10 Aug 2017
Admissions staff from 12 leading US universities came to Cambridge in July to advise on strategies to extend the recognition of Cambridge qualifications in North America, and hear the latest news and research about our programmes.
Twelve institutions' representatives make up the group: Arizona State University, Columbia University, Duke University, Florida State University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of California, University of Maryland, University of Southern California, University of Pennsylvania, University of Washington, University of Virginia and Vanderbilt University.
A highlight of the visit this year was a tour of DC10, our secure storage and despatch facility. Security of standardisation of the tests is of the utmost importance in the US context.
Cambridge Head of Recognitions, Val Sismey, said: ‘We’ve worked closely with members of the Council for many years. Their views are incredibly important in helping us shape the development of Cambridge Advanced qualifications to ensure they are fit for purpose, and also to increase understanding of Cambridge qualifications in US higher education institutions.'
Douglas Christiansen, Vice Provost for University Enrolment Affairs, Dean of Admissions at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, described the challenge facing admissions staff – 32,000 students apply for 1600 places at the university. ‘Memorisation is not what we are looking for,’ he said. ‘We are looking for thinkers and those that can draw conclusions. … Students are very prepared for Vanderbilt if they come through the Cambridge curriculum.'
During the visit, we interviewed some of the Council members for a new video about applying to universities in the US. Look out for it later this year