Quote:
Originally Posted by ThornsnRoses
Ok…this maybe a totally retarded question.
Which is more valued diploma the IB or A-levels?
Most uni’s have a slight preference for the IB supposedly but doing A-Levels certainly wouldn’t “disadvantage” you
Quote:
Originally Posted by ThornsnRoses
I would also like to specifically know whether or not it would put at me at disadvantage doing the IB when applying to universities such as Oxford or other like universities.
Nope certainly not, I do IB and am currently holding an Oxford offer
Quote:
Originally Posted by ThornsnRoses
Also, is the IB more challenging and would take up more time? Hypothetically if I were to do the IB I would only be studying two languages extra and the TOK (which presumably is not much different from General Studies…in the sense that it would be laid back and not much work).
Whether or not it is more challenging is difficult to say without comparing directly respective course choices. I’d say the one thing about the IB which is certain though is that it will take up a lot of your time (almost certainly more than A-Levels). TOK is also very different to GS, it’s much more similar in nature to Philosophy or Critical Thinking, and if you’re aiming for somewhere like Oxford you’re probably going to need the extra points of offer and therfore have to work to secure them. I personally think TOK is a lot of fun and a very very interesting course though.
I’d also say that I find the IB particularly interesting because you study everything from an “international perspective”, something which is very benifical if you’re planning to study subjects such as English, History or Economics.
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This debate will never have closure to it. HOWEVER, I have a strong case to suggest that IB is “better” overall than A-levels. We study 6 subjects over a 2-year period LEADING TO EXAMINATION. Whereas, A-levels are divided into AS(year1) and A2 (year2) and both are examined independently. In addition to this, you can resit and resit and resit. Also, A-levels have different examination board (e.g. Edexcel) and hence exams are not “the same” from all the boards, and obviously some will be easier, and some harder. the a-level system lacks parity!
Universities in the UK are biased towards A-levels and require far too many IB points for a comparative A-level offer for the same course. It is ridiculous and they really need to have a rethink. We have the “study skills” and “learning skills” that are required at university that the A-level students lack. Just wait till next year when the workload increases in first year! See how you manage the workload, and how they suffer! We also have experience in research, as is evident in our “mini dissertation” (extended essay). The IB programme is bashed by a-level supporters for being “too broad” and not “indepth enough.” Well, I’m sorry. If you’re trying to propose that 15 works for english higher level and a massive syllabus for biology or economics is “general” thats complete and utter *******s. The IB’s examination techniques are of equal, if not better, standard than the A-level examinations. Not only do they cover more, but they are just as specific.
The interdisciplinary “TOK” course that we take as a requirement is also great, and another point where the a-levels joke of “general studies” falls short!
In all, I see it only as a matter of years before the universities and government (11 downing street) realise that the IB is better, and we should be given more access to the UK. It’s almost as if they are against IB and they can’t admit that its better than their “golden age” of A-levels that has passed (a long time ago!). The “gold standard” of the A-levels has dropped, nor does it offer such international acces. Notwithstanding, it is a programme of similar complexity, but lacks “all rounding” which is what universities “should be looking for!”
The proposal of a BRITISH BACCALAUREATE style programme is just an excuse by the government in efforts never sit up and take notice of the fact that the IB, is, and always will be, better than A-levels.
Point in case. We have to do maths, science, 1st and 2nd language. I never thought the 2nd language would be beneficial, but I use it all the time (even at ab initio). I have gained respect from people all over the world for the standard of the language I speak, and hence, I think it will benefit me in the future – as I have decided to study it in university !
Any comments? Arguments (as if there are any, you know I’m right!)
Here are some of the opinions from the IB and a-levels programme .. what do You think ??
I totally agree wth you mate. Im doing the Ib and it’s bloody tough but much more effective than the stale A Levels. I’m also in a school which teaches both so I can clearly see the difference between the two.
I am currently studying the IB and while i understand that it is better than A levels no one else does. I currently want to study law at Warick University which means i have to gain at least 36 points on the IB or 3 As at A level. The quality and amount of work you have to do to get 36 points is nothing compared to what you have to do to get 3 As at A level. Im starting to think that i should have taken the easy option and gone for A levels because IB certainly doesnt get the recognision it needs. And people wonder why we have so many people that are either on the doll, criminals or sit at home claiming benefits. Maybe if the people who were working their backsides off (people who study IB) got more credit then we would be motivated to do something!!!
Thanks 4 all youre wonderfull comments guys
Hey guys,
can anyone tell me how i find out how many points in the IB i need to get into a particular university? Like Kelly stated she needed 36, how do you find that out?
if you check the entry requirements on the universitys website it will normally tell you how many points you need.
im in year 11 and am wondering which course to take, as i need..
