How hard is it for an American to get into Cambridge?
Asked by: Darion Hodkiewicz | Last update: February 11, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (43 votes)
Getting into Cambridge as an American is extremely competitive, requiring near-perfect grades (3.8-4.0 GPA, top AP/SAT/ACT scores), outstanding personal essays, and excelling in rigorous subject-specific tests and interviews, with success often depending on exceptional academic aptitude and demonstrated passion for your chosen subject beyond typical US admissions standards. While overall acceptance rates hover around 20%, Americans sometimes face lower rates due to different educational systems, needing to prove readiness for Cambridge's intense academic focus and unique tutorial system.
How many Americans get into Cambridge?
Success rate
5.7% of the international applicants documented in the table above were US citizens. Hence, there were 427 US applicants; 39 of these were admitted and 23 accepted. So, the US success rate at Cambridge for 2022 was as low as 5.4%!
Which university in the USA has a 100% acceptance rate for international students?
While a true 100% acceptance rate for all international students is rare for well-known universities, several US institutions like Utah Valley University, Weber State University, Cameron University, and United States University have 100% acceptance rates due to open admissions or non-selective processes, making them highly accessible for international applicants. Many other state universities also have extremely high acceptance rates (90%+) for international students, such as those listed by U.S. News & World Report.
Is Oxford or Cambridge easier to get into?
Oxford's acceptance rate is 17.5%, while Cambridge's is 22%. Those numbers are a bit betraying, however, as only people with the ability to apply to either actually apply. Also, you only get to apply to one.
What GPA do you need to get into Cambridge?
Cambridge University doesn't use a simple GPA system but requires high academic achievement, typically a UK 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent (around 3.7-3.8+ GPA for US students) for postgraduate entry, with many competitive courses needing a First Class (around 3.9+ GPA), while undergraduate entry focuses on high A-Level grades (AAA or A*AA), with strong GCSEs also crucial, reflecting exceptional performance rather than a specific cumulative GPA number.
BRUTALLY Honest Review of CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY - Is the University of Cambridge Good?
Is it easier to get into Cambridge as an American?
Acceptance Rates
Over the past three years at Oxford, just 6.5% of applicants from America were accepted onto their course, 172 out of 2,629 applicants. At Cambridge, the USA was one of the worst-performing countries in 2024, with only 38 out of 571 applicants being successful, just 6.7%.
Do you need all 9s to get into Cambridge?
Yes, your grades will need to really dazzle. GCSEs are seen as evidence of work ethic – and you need a really strong one of those to cope with studying at Oxford or Cambridge. Our guesstimate is that the average successful applicant has around eight 8/9 grade GCSEs under their belt.
What is the #1 hardest school to get into?
There isn't one single #1 hardest school, as rankings fluctuate, but Harvard University, Stanford University, MIT, and Caltech consistently rank among the most difficult to get into globally, often with acceptance rates below 4-5%, seeking exceptional academic and extracurricular profiles, with some sources placing Minerva University even lower at 1%. The difficulty depends on the specific year and applicant pool, but these elite institutions remain extremely selective.
Do you need all 9s for Oxbridge?
First, let's look at what GCSEs you will need to get into Oxford. Oxford has explained its stance on GCSE results in multiple places. In all instances, the same message is made fairly clear; there are no set GCSE requirements but it is recommended that applicants have a high proportion of 7, 8 and 9 Grades.
Which Ivy League admits the most international students?
Which Ivy League accepts the most international students? Columbia University usually accepts the largest number of international students.
What is the easiest American University to get into?
Easiest Colleges to Get Into in the US Based on Acceptance Rate
- Lincoln University (PA) - Acceptance rate: 86%
- Martin University (IN) - Acceptance rate: 86%
- Southern Arkansas University (AR) - Acceptance rate: 86%
- University of Texas at Tyler (TX) - Acceptance rate: 86%
Which University of the USA has the highest visa success rate?
Top 10 Universities in the USA Study Visa for International...
- 24 Oct 2024. ...
- Harvard University. ...
- Stanford University. ...
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) ...
- University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) ...
- Columbia University. ...
- University of Chicago. ...
- Princeton University.
What is the hardest course to get into at Cambridge?
The toughest courses to get into at the University of Cambridge are Computer Science with the acceptance rate of 7.6%, Medicine with the acceptance rate of 10%, and the total acceptance rate is around 16-17%.
What is the hardest non ivy school to get into?
Stanford University
Stanford is also not an Ivy, but it is still one of the hardest colleges to get into. The Stanford acceptance rate is 4%, tied with Columbia. Stanford is located in the Bay Area of California, about 35 miles south of San Francisco.
What GCSEs did Kate Middleton get?
Kate Middleton achieved 11 GCSEs while attending Marlborough College, later earning As in Maths and Art, and a B in English for her A-Levels before studying History of Art at St Andrews University, where she met Prince William.
Does 12th marks matter in Oxford University?
A*AA: Average of 91% across five Grade 12 courses (Academic or Advanced), including any subjects required by the course applied to. AAA: Average of 90% across five Grade 12 courses (Academic or Advanced), including any subjects required by the course applied to.
Do Ivy Leagues look at 9th grade?
Absolutely, Ivy League schools do look at your entire high school transcript, which includes your freshman year grades. While it's true they consider the rigor of your coursework and your improvement over the years, all four years of high school contribute to your GPA, a key component of your application.
Where do the 1% go to college?
The 1% of families disproportionately attend highly selective, elite universities like Dartmouth College, Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, Brown University, Duke University, Stanford University, and Princeton University, with studies showing over 20% of students at some of these schools come from the top 1% of the income ladder, often more than from the entire bottom 60% combined. Other affluent institutions like Washington University in St. Louis, Vanderbilt University, Georgetown University, and Bowdoin College also have significant representation from the wealthiest families.
What is the #1 party school?
There's no single official #1 party school, as rankings vary by source, but the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) consistently ranks at or near the top in recent lists (like Niche's 2026 report), known for its vibrant beach scene, especially around Isla Vista and events like Deltopia. Other schools frequently cited include Florida State University, Tulane University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the University of Alabama, often recognized for strong athletics, Greek life, and bar scenes.
Can I get into Cambridge with AAA?
Typical A-level offer ranges at Cambridge University often fall within the AAA to A*AA spectrum, though this can vary depending on the course and individual circumstances.
What happens if I get all 9s in GCSE?
Getting all 9s in GCSEs is an exceptional achievement. It shows you're dedicated and want to do your best. These grades can lead to great academic chances and success in your final years of school and at university. But don't forget, doing your best is what really counts.