I have a very unique situation here, and I was wondering how colleges would view it. You see, although I go to secondary school, I actually am also homeschooled, although not following any particular syllabus or curriculum. Therefore, I do not spend much time focusing on my secondary school studies, and just go to school to socialise.
Now, I plan to apply in 2006, which would be my equivalent of American junior year. However, due to our system, when admitted in September, I will still have three months left to go until graduation. I don’t want to finish those three months because I view school as a waste of my time; the teachers are mostly useless, and the syllabus emphasises prepping for exams instead of learning.
Therefore, I’m planning to take my O-Levels this October/November. O-Levels are a British examination taken by students worldwide to prove academic proficiency. Our equivalent of senior year finals here is actually based on the O-Levels, and if I’m not mistaken, Singapore, our next-door neighbour, actually uses O-Levels as their final exam.
So, I’m curious: will colleges accept my O-Levels as proof of my capability to deal with the curriculum and handle the academic world? How about A-Levels? And how many subjects would colleges like to see me take for these exams?
<p>amrik:
Really? Here the O-Levels are our school leaving exams. A-Levels are for those who want to continue schooling but not go to college...basically something more advanced. Sort of like American APs, I guess; I know of a few colleges in the US that accept A-Levels for credit.</p>
<p>Let me see...I'm currently in Form 3 (my ninth year, which puts me two years away from graduation, since we graduate at the end of our eleventh year). I'm due to sit for my PMR, or LCE in Singapore this year. I'm not due to sit for any mandatory exams until my 11th year. So sorry, I have no clue what you're talking about. :{</p>
<p>Most selective colleges require A-levels. They may give you (some)credit for attaining high grades in them. I don't believe you can get into any selective colleges with just O-levels.</p>
<p>yeah i think most selective college require A-levels. They are more specialized but they are in preparation for college. I don't think O-levels are sufficient.</p>
<p>I also do the British system and as far as I know, the O-Levels/GCSEs will not get you into any university. You do them at the end of year 11 (sophmore year). </p>
<p>You need at least 3 A-Levels by the end of year 13 to get into uni but you apply with your 4 AS-Levels.</p>
<p>I would really suggest finishing school because it's only 3 months right? And a high school diploma is something you generally need in life (unless you have a degree - then again, you need the HS diploma to get a degree).</p>
<p>Ok I'm going off topic here. Hope I helped in ANY way.</p>
<p>So here's what I'm considering...I'll take my O-levels in the subjects I'm weak in, such as Science, Geography and (maybe) Maths. Then I'll take the A or AS level exams for subjects I can do well in like English, History and Economics. Sounds like a plan?</p>
<p>Oh, and school in Malaysia sucks. Seriously. We just finished a two-week sabbatical, and after another day in school, I've just remembered why I hate this place. Quick anecdotal bit here: My science teacher told me that red blood cells "prevent from sick".</p>
<p>Wow, it must really suck to have to go to a school where the teachers are inept. But remember that if your O-Levels are too hard (i.e. you do subjects you're not good at), you wont get the grades to grt A-Level courses. I definitely agree with taking A-Levels you love.</p>
<p>Also, if you really hate your school, maybe you could transfer to another one?</p>
<p>Here in the USA only 6 schools have the British Cambridge program. My son goes to one of them here in Virginia. The states of Florida and Virginia state schools give credit for A and AS level exams.</p>
<p>As an example here is University of Florida's web site on AICE-A levels</p>
<p>morningtheft:
Yeah, I know that, but the Cambridge International Examinations syndicate still offers them. I'll be sitting for my O-levels and A-levels at the British Council (which is affiliated with the British government) here in Malaysia.</p>
<p>They will not matter to any US college. They will be looking at your A levels and TOFEL scores as an international student. With the O-levels here it is completing 10th grade, no college will admit you without graduating HS.</p>