<p>IB is way stronger. But it's really hard.</p>
<p>Even if IB and A-levels are worth kind of the same thing, I would do IB because it's a lot more fulfilling. You learn a lot more, get a more rounded education and..it's international! A-levels have a slight focus on Britain, and that's alright if you're British, but if not, you might want to learn a little more about the world. It's not to say that's a bad thing, because you do learn about things in other places too, and I suppose if you're doing Chemistry or Maths A-level that aspect doesn't really make a difference. However generally, I'd be more comfortable with a truly international education. I also intend to go to Europe for university, so I feel I'd get more by doing IB. Like improve a foreign language. With A-levels you seriously do whatever you want to do; with IB there are things you're forced to do that you may otherwise not have done, and you may actually end up enjoying learning those things.</p>
<p>Then again, I don't know which one to choose myself. IB seems like way too much workload and I don't want to do A-levels. I guess if you put the stress aside, IB can actually be fun.</p>
<p>I don't think there's a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The IB diploma course offers a broader curriculum since you actually have to study six subjects as opposed to three or four only in the case of A-levels. Having said that, I think A-level courses normally go deeper than their IB counterparts. </p>
<p>As far as university applications are concerned, I believe US universities recognize both AP, IB and A-level exams/certificates.</p>
<p>Take the IB. It's a better exam and has a better reputation than A Levels for both breadth and depth. For example, the August 2007 A Level results showed that 25% of all grades awarded were at grade A; for the IB Diploma, less than a quarter are awarded grade 6 and 7 combined. The A Level is perceived in the UK as increasingly compromised, and consequently the A* (A star) grade will be introduced next year to try and offset the myriad A grades which make it hard for universities to distinguish between the genuinely bright and the competent.</p>
<p>Hi. I know this thread is relatively old, but i am in the same predicament now.</p>
<p>I can’t decide between taking A-levels or the IB.
I’m a student in Singapore and am very keen to go to the Ivy league u’s in the states after a-levels/IB.
After reading all the threads i realise that they’re both equally difficult and almost equally respected, correct me if i’m wrong please. </p>
<p>But to make matters worse, the most pressing problem is that i am ultimately hopeless at my second language.
IS there any point in trying the IB since I’ve already probably got 7 points off the top and the max i can get is 38 points?
My second language is really a lost cause.
Does A levels take into account my second language too?</p>
<p>Please advise! Time is of the essence too!</p>
<p>When you send your A Level transcript, it would have included your second language (either at O or A level) and your other subjects.</p>
<p>There’s a Singapore thread in the International Students forum. Ask your question there. You might get answers.</p>
<p>Hmm. Noted.
Thank you for your help.
Do you also know the probability of succeeding in a level’s VS the IB?
I don’t personally know anyone taking the IB, but 90% of the people i know that are taking the A levels, who are exceptionally bright i might add, fail or get B’s and C’s in JC.
Is it easier to score in IB?</p>
<p>I know that the IB has compulsory subjects like literature and if you’re not good at them, you might want to consider the A Levels. </p>
<p>I do not think that the IB is any easier than the A Levels. The reason why the people you know are doing badly is because the transition to another school is difficult and the difference between your previous school and your new school in terms of academics is a big step up.</p>
<p>for purposes of US admission,it does not matter.Almost everyone in my country takes Alevels,and people get into every top school you can think of each year.If you are not good at languages,rather take the A-levels.Both courses are extremely tough and require A LOT of hard work to get good grades,so there is no way out.</p>
<p>I don’t think it matters really. Just as how one could argue taking AP courses vs. dual enrollment at your local CC or Uni. </p>
<p>
</p>
<p>While I do think that creating the A* (now in effect) was probably a good idea, I don’t see what’s so wrong about being competent. I don’t see anything wrong with studying and working hard in a subject to get good grades as opposed to being naturally brilliant. It doesn’t make the person who studies any less than the person who is naturally brilliant. Actually, I think colleges would rather the competent because it shows that they have a good work ethic and if you can get by in high school with straight A’s without studying or anything of the sort, I’m almost sure it will be the complete opposite in university.</p>
<p>FYI, Singapore does not offer the A* grade because it does not do the international version of the A Levels.</p>
<p>Thank you for all the feedback, it’s much appreciated.
But does that mean that the Singapore a level A’s are less or more respected than the international version?
Could it be that the Singapore a’s are more demanding than the international version and that’s why it’s harder to score an A?
What if it is just ONE language subject in IB that you’re not good at? Still rather the A’s?</p>
<p>
Both have the same weight.
Depends on the curve.
Work on it. I know someone who received a C in a language and brought it up to an A in two years.</p>
<p>inneed, I don’t know about A-levels but as for IB to be accepted to Oxford or Cambridge you have to get at least 42 points. Think that Ivy league is even more competitive. Anyway, from my daughter’s experience (she is an international student, IB graduate, 40 points, freshman in a small LAC) I think that in USA SAT results are more important (considering that you are taking challenging courses too) AND if you are able to pay for your education or not (for an international student this is a crucial point).</p>
<p>Thank you all for your help and comments.
IB’s coming much clearer to me now.
Ok, so to add to that problem…</p>
<p>If i do start IB, i’ve already checked and I can still be admitted at this stage,
Ive already missed three weeks of school, ie: one week orientation, two weeks school work.
Three weeks of friendship forming…
I’m already going in behind on the work and class bonding…
Would it be better for me to go into IB late and already behind on work,
or would it be better for me to just start JC right at the beginning, on par with everyone else?
Should this even be a factor that helps me decide?</p>
<p>You can easily catch up in IB, you do not do as much work first three weeks.</p>
<p>And definitely choose IB, well respected at Ivies ;)</p>
<p>IB student myself. Good luck!</p>