If you’re an aspiring high-school student, this might be the most critical decision you’ll ever make. Apart from financial resources, the high-school qualifications you gain directly determine whether or not you’re eligible to apply for university admissions across the globe.
And the type of qualifications you earn may even strengthen or weaken your chances of getting into the university of your choice.
Here’s why A-Levels with International Home Study should be at the top of your list.
What Are International A Levels?
International A Levels are subject-specific qualifications that are designed for learners outside the UK. They are equivalent to the UK A Levels in terms of content and difficulty and can be taken with external examination boards such as Pearson Edexcel or Cambridge Assessment International Education.
Why Are They Globally Recognized?
International A Levels are recognised by universities around the globe. Each year, thousands of candidates take Cambridge International AS & A Level examinations in more than 125 countries.
Their quality means that, they provide International A Levels as a passport to higher education for students across many diverse educational contexts.
How Do International A Levels Help Your University Applications?
There are several advantages of taking International A Levels, that can enhance your ability to get in the university of your dreams:
- Demonstrate Academic Rigor in Familiar Subjects
- Stand Out with Specialised Subjects
- Gain Valuable UCAS Points
- Meet Entry Requirements for Competitive Programs
- Transferable Skills for University Success
Why Are International A Levels Flexible for Diverse Students?
International A Levels are made up of building blocks to allow easy customisation of the course according to the needs of different learners:
How Do International A Levels Compare to Other Qualifications?
International A Levels offer unique advantages compared to other pre-university alternatives:
A Levels vs IB Diploma
Though the IB curriculum is broad, in A Levels, students can study three or four subjects at the same time that are specific to their future university studies, allowing for greater depth of learning on relevant domains.
A Levels vs General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE)
A Level subject study is more significant and demands higher levels of mastery. The modular approach and greater focus on advanced skills provide a more meaningful transition between school and university.
A Levels vs National Exams
Most countries offer their own curriculum-based exit examinations, but these are not internationally transferable. A Levels are.
What Skills Do International A Levels Develop?
International A Levels develops both academic and softer skills for university success:
Subject Knowledge
A Levels cover syllabus content in depth. You will develop expert knowledge of principles, theories, methods and terminology in specialist disciplines. It is helpful if you have already studied IGCSE subjects relating to your course.
Analytical Thinking
Problem solving means applying concepts in tasks that require information to be evaluated, evidence to be weighed and already proposed arguments to be refined.
Critical Reading
You have to read (or listen to) texts, data and research critically, and then shape a response in an informed and reasoned way; you’re developing interpretative skills.
Written Communication
An ability to reproduce complex ideas with clarity on paper through correct terminology is a valuable skill, which young people can perfect through a large amount of essay and research project reports in A Levels.
Time Management
Preparing for modular exams and keeping to deadlines for assignments involves planning your study time around competing demands.
Disciplined Work Ethic
Performing well on A Levels requires keeping up effort on difficult tasks for long periods of time. This is a good way of developing perseverance and mental endurance.
By the time they graduate, through the breadth of knowledge and the skills of thinking and study taught on International A Levels, they will have a powerful platform for their success at university.
Final Verdict
To sum up, International A Level qualifications have several advantages that can really boost your university aspirations:
- Globally recognized credentials to amplify university applications
- Customizable subject combinations matching your interests and goals
- Modular structure providing flexibility to accommodate diverse needs
- Multi-disciplinary skills spanning subject expertise, critical thinking, research and communication
- Direct pathway to leading institutions worldwide
If you choose to take International A Levels, doors will open to world-class universities and to rewarding careers in your chosen specialism.
Take action today!
