Which way? Your IB and A level questions answered...

Q1. My daughter wants to do medicine in Cambridge. She will be starting year 10 next year. Although there is a little bit of time, she/we are unsure about what she should do for her A levels. She is thinking of Chemistry, Biology, English and perhaps Philosophy. Her school offers IB (International Baccalaureate) and are encouraging her to do this. We would really appreciate some advice. Is there any thing to choose between traditional A levels and IB? If so how do the universities like OXBRIDGE, Imperial, UCL etc view this compared to traditional IBs. What score / level of achievement in IB is considered equivalent to A grade / A* star grade in traditional A levels?

A1. The IB Diploma provides an excellent preparation for studying medicine at any of the top universities. The IB requirement that students study a range of subjects helps to develop communication and independent learning skills, which are key skills for future doctors, thus the selection you mention is entirely appropriate. The general requirement for medicine at university involves studying two IB sciences at higher level, usually Biology and Chemistry; Mathematics standard level is often preferred. Universities generally equate a 6 at IB HL with an A at A level; a 7 at IB HL is equal to an A* at A level. At present, IB university offers for medicine at the kinds of institutions you mention range from 37-41 points with a 7 often required in one of the higher level subjects. However, these are subject to change over the next few years and offers may also differ depending on a candidate’s performance at interview

Q2 I’m not sure of what to choose (IB or A-level). I would like to go to Cambridge University to study English, but I’m not english native and I don’t know which will be the best option in my case. Maybe, in A-level I will study more literature than in IB, because in IB there’s a big variety of subjects, and some of them don’t interest me for the future. So, I must to study hard at the subjects that interest me to get the higher marks at English Language and Literature.

A2. If you wish to study English at somewhere like Cambridge, you will be expected to have a passion for English and be able to demonstrate a high level of skill in the subject. Both A level and the IB Diploma plrovide equally good preparation for university entry. You would need to study English A1 at higher level if you were studying the IB, this is a course for native speakers and it is a literature course. You should note that the IB English B course is not suitable for studying English at Cambridge. If you choose A level you could choose between an A level literature or language course, but you should check the specific requirements for the university course you would like to study, since they will specify which is appropriate.