IB: Overall total of 34 points with 6,6,5 in three Higher level subjects including Biology and Chemistry.
A level: AAB, including both Biology at grade A and Chemistry at grade A, and a third A2 (excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking). i will also need a 4th subject to AS level at grade B (excluding General Studies).
this is from the website of the Med school i want to get into.
Which would you recomend?
im not so sure . but will tell u once i know
im doing ib and its very tough 36 points is not easy to get man. plus the amount just increases and increases i dont no wat to do so anybody got a tip how should i get my 36 points u no well aprt from working hard. by da way i want to get into medicine for bham.
thanks people
thts gonna be hard. i know tht if you wnted to get into the hull york medical school you would need an overall total of 34 points with 6,6,5 in three Higher level subjects including Biology and Chemistry.
thks man for the comment made ..
yh so how can i get 36 points people? help? it ma first year in IB
Ib is a very tough course .. i am not sure , i am taking a levels
however to people who knows , please give ur feedback here please .
just leave a comment .. its so simple
I kno itz soooo f****** hard even tho m not doin it yet buh u ppl r scarin me cos u sound as if u need psycologiccal help n counselling.
Dnt wory ppl, i’ll tell ma pastor 2 pray 4 y’all
Lots of Love 4rm me
Hey, da IB aint dat hard init.
I find it very easy buh mayb itz b’cos i av an IQ of 170
and i already av a job waiting 4 me wiv da FBI
I think u ppl shld jus chill n read
Snt blame me cos m smartetr dan u
Dnt h8
Appreci8
x
hehehheh .. thanks vanessa and ade gurl for your comments .
certainly , ib is difficuly but it can’t be extremely hard right ?
but guys value your comments
hey guys i need help too..i hav ta han in my form on d 17th f march n i gta make a choice if im doin IB o AL. im nt a very smart ass. i usualy score B’c n C’s bt if i actualy study i can manage ta score and A. I wna study psychology in d states..and im nt realy a person that wud b studyn evry single day of the week once i start sixth form. so wat do u think i shuould take. i wna take AL bt evry1’s saying tat it is a risk cz if majority is doin IB i wnt b accepted ta uni. tel me..is it easier ta get 36 points on IB o 3 As at AL? i think d answer ta tat question wud help..
thanx!
i would certainly think for you to take IB , its much more sustainable and not to say easier but not so totally exam based course . It is certainly harder than AL in certain ways but its much better training than AL for university ahead. My personal advice for you is to take IB , cause i have taken AL and it was not as easy to score A , off course i am a science student , but IB should be better . At least thats what i think
okay…so…36 points at IB is wat u need ta get ta get into a good uni yea? so is tat easier o is geting 3 As in AL easier? Also..are u finding it very difficult in uni o summin sins u took IB?
thanx
x
so wat corse did you pick IB or a levels? i have to choose and am worried that the IB is going to be too hard? is the IB hard?
i have to make a choice of doing IB or a level as well pretty soon. The IB looks so challenging and hard, im scared i wont be able to manage. My english isn’t too good either, and thats the main reason why i think a level would be better. But i heard from past students that with a level its easier to get into a good univresity because the subjects studies are more specific?
Im currently studying IB in canada, the courses themselves are not difficult. it is the marking guide which is set a a very high standard which many people cannot accomplish. IB is for people who either wanna be properly prepared for University (in your own country or else where). IB course count as credit for some first year university course. A Levels in the UK are different since they are UK’s standard and UK believes its standards are higher than elsewhere. A Levels are much better in their own way because in IB you have to take all course but in A Levels yes you take like 3 courses but thats because you are focusing on future profession of your choice. IB allows you to keep your choices open at university so whether it be Medicine or Law the choice is there. A Levels just put you on yur path to yur disired area of study. Mine is law but i still in IB have to complete biology and sciences which have absolute no meaning to me.
Nick
well thank you anunymous …
yes it is true ,, it would be easier to get to any college or uni if u would have taken a levels , but ib does not come any lower . its actually a better trained programme actually
and NICK thank you for ur views on the matter
really appreciate it
I have just completeld O level and am wondering, should I do IB or Alevel… coz I think Alevel is more recognised…i mean esp. UK and many others universities… they automatically accept Alevel but some have to grade IB… thats where the complication is.
