Qualifications: What you need to be admitted  If you are thinking about pursuing an undergraduate degree at a US institution, one of the first considerations you need to make is whether or not you have the minimum entry qualifications. British-educated students are expected to hold at least five GCSEs at grade C or above (or five Scottish Standard Grades) in academic subjects and two or three A levels (or a minimum of three Scottish Highers). Your GCSEs or Standards should usually include English and Maths. Some institutions may accept students with only five or more good GCSEs or Standards provided they are at least 17 years old and have results before applying. Many will give university credit for A levels, though the amount will vary. There are also some institutions that will recognise other UK qualifications, such as GNVQs, GSVQs, HNCs or HNDs. However, as they will not all be familiar with these qualifications, check with each institution to see how they are accepted for admissions purposes.