Advice for former IGCSE student in US

MYOS1634
Thu, 14 Nov 2019 01:04:24 +0000

IGCSE’s, GCSE’s, and O’Levels are taken ~age 16 and can be used for freshman admission at some colleges (generally public community colleges and universities that don’t provide financial aid to internationals). They cover a rigorous program equivalent to 9+10th grade. A-Levels are the next step and required by most universities, especially selective universities and colleges that offer financial aid to internationals. Typically students will take ~8 exams (they must pass a minimum of 5 and can take a maximum of 11 if they take English and Maths in Year 10). Then they choose three subjects (4 if double maths) that are pre-reqs for university study in one field (for instance, someone who wants to “read” Physics will take Maths, Further Maths, Physics, and one more. Someone who wants to “read” French Literature&Culture will take French, another Humanities subject, plus one more.) GCSE results of 6+ are generally required to move to the A-Level stage (5 in some schools).
Together they form one half of general education and one half of specialized knowledge.
Both are taken into account for university admission although GCSEs are only looked at in terms of 1° subject and 2° C or higher, or B or higher whereas subjects and scores are strictly reviewed and can make or break the admission.