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IB or A-levels?

I am stuck with the decision of staying in my new school, where I just started Year 12, or going back to my old school and studying IB. Initially, I chose to move to another school since I thought A-levels would be easier for me and a better choice.

My dream is to study medicine at UCL/Imperial. However, I do not have an IGCSE background. I am 3 weeks in into the A-level school, and I am stressing a lot because of being the only new kid and because I am already finding it hard (not like my other classmates) and studying things they've already learnt during IGCSEs.

I still have the option to return to my previous school (where my classmates will have the same knowledge as me, more or less) and pursue the IB program. I was thinking of studying HL Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology, and SL Maths, English, and Spanish. I am taking Bio, Chem and Maths A-levels right now in my current school. (as-levels)

Question is - do I stay or do I go to IB?... Some say since IB has 6 subjects, it will be at an 'easier' level than A-levels. Some say A-levels will be easier because I will only be studying 3 subjects.

Even though it's only the end of the third week of school, I am already stressed out and running on 4-5 hours of sleep max during school days.

Help, please, IB or A-levels? 😅

Reply 1

Original post
by rainbowunicorn8
I am stuck with the decision of staying in my new school, where I just started Year 12, or going back to my old school and studying IB. Initially, I chose to move to another school since I thought A-levels would be easier for me and a better choice.
My dream is to study medicine at UCL/Imperial. However, I do not have an IGCSE background. I am 3 weeks in into the A-level school, and I am stressing a lot because of being the only new kid and because I am already finding it hard (not like my other classmates) and studying things they've already learnt during IGCSEs.
I still have the option to return to my previous school (where my classmates will have the same knowledge as me, more or less) and pursue the IB program. I was thinking of studying HL Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology, and SL Maths, English, and Spanish. I am taking Bio, Chem and Maths A-levels right now in my current school. (as-levels)
Question is - do I stay or do I go to IB?... Some say since IB has 6 subjects, it will be at an 'easier' level than A-levels. Some say A-levels will be easier because I will only be studying 3 subjects.
Even though it's only the end of the third week of school, I am already stressed out and running on 4-5 hours of sleep max during school days.
Help, please, IB or A-levels? 😅

Have you asked relevant teachers for help with the stuff you don't understand?
Just wait after a class and ask them.

Reply 2

Original post
by rainbowunicorn8
I am stuck with the decision of staying in my new school, where I just started Year 12, or going back to my old school and studying IB. Initially, I chose to move to another school since I thought A-levels would be easier for me and a better choice.
My dream is to study medicine at UCL/Imperial. However, I do not have an IGCSE background. I am 3 weeks in into the A-level school, and I am stressing a lot because of being the only new kid and because I am already finding it hard (not like my other classmates) and studying things they've already learnt during IGCSEs.
I still have the option to return to my previous school (where my classmates will have the same knowledge as me, more or less) and pursue the IB program. I was thinking of studying HL Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology, and SL Maths, English, and Spanish. I am taking Bio, Chem and Maths A-levels right now in my current school. (as-levels)
Question is - do I stay or do I go to IB?... Some say since IB has 6 subjects, it will be at an 'easier' level than A-levels. Some say A-levels will be easier because I will only be studying 3 subjects.
Even though it's only the end of the third week of school, I am already stressed out and running on 4-5 hours of sleep max during school days.
Help, please, IB or A-levels? 😅

Please go back if you have the chance. The stress and pressure wont be worth it and you will be better off in a familiar environment progressing through the curriculum that you understand with your friends.

Don't worry about the issues with being 3 weeks in. A levels is for 2 years. You will thank yourself later that you made the decision now. It is better to catch up on 3 weeks of work than to be constantly behind for potentially 2 years.

In life, people make decisions and reverse them, it is the human experience. Please return back to your roots and thrive. All the best.
(edited 4 months ago)

Reply 3

Original post
by rainbowunicorn8
I am stuck with the decision of staying in my new school, where I just started Year 12, or going back to my old school and studying IB. Initially, I chose to move to another school since I thought A-levels would be easier for me and a better choice.
My dream is to study medicine at UCL/Imperial. However, I do not have an IGCSE background. I am 3 weeks in into the A-level school, and I am stressing a lot because of being the only new kid and because I am already finding it hard (not like my other classmates) and studying things they've already learnt during IGCSEs.
I still have the option to return to my previous school (where my classmates will have the same knowledge as me, more or less) and pursue the IB program. I was thinking of studying HL Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology, and SL Maths, English, and Spanish. I am taking Bio, Chem and Maths A-levels right now in my current school. (as-levels)
Question is - do I stay or do I go to IB?... Some say since IB has 6 subjects, it will be at an 'easier' level than A-levels. Some say A-levels will be easier because I will only be studying 3 subjects.
Even though it's only the end of the third week of school, I am already stressed out and running on 4-5 hours of sleep max during school days.
Help, please, IB or A-levels? 😅


Are you an all rounder? Yes - IB, no A2
Which school do you prefer?
Are you good at writing essays/ prepared to do lots of them? If so IB, if not A2
Do you miss your old subjects? Go IB
Are you prepared to do lengthy coursework in every subject? If so IB, if not A2
Where are you going to be happier?
Are you fixed on medicine/ that field? If so A2, but if not IB
Pull up a past paper - which format do you prefer? IB papers or A2 papers?

Hopefully this helps - if you’re leaning IB I’d switch back but otherwise don’t :smile:

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