The Student Room Group

IB Vs A-Levels

Okay. Hi :smile:
I'm currently in an IB curriculum school and in MYP 5 (grade ten/year 11). This means I'm getting closer to the big decision of IB VS A-Levels. I've done my research and from what I've heard (correct me if I'm wrong), A-levels is suitable for those who know what they want to study in uni. I know what I want to study (medicine) and A-Levels was my first choice. However, I've also seen many say IB is best as it creates well-rounded students and I've heard that HL Science students are able to write self-directed research papers which may not be taught in A-Levels. Can't one be well-rounded in A-Levels? I know for IB, you have to select 6 subjects, 3 higher and 3 standard with TOK, CAS and EE, right? Therefore, it is seen as a lot more stressful than A-Levels. The stress doesn't bother me, but the thought of having to study certain subject that I am not interested or passionate about just to be 'well-rounded', I dont know about that. Also, I've seen many stress about A-Levels with 3 subjects or 4 due to the nature of learning things in depth and more hours ig to focus on them. If I pick A-Levels, will i be able to supplement what I may 'lack' eg knowing how to write those research papers? I'm so confused. Both options sound good.

Anyways, I just wanted to hear your opinions :smile:

Extra Info:
I'm currently semi-studying the IGCSE Cambridge curriculum while in MYP 5, just incase :smile:
It sounds like A levels would be the best option - you don't sound keen on the IB breadth.

Any additional time from taking A levels would be better put into getting care related work experience (ideally over a long period of time working part time at evenings or weekends and not just observing care). Medicine isn't an academic degree it's a vocational one that involves placements and patient contact. You need to have a really good understanding of what that sort of working environment is like and how you work within it.
Reply 2
It sounds like A levels would be the best option - you don't sound keen on the IB breadth.
Any additional time from taking A levels would be better put into getting care related work experience (ideally over a long period of time working part time at evenings or weekends and not just observing care). Medicine isn't an academic degree it's a vocational one that involves placements and patient contact. You need to have a really good understanding of what that sort of working environment is like and how you work within it.

Thank you :smile:
You'll still do lab reports etc, in A-level - and if you really want to do an extended project to write up in the manner of the IB extended essay, there is the EPQ.

Neither is better than the other in a quantitative sense for applying to medicine so it's really up to what you prefer. At the time I did IB, I was also told A-level Chemistry was much easier than IB HL Chemistry (uncertain if this is still the case) by someone in the cohort above us, so more work for the same outcome potentially!
As an IB student i must say IBDP is REALLY good for growing research and essay writing skills. If you’re keen in going into medicine, a EE in bio or chem can really be useful.

However take care in university requirements, if they ask for all three sciences (bio/chem/physics) you might have trouble if your IB school can’t offer all three or if there are timetable clashes.

Quick Reply