AP credits can help you graduate early and save on tuition costs!

While A-Levels may be a great option in certain countries (like the UK, Australia, and parts of Canada), if your goal is to study in the U.S., AP is the smarter choice.

Need help preparing for your or your child’s US university application? Contact us today to book an initial meeting – we are happy to help!

Reference: http://collegecatalog.uchicago.edu/thecollege/examinationcreditandtransfercredit/

About The Edge

Established in 2008, The Edge Learning Center has grown into a premier one-stop provider of educational services for Grade 7 through Grade 12, targeting students who intend to pursue overseas education. Our three departments – Academic Tutoring, Test Preparation, and Admissions Consulting – offer a broad range of educational services spanning from SAT and IB Test Prep to colleges and boarding schools application counseling. The Edge Learning Center operates in multiple regions including Hong Kong, China, and Vietnam.