Also, although IB is more challenging bla bla bla.. Alevel is actually an EASIER path to uni… just 3 or 4 subjects to concentrate on and ABB or AAB will take you straight for a good course but IB..OMG!!! u av2 get 36 and above (which is EXTREMELY HARD TO GET!!!) WODYA THINK PEOPLE? WHAT CHOICE SHOULD I MAKE???!!!!
go for the ib if you want to be ahead in life and not in a job you hate.
i think u should do iB
it gets u well rounded b4 college /uni
and its a fantastic course
i myslef too alevels and t dint like it
and btw , ib is much highly recongnized
and you can get into princton yale harvard oxford easier and willingly if u get good points
So good luck and have a good time studying
I jst finished my O- levels n i’m trying to decide which one to , IB or a-level….the comments i’ve read have gotten me stuck in between coz evry1’s sayin IB is better or that its easier to get into uni with A-levels. So i’m kinda torn. N i’m hearing its very difficult to get the 36 points in IB than it is to get 3 A’s at A- level….so which one do u think i should go with?
Dear Vivi ,
this decision really depends on what type of education you want before The real uni comes . If you are the type that does real well for exams and coap real well for all exams , than a levels is for you , cause its easier to get a for you ,
However if you are the type that cant really get that great for your exams , lets say a average grade of B for most subjects than IB is better , cause it will train you to be well rounded and more ready for the university level .
and IB is not that hard . and a levels is not that easy anyways
So If i was you , i would take something that i have an advantage in . If you were like me , who has aspiring ideas , good at talking , and have great ideas all the time and not all boooksmart , more street smart , than IB is for you
i was clearly making a big mistake when i took Alevels
so Whatever you take , make sure you work hard , and dont slack from the beginning , cause its gonna cause you , either in IB or alevels .
Good Luck !
Omg, I’ve been pondering over this for such a long time too. I’m taking my O levels in 2 months and I still haven’t decided whether I should take IB or A levels. I live in Singapore, so A levels here much more recognised than IB. Only international and local international schools offer IB and from what heard, many people say that the curriculum is easy and there’s not much work in IB unlike in A levels. I consulted a few of my friends trying to get their opinions. Obviously, some preferred IB and some the A levels. And now, I’m seriously confused. I personally prefer IB though because I’m not the type of student who memorises the whole textbook and score an A in my exams. However, many of my friends (who prefer the A levels) say that taking IB after the O levels is difficult because of the change of system. My parents, too, think that A levels is more recognised.
heyyy
i’ve just finished my first year of i.b…it was damn hard. loll
The thing about I.B is there is in no doubt ALOT more work then A levels… considering how we have EE, TOK and CAS…. so u need to be really organized. I have to agree that I.B students don’t get enough credit… although the course is well recognized and i know the U.K universities do actually prefer I.B students over A levels.
The leap from GCSE’s/ O levels to the I.B is quite drastic, but then again so is the one to the A levels.
The I.B will make you cry… but if you’re up for the challenge go for it =))
Getting a 36-38 isn’t too bad… plus if u get an A for Tok and EE u get 3 bonus points
At least in the US I can say one thing about IB, it is FAR FAR beyond any Ap courses. Which I suppose would translate into A-Levels other places. Everyone I know who takes IB with a couple AP classes on the side is bored in their Ap classes, and uses them for homework. Despite it’s recognition… if you can make it into the college you want, you’ll be far beyond prepared for anything the college can throw at you.
So, what i am getting from this is that the IB is better, as it is more thorough and internationally recognized?
Im in the UK but want to go to uni in the US… as the IB is recognized both here and in the US i wont have any disadvantage will i?
The IB sounds great, i just dont know if i have enough confidence to take the route less ventured… what if it doesnt pay off?
Dear perpettualy15,
I definitely agree with you that the level of the IB is strongly undermined by any institution of higher education in the U.K. However, in every one of your responses you seem to imply that taking the IB is always going to be the best option. That is not the case. I currently am an IB student myself and this is my exam year. You make it sound so easy for IB students to get into Oxbridge and Ivy League schools. Whilst Oxbridge states that prospective IB students need 38-40 points, your actual chances of getting in with those points are very, very low. I myself tried to apply for a course at Oxford this year, but my predicted grades, including the bonus points, turned out to be a maximum of 37 points, which is not enough. Our careers adviser told me that even with 38-40 points you will probably not be offered an interview nor a place. She also told me that her son works at Cambridge (who himself didn’t get in with 38 points in Cambridge at that time) and that he gets many IB students with 44, 45 points.
I see that this forum is pretty much dead now, but as you mentioned in your ‘blog’, you were offered a place at Oxford. How did that turn out? What were your predicted grades and what were your final grades? Did you eventually get in?
Forget about the last part of my comment. As I looked at the dates of these comments I assumed they were posted in 2006, but I was wrong. I just posted my comment and I got the same ‘code’. Sorry about that.
