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What curriculum Do Top Universities Prefer?
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As high school students embark on their
educational journey, the choices they make in
terms of coursework can significantly impact
their future opportunities. The path to college
admission, especially at top universities, is
increasingly competitive, and every decision
regarding high school curriculum matters. But
what exactly do these prestigious institutions
look for in a students academic record? Which
high school curriculum stands out in the eyes of
admissions officers at Ivy League schools,
renowned research universities, and other
prestigious institutions? Here we delve into the
intricate world of high school curricula and
explore the preferences of top universities. We
will unravel the factors that shape their
decisions and provide you with valuable insights
to help you make informed choices during your
high school years. From Advanced Placement (AP)
courses to International Baccalaureate (IB)
programs, we will navigate the options, weigh the
pros and cons, and demystify the ever-evolving
landscape of academic preparation for college
admission.
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GCSE and A Levels
The International GCSE pathway is fairly
straightforward and starts in Year 11 or earlier
with students sitting up to six subjects. These
subjects are structured as first introductions to
the specific topic areas that they cover. In Year
12 students move on to the A Levels that are
further broken down into two parts the AS Level,
called Advanced Subsidiary, (usually done in
Year 12) and A2 Level (typically done in Year
13). Traditionally, students take 4-5 AS Level
subjects and then go on to take 3-4 of those
subjects at the A2 Level. GCSEs are typically
assessed through a combination of
examinations, coursework, and practical
assessments, with a focus on international
standards. A Levels are assessed primarily
through written examinations, which are typically
taken at the end of a two-year course of study.
The grading scale is typically A (the highest)
to E (the lowest) for each subject.
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IB Diploma
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Programme is a rigorous and internationally
recognized educational curriculum designed for
students aged 16 to 19. It emphasizes a
well-rounded education that not only focuses on
academic excellence but also fosters critical
thinking, intercultural understanding, and a
commitment to community service. To receive the
IB Diploma, students must successfully complete
assessments in six core subjects (three at
Standard Level and three at Higher Level), the
Extended Essay, the Theory of Knowledge course,
and fulfill Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
requirements. Each IB subject is assessed based
on a combination of internal and external
assessments. The total points obtained from the
six subjects, TOK, and the Extended Essay
determine whether a student is awarded the IB
Diploma. The maximum total score achievable is 45
points (7 points for each of the six subjects,
plus 3 points for TOK and the Extended Essay).
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US High School Diploma

• The International GCSE pathway is fairly
  straightforward and starts in Year 11 or earlier
  with students sitting up to six subjects. These
  subjects are structured as first introductions to
  the specific topic areas that they cover. In Year
  12 students move on to the A Levels that are
  further broken down into two parts the AS Level,
  called Advanced Subsidiary, (usually done in
  Year 12) and A2 Level (typically done in Year
  13). Traditionally, students take 4-5 AS Level
  subjects and then go on to take 3-4 of those
  subjects at the A2 Level.
• GCSEs are typically assessed through a
  combination of examinations, coursework, and
  practical assessments, with a focus on
  international standards. A Levels are assessed
  primarily through written examinations, which are
  typically taken at the end of a two-year course
  of study. The grading scale is typically A (the
  highest) to E (the lowest) for each subject.

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Advanced Placement Classes
AP classes, or Advanced Placement classes, are a
set of rigorous high school courses that
offer college-level content and are designed to
provide high school students with an
opportunity to earn college credit and
demonstrate their readiness for higher
education. At the end of an AP course, students
have the option to take an AP exam in that
subject. These exams are typically administered
in May and consist of multiple-choice questions
and free-response questions. AP exams are scored
on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest.
Many colleges and universities grant college
credit or advanced placement to students who earn
a passing score (usually 3 or higher) on these
exams. Having AP courses on a high school
transcript can also be viewed favorably by
college admissions committees, as it demonstrates
a commitment to academic excellence and a
willingness to take on challenging coursework.
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Curriculum Ages Corresponding school years Number of subjects Exams Grading Grading
International GCSE and A Level 14-18 Year 11-13 Minimum 4-5 External, offered two to three times a year Scale of 1-9 for each subject Scale of 1-9 for each subject
IB Diploma 16-18 Year 12-13 6 (plus 3 papers) One cumulative external exam at the end of two years with some internal scoring Out of 7 for each subject
US AP classes 14-18 Any time from Grades 10-12 In addition to high school classes External, offered once a year in May Scale of 1-5 Scale of 1-5
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Which programme is most recognized globally?
While all the three curricula discussed above
have global recognition, the A Levels are
probably the most well- renowned with the widest
reach. International GCSE and A Levels are
studied in over 10,000 schools by over a million
students in 160 countries. Over 1,400
universities worldwide recognise A Level
qualifications. They are accepted by every UK
university, by 600 universities in the US
(including all the Ivy League universities) and
in many other major student destinations, such as
Canada, Australia, Singapore, South Africa,
Germany and the Netherlands. To compare, over
5,000 schools worldwide offer the IB curriculum.
AP courses are offered by many US curriculum
schools around the world.
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Which programme can help you get into top US/UK
universities?
Top universities in both countries recognize all
three of these curricula. However, there is a
level of familiarity that universities might have
with their own countrys curriculum. This does
not mean that you will not get into US
universities with A Levels or IB, or vice versa.
If you are looking to challenge yourself, the IB
would be more rigorous. The A Levels, on the
other hand, give you a level of flexibility while
challenging you and allowing you to score your
best due to their exam structure. If your school
does not offer an international curriculum,
taking part-time AP classes can help enhance your
university admissions profile.
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Which programme is right for you?
The programme that is right for you should be the
one where you feel most comfortable as a student.
If you are looking for a more flexible curriculum
that allows you to pursue a variety of subjects
while having multiple exam date choices then the
A Levels are the perfect choice for you. On the
other hand, if you are looking for a more
rigorous programme, then the IB is the right
choice. The APs are also rigorous as they are
college-level courses.
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Thank You
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