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IB vs. A-levels
Hey,
I'm really torn between the IB and A-levels, and just wanted to know the Pros & Cons of choosing the IB. I've heard it's really hard (I just looked at a Spanish Standard paper and I was like 'woah'
) but Universities love it...so I want to know your opinions on the IB 
I'm really torn between the IB and A-levels, and just wanted to know the Pros & Cons of choosing the IB. I've heard it's really hard (I just looked at a Spanish Standard paper and I was like 'woah'
) but Universities love it...so I want to know your opinions on the IB Scroll to see replies
Why you should do the IB
1. It's fun, if you're academically-minded
2. You actually learn things, and pick up genuine skills, rather than just rote-learning the text-book like in A-levels
3. It'll force you to be organised
4. There's more variety, because you're doing six subjects from different fields
5. The syllabuses are better for pretty much every subject - you learn more rigorously
Why you shouldn't do the IB
1. It's much harder
2. It's much more work
3. It will destroy you if you're lazy, and you'll come out with a terrible grade
4. Most Universities don't value it as highly as people say. For top end Universities, your offer will still probably be 7,7,6 at Higher Level; yet for A-levels, most of the higher offers are AAA (A*AA for Cambridge). There's just no way in hell that getting a 7 in the IB equates to an A at A-level; for subjects like Maths/Physics HL, getting a high 5 is probably about the same difficulty as getting an A. Only 6-9% of people get 7s in IB HL subjects, whereas 20-25% do for A-levels. It's really frustrating to know you're going to have to work your socks off to make a really tough offer when A-level candidates are putting their feet up knowing they've got straight As in the bag because their exams are so damn piss-easy. For medium tier Universities, IB offers are probably about the same as A-level offers. Bristol's the only university I know that makes sensible offers - AAA-AAB at A-levels and 33-35 for IB.
The Verdict
Do the IB if you're clever and hard-working; but if your sole motivation is minimal effort for maximum reward, do A-levels.
1. It's fun, if you're academically-minded
2. You actually learn things, and pick up genuine skills, rather than just rote-learning the text-book like in A-levels
3. It'll force you to be organised
4. There's more variety, because you're doing six subjects from different fields
5. The syllabuses are better for pretty much every subject - you learn more rigorously
Why you shouldn't do the IB
1. It's much harder
2. It's much more work
3. It will destroy you if you're lazy, and you'll come out with a terrible grade
4. Most Universities don't value it as highly as people say. For top end Universities, your offer will still probably be 7,7,6 at Higher Level; yet for A-levels, most of the higher offers are AAA (A*AA for Cambridge). There's just no way in hell that getting a 7 in the IB equates to an A at A-level; for subjects like Maths/Physics HL, getting a high 5 is probably about the same difficulty as getting an A. Only 6-9% of people get 7s in IB HL subjects, whereas 20-25% do for A-levels. It's really frustrating to know you're going to have to work your socks off to make a really tough offer when A-level candidates are putting their feet up knowing they've got straight As in the bag because their exams are so damn piss-easy. For medium tier Universities, IB offers are probably about the same as A-level offers. Bristol's the only university I know that makes sensible offers - AAA-AAB at A-levels and 33-35 for IB.
The Verdict
Do the IB if you're clever and hard-working; but if your sole motivation is minimal effort for maximum reward, do A-levels.
shamrock92
2. You actually learn things, and pick up genuine skills, rather than just rote-learning the text-book like in A-levels
2. You actually learn things, and pick up genuine skills, rather than just rote-learning the text-book like in A-levels
If I didn't 'actually learn things' and 'pick up genuine skills', I doubt I would have got into University.
You should've posted this in General Discussion for less biased answers.
If you're very clever, and very well rounded, and don't know what you want to do at Uni/ don't want to do a highly specific course, then go for IB.
If not, or you want to go for Oxbridge, or you know what course you want to do, then go for A levels.
In general, the IB lot like to think they're a very 'elite' group, so, as I said, 'IB Discussion' was not the best place to put this.
Ehmo
If you're very clever, and very well rounded, and don't know what you want to do at Uni/ don't want to do a highly specific course, then go for IB.
If not, or you want to go for Oxbridge, or you know what course you want to do, then go for A levels.
In general, the IB lot like to think they're a very 'elite' group, so, as I said, 'IB Discussion' was not the best place to put this.
If you're very clever, and very well rounded, and don't know what you want to do at Uni/ don't want to do a highly specific course, then go for IB.
If not, or you want to go for Oxbridge, or you know what course you want to do, then go for A levels.
In general, the IB lot like to think they're a very 'elite' group, so, as I said, 'IB Discussion' was not the best place to put this.
Lol seriously, IB is way harder. When my schools did A-level something like 97% of grades were A/B, it was ridiculous. IB actually challenges people. I got 9 A*s at GCSE with barely any effort and am having to work really, really hard to get the 40 IB points I need to meet my university offer - I don't think the same would have been true if I had done A-levels. Generally the people I know who do A-levels aren't working any harder than they did before sixth form, and are still getting As.