Hi guys.. I am about done with my O-Levels, and its time for me to make a choice between IB and A-levels.
The thing is, I have two sisters who did IB and are currently in university. As they did IB, I watched them CRY, literally, have sleepness nights, and cry more…
Now that their finally in university, they tell me that it really paid of, and they watch the people who did A-Levels suffer..
I, however, am still very keen on doing A-Levels because, as mentioned above, IB doesn’t get the recognition it deserves, especially in the UK, which is where I intend on going!
But… If you are planning on going anywhere else in the world, consider the IB. You may ask yourself:
“Why beat yourself with a hammer?”
Why? Because it feels really good when you stop!
Hahaha “Because it feels really good when you stop!” nice one!
I’d say go with the A-Levels.
I’ve got a serious question.
At the moment I’m doing my IGCSE’s on the CIE (Cambridge International Examinations) board (which by the way, is the hardest examination board by far) in Switzerland in supposedly (even though it’s far from that) one of the best boarding International schools in the world.
Originally, I was supposed to take my Pre-IB’s and then do IB, like my sister. But after my parent’s agreed without me, that I should take my A-levels, I started doing my IGCSE’s.
Yet now, they’re letting me decide.
Stay with the A-levels or do IB.
I have the choice between in Canada (which means IB) and the Uk (obviously A-levels, even though some schools do offer IB, like TASIS – my sister went there)
And I have no idea which one would be better for me because confusingly enough I originally wanted to study in the UK but I’ve always, later on, wanted to live in the Canada, but that just made everything even more complicated, because I could just study in Canada if I wanted to live there and etc.
I’ve got no clue, and I have to make up my mind very soon.
Got any advice for me?
Thanks,
Mel
Currently studying IB in england – grea vourse, have to be able to work hard, pick stuff up quickly, and be naturally clever, if u aint these three thigs ure wasting ure time…
if u are though, IB is the riught course fo you…
nuckle down!!! 36 aint that hard, im going for 42 and im not a genius… good luck!!
i live in england, and am currently in my last year of secondary school – year 11. i have to make the big choice soon of wheter to do IB or A-Levels. At first i had my heart set on the IB, but the more i hear about it, the more it puts me off. However, i feel A-Levels is a course that is taken by millions of people, whereas with the IB you can stand out more. IB isn’t recognise much in the UK yet, but i really want to do it. Im scared about the hard work, and the fact i will have NO TIME for myself. my friends keep telling me different things, and now im really confused. can anyone offer me any advice?
thankss! x
ive heard many that have done IB and got 42 that have gotten into oxbridge……and that it actually helps getitn into UK unis but my question is if a person gets 40 in IB and 4 A’s in A-lvels which one will be picked to get into oxbridge or LSE?
Hey. I just did my O/ls in december and now im seriously confused on if I should do IB or A.l’s. I live in sri lanka where A/ls are the most common and the IB is only offered by 2 private schools. I also plan to go into the sciences, medicine or law in the future..what do u think would be the best for me? I am also trying to get into a good university abroad on scholarship and I’ve heard that IB is not accepted for schol by some universities and I see from most reponses that its really hard.. I think im booksmarT, more than streetsmart… Anyway thats everything i think.. HELP =)
hey guys please help me with this m supposed to give ma igcse xams in november buh after dt i’ve 10 months to think wt can i do…but tht time i jus wanna enjoy so i;ve to decide now….!
these posts were really good but i got more confused with my opinions…i m thinkin for IB.
can anyone tell me if they know a really good IB school somwer in indiah?
or mayb u.k…!
pls help i really need it now
hello guys ….. well well i hv jus completed my o levels…. i hv to decide what to do now …. i want to ib bt my frends who studied ib says tht i will be fucked up …. what do u guys say ? do ib or a levles
thnks
hi there
wow this is so annoying everything contradicts each other!
i am in my final year of GCSEs and i have to chose out of IB or Alevels.
i want to be able to have a life next year and i dont think im that book smart. i reckon ill get B/Cs for my GCSEs, i really want to do the IB but im just worried i wont be able to do well. im not to fussed about getting in to uni cause i know that both ALevels and IB are good.
what should i do?
isnt a second language required as an option. im not very linguistic, so i reckon Anyone like me, who sucks at other languages should FOR YOUR OWN SAKE DO A LEVEL! also for the many of you considering med school, nearly everyone who trys to get into med school has got the grades so 3 A’s at Alevel and a B at As level (excluding crit. thinking) or 36 points @ IB. really wont make a difference, what draws the final line is the little things like how much volunteer work you have done and what you got at GCSE, because that matters. if you got low GCSE marks then you university will look at that and see you are not very consistent and that will make you go down in the ranks.
