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Placement and Proficiency
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About Advanced Level (A-Levels) Credit

What are A-Levels?

The General Certificate of Education Advanced Level Examinations originated in the United Kingdom and are known as the "A-Level Exams." Many countries have developed similar exams, and different examining boards might use the same exam name even if they are not part of the United Kingdom. Cambridge International is one examining board that administers A-Level exams.

The A-Levels are usually taken after two years of studying the subject. There are six passing grades: A+ is the highest, and E is the lowest. Illinois awards credit for grades of C and higher.

Please note that the the Advanced Subsidiary Level Examinations (i.e., the "AS-Levels") are not the same as the Advanced Level examinations (i.e., the "A-Levels"). The syllabus content for an AS-Level course is typically the first half of the content taught in an A-Level course (e.g., a one-year course instead of a two-year course). Illinois does not accept AS-Level test scores for either course placement or course proficiency.

FOR NEW STUDENTS ENROLLING IN THE 2023-2024 ACADEMIC YEAR

  • Policies get reviewed every year and may change.
  • The course placement and academic credit policies that apply to you can be seen here.

FOR CURRENTLY ENROLLED STUDENTS (SOPHOMORES, JUNIORS, AND SENIORS) WHO WISH TO SUBMIT 'A LEVEL' SCORES NOW

  • Policies get reviewed every year and may change.
  • The course placement and academic credit policies that were in effect when you first enrolled at Illinois are the ones that apply to you. Please check the archives for your academic year to see whether you will get any credit for your exam.

Requesting Credit for Your A-Level Scores

A-Level transcripts are reviewed by an international admissions specialist in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Although it is typical to request a review of your exam results prior to enrolling at Illinois so that any high scores will allow you to start your first year with proficiency credit posted to your academic record, you are permitted to submit your transcript anytime during the year.

If you are expecting proficiency credit and do not see it in your DARS report, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions by phone (217) 333-0302 or email admissions@illinois.edu and ask to speak with a specialist in international admissions. They can check on whether your transcript was ever received and, if not, how you should go about requesting it. Please be ready to provide them with your UIN.

Questions? All 'A-Level' credit is processed through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Please ask to speak with an international admissions specialist.