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1. What curriculum Do
Top Universities
Prefer?
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2. 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 student’s 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.

3. 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.

4. 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).

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Curriculum Ages
Corresponding
school years
Number of
subjects Exams Grading
International
GCSE and A
Level
IB Diploma
US – AP
classes
14-18
16-18
14-18
Year 11-13
Year 12-13
Any time from
Grades 10-12
Minimum 4-5
6 (plus 3
papers)
In addition to
high school
classes
External, offered two
to three times a year
One cumulative external
exam at the end of two
years with some internal
scoring
External, offered once
a year in May
Scale of 1-9 for
each subject
Out of 7 for
each subject
Scale of 1-5

8. 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.

9. 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 country’s 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.

10. 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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