I'm currently revising for my IB final exams - it is hard work, don't underestimate that, but I would rather be doing IB than A-Levels because I know I will have a qualification in History, rather than a qualification on Elton's textbook about the Tudors that the A-Level syllabus seems to have become sometimes (not everyone does this I know, but it can be done to get a decentish grade).
Universities don't hold it in enough regard by half - Oxbridge are wary of it in some subjects I think - mainly because of depth concerns, but they will take the very best, as with A level candidates.
I don't think it is fair that as far as UCAS tarrifs are concerned 34 on the IB (still very difficult to obtain) is worth the same as three As, yet an offer from Edinburgh for example which is always 3Bs, is 34 as standard. Often because they can, unis are offering high for IB students just because they can - showing that they are not valuing the IB skills as much as they should in my opinion. IB students are proven by statistics to achieve better degrees at university in Britain - mainly due to the skills they gain throughout the course.
The diploma is hard work and not great feeling in teh short term, but long term I it is beneficial.
A ramble, nay, a rant, I know
Universities don't hold it in enough regard by half - Oxbridge are wary of it in some subjects I think - mainly because of depth concerns, but they will take the very best, as with A level candidates.
I don't think it is fair that as far as UCAS tarrifs are concerned 34 on the IB (still very difficult to obtain) is worth the same as three As, yet an offer from Edinburgh for example which is always 3Bs, is 34 as standard. Often because they can, unis are offering high for IB students just because they can - showing that they are not valuing the IB skills as much as they should in my opinion. IB students are proven by statistics to achieve better degrees at university in Britain - mainly due to the skills they gain throughout the course.
The diploma is hard work and not great feeling in teh short term, but long term I it is beneficial.
A ramble, nay, a rant, I know
1) I have learnt so much academically and 'worldly.'
2) I have made some lovely friends and gained confidence far beyond what I could have imagined.
3) I have been given a very round education and really did enjoy CAS.
However, had I done A levels I could/should have got into 'better' unis with less work but I wouldn't be the person I am today.
Ask me again on results day...
2) I have made some lovely friends and gained confidence far beyond what I could have imagined.
3) I have been given a very round education and really did enjoy CAS.
However, had I done A levels I could/should have got into 'better' unis with less work but I wouldn't be the person I am today.
Ask me again on results day...
TheNamelessGrace
Hey,
I'm really torn between the IB and A-levels, and just wanted to know the Pros & Cons of choosing the IB. I've heard it's really hard (I just looked at a Spanish Standard paper and I was like 'woah' ) but Universities love it...so I want to know your opinions on the IB
I'm really torn between the IB and A-levels, and just wanted to know the Pros & Cons of choosing the IB. I've heard it's really hard (I just looked at a Spanish Standard paper and I was like 'woah'
) but Universities love it...so I want to know your opinions on the IB I'll try to give you an unbiased view of the IB
I'm doing the IB and it's basically as hard as you make it, i.e. if you choose HL maths, HL physics etc. You have to work hard but I don't think it's as hard as people make it out to be... Pros are that it prepares you for uni really well, you get a deeper understanding of your subjects as you only have 6 and it's actually quite fun
The cons are that it's quite a lot of work (but as said it's up to you) and so stress can be a big part of the lives of many IB students.Overall I would definitely recommend the IB
shamrock92
Why you should do the IB
1. It's fun, if you're academically-minded
2. You actually learn things, and pick up genuine skills, rather than just rote-learning the text-book like in A-levels
3. It'll force you to be organised
4. There's more variety, because you're doing six subjects from different fields
5. The syllabuses are better for pretty much every subject - you learn more rigorously
Why you shouldn't do the IB
1. It's much harder
2. It's much more work
3. It will destroy you if you're lazy, and you'll come out with a terrible grade
4. Most Universities don't value it as highly as people say. For top end Universities, your offer will still probably be 7,7,6 at Higher Level; yet for A-levels, most of the higher offers are AAA (A*AA for Cambridge). There's just no way in hell that getting a 7 in the IB equates to an A at A-level; for subjects like Maths/Physics HL, getting a high 5 is probably about the same difficulty as getting an A. Only 6-9% of people get 7s in IB HL subjects, whereas 20-25% do for A-levels. It's really frustrating to know you're going to have to work your socks off to make a really tough offer when A-level candidates are putting their feet up knowing they've got straight As in the bag because their exams are so damn piss-easy. For medium tier Universities, IB offers are probably about the same as A-level offers. Bristol's the only university I know that makes sensible offers - AAA-AAB at A-levels and 33-35 for IB.
The Verdict
Do the IB if you're clever and hard-working; but if your sole motivation is minimal effort for maximum reward, do A-levels.
