Getting into a prestigious university has become very competitive because of an exponential increase in applications. Hence, universities have an intensive screening mechanism to select only those candidates who can take the workload of an international curriculum. The education system has undergone a drastic change since the turn of the millennium. Universities have developed different courses to accommodate the different skill sets of students.
Choosing the right stream has become one of the biggest headaches for parents and students. In this article, we will do a detailed comparison between the IB vs A level programs and it will assist in making a wise choice over which stream to pick.
What Is the IB Level Program?
This program consists of 6 subjects. One needs to choose each of these six subjects from different fields like the 1st language, 2nd language, science, social sciences, mathematics, and one subject from the field of art. The selection of subjects should be carried out with utmost caution as it will determine your future. Three subjects get carried forward to the second year.
The grading system of the IB level exam is between 1-7. Generally, a will receive a diploma if he/she secures 24 points. However, there could be other criteria to pass the exam. Apart from the academic segment, the IB exam level also consists of EE and CAS sections. EE stands for extended essays and CAS stands for creativity, action, and service respectively. Students also have a chance to garner some extra credit points by indulging in extracurricular activities like sports and community service.
What Is an A-Level Program?
Unlike the IB program in which students could choose only 6 six subjects, in the A-level programs students can choose as many subjects as they want. The A-level program is subdivided into two segments the AS Level which is for the first year and the A2 level for the second and final year. After the first year, students can drop some subjects that they want. They do not need to continue learning old subjects.
Things become slightly challenging in the second year or A level as they need to choose at least three subjects. One must choose their subjects in the second year with attentive detail as it will determine their final grade. The grading system is a-e with a being highest and e being the lowest grades.
IB vs A Level: Major Differences:
Curriculum Structure:
The A-level program has two segments: AS or Advanced Subsidiary level and the A2 level. AS happens in the 12th year and A2 is the 13th year. Usually, there is no restriction on the number of subjects but in the A2 year, a student should have at least three subjects.
In the IB program, a student has the liberty to choose six subjects, one each from six different fields of study. IB also has extended essays and creativity, activity, and service sections.
Assessment Structure:
There is a 1005 external assessment of A-level exams. Universities provide two exam dates each year and students can choose a date at their convenience. Moreover, a student also has the right to again sit for the test if he/she has underperformed.
In the IB program, there is a mix of internal and external assessments. Projects and presentations come under internal assessment. On the other hand, the annual exam is completely 100% external assessment.
Grading System:
The grading system of IB vs A level exams is also different. IB students have a grading system of 1-7 with 1 being the lowest and 7 being the highest. On the other hand, A-level programs have grades of A-E with A being the highest and E lowest.
Which One You Should Choose?
The choice of the education system depends on several factors. Let’s take a closer look at each one of them and it will help you in making the correct decision.
First, if you are planning to study in the UK, you should go for the A-level system of education. It is preferable in the UK as it is the country’s high school qualification. However, if you are not planning your higher education in the UK, you can go for the IB program as it has international recognition in more than 90 countries. Moreover, its curriculum presents an international outlook.
Secondly, if you are looking to be admitted to a university in which the interview is a part of the admission process in that case you should A-level course. Examples include universities offering courses in medicine, Oxford, and Cambridge University. On the other hand, if you are unsure about the course or university, you can opt for the IB program. It has a broad spectrum of knowledge and allows students to touch different areas of learning.
There cannot be a simple formula about which course to choose. It is always advisable that you should go through the curriculum and exam structure of both the A-level and IB programs. A proper analysis of these courses will help you to make a wise decision which will prove fruitful for your career.
Conclusion:
Litera Centre helps you choose the right college prep program between IB vs A level programs. Litera Centre provides tailored education to students based on their learning style, pace, and preference. Our enthusiastic Experts go the extra mile to ensure that students reach their dreams by teaching concepts in a way that is both memorable and practical. We have assembled a group of the best-trained Experts who specialize in ensuring the best possible results for our students. Sign up for a free demo class today and experience the Litera Centre difference!
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