The universities don’t appear to prefer the IB, i dont really think they understand it. For example I don’t believe they understand the level of difficulty of Standard level maths and the large gap between standard and studies.
Also the level of work required to reach the entry requirements of most universities is huge compared to the level of work necessary to do well in A-levels.
Obviously the course is so much harder, when you look at the ammount of free periods a level students have a week (at least 12) compared to IB ( at most 3) you can see that there must be a difference in the work load!!!
Although i dont regret taking the IB, i would have to say that for those who are not academically strong e.g. reaching B/C’s at GCSEs I would reccommend taking A-Levels instead. It will allow you to focus on what you are good on as opposed to being held back by subjects that you aren’t strongest in.
Yeah, IB is a growing phenomena in the world, that appears to be greatly misunderstood. Regardless of the recognition that universities may or may not give the program, IB is completely worth while, as regardless of the mark you achieve in the end, if you try hard it betters you as an individual, and prepares you for university. A levels have been marked narrow minded, and they are a poor pre-requsite for university life. Having said that however, the IB program is fantastically difficult. In my school you could either take IB or regular stream, and only 12 people (out of 2000) joined and of them only 9 people passed. If academics is not your strong point it really is not worthwhile sacraficing your personal sanity, social life, and sleep for a high school diploma. It is unfortunate, however, how poor A-level standards, as it means that there is no form of education fit for those who want to persue achademic careers, without perhaps having to take such programs as the full-IB diploma. If you desire a challenge, and truly wish to dedicate two years to academic study, for the purpose of personal growth, IB is without a doubt the best program to take. The only problem with IB, is that when you graduate all your hard work gets belittled by A-level supporters, who are so set in believeing that A-levels are the hardest form of education. Even after achieving 41 in IB, all my relatives insisted that 3 B’s was better, and I still have to listen to the likes of Emma Watson on TV expressing her intelligence at getting 3-A levels. Jealous? Well no kidding I am! Long bitter story short, do IB for yourself, and because you want to be a better person, not because you want universal recognition.
Despite getting approximately 4 hours of sleep a night, and barely getting to see my friends in my final year, I have no regrets about doing IB. I loved it, and I would do it again if I had to. To all those about to embark on the IB journey, I say good luck and congratulations for all your successes. For all those who are pondering what to do, think what best suits your personality, and go with it. IB or not, I’m sure you’ll reach the standards that you desire !
Guys, I am a violinist and want to dedicate most of my time to that pursuit. The school is asking me which programme I want to do: the IB or A-level. I am very little familiar with either system.
Which one will give me more opportunity and time to focus on music? Can I take music classes within the IB or A-level?
Any advice is appreciated.
Thank you much!
do a levels if you wanna practice violin cos with ib you will have no spare time
hi i am from india…i am really confused between a levels or IB..i am in 11th grade..i was in ICSE board..the thing is i want to go to any creative field or any bussiness related field in future..and i might stay in india after 12th…i want to know that which is more recognized course in india/usa/uk/australia?? and is ib tooooo dificult??…ib requires how much hours of studies a day?? which board has more preference?? what should i do?? PLEASE HELP ME…PLEAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSEEEEEEEEEEEEE………
Hi guys! i’m in 10th grade now, and i dont know what to do IB or A levels. I’ve been in an IB school since 4th grade, got the PYP and this year, getting the MYP (Middle Years Programme). There is SO much work this year. I’m really thinking of not doing the IB since its a lot of work and i am already loaded with work with MYP. but at the same time, i am being prepared for the IB. Also, is maths and physics harder in the IB or A levels? Thanks.
Heyy my name is Kathleen. I have currently done one semester or finishing my first semester of IB and I’m considering switching to A-levels.
I’m not trying to take the easy way out or maybe I am. I realize that I would be giving up a lot by moving I know how the IB can shape you and prepare you for life.
However, i really can’t stand doing subjects that aren’t going to help me.
So. Any suggestions?
I did the IB MYP, and its really really hard (like 10 essays to do 2 weeks before the reports are due). IB dipolma is even harder in terms of more essays and writing but A levels is NOT easy I tell you. I am currently studying in UK for A levels and the Sciences and Maths are very similar to IB (my old friends are doing IB). And in some cases, for example Biology and chemistry, I am doing so MUCH more than in IB.
It depends on what you want to do in Uni. I think if you have a subject you want to to in uni, then A levels can give you more depth into that subject. If you are not sure, you might want to choose IB to give yourself time to think about it.