United States of America

Test scores

Applicants are expected to complete three standardised tests, various test combinations are accepted, provided they are in different subjects and meet subject requirements.

Examples of test combinations that meet our minimum entry requirements in three standardised tests:

• One ACT score of 27 and two AP scores at grade 4+
• One SAT score of 1290+ (650+ in Reading and Writing and 620+ in Math) and two AP scores at grade 4+
• Three AP scores at grade 4+

Applicants should submit all test scores from all tests taken, regardless of whether they meet our minimum requirements. Our Admission Offices will consider the highest scores and strongest profile from those submitted, along with any tests in required subjects. Please refer to the required subjects

Please note, the University of Edinburgh does not Superscore the ACT but will consider a Superscore for the new and old SAT.

At the point you apply, you do not need to have yet achieved all of the required test scores, but you should be aiming to complete the requirements in your senior year. Please ensure to include on your UCAS application form all of the tests you have taken and their scores, and the tests you intend to take along with the predicted grades.

Achieving the minimum grade requirements will not guarantee you a place at Edinburgh, but does indicate you are a competitive applicant. Please note, our Admissions Office will consider other aspects of your application, such as the personal statement.

Please note, AP scores are used for admissions purposes only, and no advanced credit is awarded as there is no core curriculum in Scotland.

AP Research is not accepted as meeting one of the three minimum standardised test scores required.

If your school does not follow an AP curriculum and AP Tests are not available to you, our Admission Office may consider alternative academic evidence.

Applicants studying in the US who are unable to take AP examinations because the AP curriculum is not available must achieve the following to be considered for entry to a degree programme:

• A minimum 3.3 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent, in your US High School Transcript. We will look for a rigorous academic curriculum with A and B grades in college-level classes, such as advanced and honours level classes, or equivalent, and no grades below a C in your Junior and Senior year.
• For degree programmes with required subjects at AP grade 4, we consider B+ in honours classes, or equivalent, in the required subject.
• For degree programmes with required subjects at AP grade 5, we consider A in honours classes, or equivalent, in the required subject.

In most circumstances we will also request either an ACT or SAT:

• ACT with a composite score of 27 or above
• SAT Test with an overall score of 1290, with a minimum of 650 or above in Reading and Writing, and 620 in Maths

For Admissions to consider whether you meet the minimum entry requirements and subject requirements with your US high school transcript, you must provide full information about your school’s curriculum, your study to date, and any study still to be completed. Please email Admissions at futurestudent@ed.ac.uk with your full name, UCAS ID number, and the degree programme(s) you have applied to and provide the following documents prior to the UCAS deadline:

• a copy of your US High School transcript to date including your Junior and Senior year classes, and any mid-term/semester report cards
• a copy of your school’s profile and published curriculum information, including courses descriptors for any required subjects

Please note that the above entry requirement guidance does not apply to MBChB Medicine and BVM&S Veterinary Medicine. Both degree programmes require students to meet entry requirements through standardised tests, e.g. AP examinations. Please see further information in the Required Subject section on this webpage.

The Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Diploma is accepted for entry. The Diploma must include three Cambridge International A Levels achieved with points equivalent to the A Level grade requirements for the programme, including required subjects.

Point equivalencies are:

Further information for applicants studying the International Baccalaureate can be found on our website:

International Baccalaureate entry requirements

Further information for applicants studying the French Baccalaureate can be found on our European Union Undergraduate Entry Requirements website:

French Baccalaureate entry requirements

Further information can be found on the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences USA entry requirements website:

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences required subjects

Required subjects for Biomedical Sciences degrees include both Biology and Chemistry. Standardised tests that meet the subject requirement are an AP exam at grade 4 or 5.

1. Direct Entry to MBChB Medicine from high school

Entry requirements to Medicine have higher minimum requirements than most degree programmes.

• At least three AP test scores at grade 5
• Required subjects include Chemistry, and two subjects from Biology, Physics, Math/Calculus. (Please note AP Math or AP Calculus can meet one required subject.)

Applicants for Medicine must also take the UCAT.

2. Graduate Entry to MBChB Medicine, after completing an undergraduate/bachelor’s degree

Applicants who have completed or are in their final year of study of a 4-year undergraduate degree with a GPA of 3.25 or above may be eligible to apply for graduate entry. Undergraduate study in a pre/medical related major (e.g. biomedical sciences/medical sciences/nursing/paramedic science) is preferred.

We will also consider undergraduate study in other science majors and non-science majors with a GPA of 3.25 or above. If you have not undertaken a science major, AP Chemistry at grade 4 or above is required.

If you have not taken or are unable to take AP Chemistry, the required subjects can be met by an MCAT score of 508, including at minimum:

• Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems - 128
• Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behaviour - 126
• Chemistry and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems - 128
• Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills - 126

Further information can be found on the College of Science and Engineering USA entry requirements website:

College of Science and Engineering required subjects

1. 5-year BVM&S (D100)

Direct entry to BVM&S Veterinary Medicine

The minimum entry requirements for BVM&S Veterinary Medicine include three APs at grade 4 or above, with required subjects in Chemistry, Biology, and one other subject. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the Veterinary Medicine Admissions team prior to application for advice and guidance.

Contact School of Veterinary Studies

All applicants to Veterinary Medicine should gain both veterinary practice and animal work experience, as much and as varied practical work experience as possible.

Applying with Pre-Vet Programmes

Applicants are expected to have completed at least 2 years pre-veterinary studies or science courses at College or University. Courses should include Chemistry I and II (with lab), Biology I and II (with lab) and Organic Chemistry I (with lab). The minimum entry requirements include an overall GPA of 3.4 (4 point scale) or above, with high grades in all science subjects.

2. Graduate entry programme (GEP) BVM&S Veterinary Medicine (D102)

The minimum entry requirements for GEP Veterinary Medicine include an overall GPA of 3.4 (4 point scale) in a 4-year undergraduate degree, with a biological or animal science major. Candidates who want to be considered for the GEP must achieve high grades in the following subjects:

• Biology/Zoology
• Physics
• Biochemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Mathematics/Statistics

In addition, gaining high grades in the following subjects can strengthen an application for the GEP:

• Genetics
• Microbiology
• Cell Biology

All applicants to GEP Veterinary Medicine should gain both veterinary practice and animal work experience, as much and as varied practical work experience as possible.

Graduate Record Examination - VMCAS candidates only

Scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test are NOT required.