1. It's fun, if you're academically-minded
2. You actually learn things, and pick up genuine skills, rather than just rote-learning the text-book like in A-levels
3. It'll force you to be organised
4. There's more variety, because you're doing six subjects from different fields
5. The syllabuses are better for pretty much every subject - you learn more rigorously
Why you shouldn't do the IB
1. It's much harder
2. It's much more work
3. It will destroy you if you're lazy, and you'll come out with a terrible grade
4. Most Universities don't value it as highly as people say. For top end Universities, your offer will still probably be 7,7,6 at Higher Level; yet for A-levels, most of the higher offers are AAA (A*AA for Cambridge). There's just no way in hell that getting a 7 in the IB equates to an A at A-level; for subjects like Maths/Physics HL, getting a high 5 is probably about the same difficulty as getting an A. Only 6-9% of people get 7s in IB HL subjects, whereas 20-25% do for A-levels. It's really frustrating to know you're going to have to work your socks off to make a really tough offer when A-level candidates are putting their feet up knowing they've got straight As in the bag because their exams are so damn piss-easy. For medium tier Universities, IB offers are probably about the same as A-level offers. Bristol's the only university I know that makes sensible offers - AAA-AAB at A-levels and 33-35 for IB.
The Verdict
Do the IB if you're clever and hard-working; but if your sole motivation is minimal effort for maximum reward, do A-levels.
Well said
I think what he meant by 'you actually learn skills' has to do with the long reports we have to write, and the techniques used. A lot of people don't do a research project like the extended essay before university, so skills like that are an advantage. Where did you get the stats though? Surely more than 6-9 % get 7s in HL subjects, maybe it depends on the subject though.Generally, if you get a kick out of learning new things then do the IB, but if school sort of feels like a responsibility then don't. These days I wake up every morning and think 'do I have to go to school? Can I skip?' But I can't believe how much I have learnt over the past two years! Honestly, I'm not exagerating, you learn so so much. I don't regret doing the IB, but I do feel like two of my teenage years have been robbed away - guess that's a price you (or at least some of us IBers) have to pay.
Ehmo
If I didn't 'actually learn things' and 'pick up genuine skills', I doubt I would have got into University.
I'm not saying you didn't do those things; I'm saying you do them to a lesser extent for A-level. But let's face it: the IB imparts with you a lot more than A-levels. There's just no way that plugging values into an equation that's given to you on the page, spewing out an essay that you'd previously memorised or simply regurgitating facts from the textbook onto the exam paper is proper education. My experience of A-levels is limited to a couple of Maths modules I took early, but even through that and talking to my A-level mates I can see the disparity in skills and ability in the two qualifications.
Well I've had near 2 terms of IB so far.
In terms of getting into university, if you're a self motivated student already and have a strong vocational calling I'd suggest A levels - you'll have more time to study what you want to. I find myself at weekends wanting to do extra maths and physics (because that's what I want to do at uni) but can't because ridiculous essay deadlines are holding me back. Another reason for not doing the IB is because there's a gazillion ways to fail or just miss your offer. (See the wiki)
On the plus side: you'll end up a more rounded person because of the nature of the course, be more prepared for uni workload, be more accustomed to sleep deprivation, and probably come out feeling like you've had a better education with your nice shiny diploma.
In terms of getting into university, if you're a self motivated student already and have a strong vocational calling I'd suggest A levels - you'll have more time to study what you want to. I find myself at weekends wanting to do extra maths and physics (because that's what I want to do at uni) but can't because ridiculous essay deadlines are holding me back. Another reason for not doing the IB is because there's a gazillion ways to fail or just miss your offer. (See the wiki)
On the plus side: you'll end up a more rounded person because of the nature of the course, be more prepared for uni workload, be more accustomed to sleep deprivation, and probably come out feeling like you've had a better education with your nice shiny diploma.
vanilla camel
Well said I think what he meant by 'you actually learn skills' has to do with the long reports we have to write, and the techniques used. A lot of people don't do a research project like the extended essay before university, so skills like that are an advantage. Where did you get the stats though? Surely more than 6-9 % get 7s in HL subjects, maybe it depends on the subject though.
Generally, if you get a kick out of learning new things then do the IB, but if school sort of feels like a responsibility then don't. These days I wake up every morning and think 'do I have to go to school? Can I skip?' But I can't believe how much I have learnt over the past two years! Honestly, I'm not exagerating, you learn so so much. I don't regret doing the IB, but I do feel like two of my teenage years have been robbed away - guess that's a price you (or at least some of us IBers) have to pay.
I think what he meant by 'you actually learn skills' has to do with the long reports we have to write, and the techniques used. A lot of people don't do a research project like the extended essay before university, so skills like that are an advantage. Where did you get the stats though? Surely more than 6-9 % get 7s in HL subjects, maybe it depends on the subject though.Generally, if you get a kick out of learning new things then do the IB, but if school sort of feels like a responsibility then don't. These days I wake up every morning and think 'do I have to go to school? Can I skip?' But I can't believe how much I have learnt over the past two years! Honestly, I'm not exagerating, you learn so so much. I don't regret doing the IB, but I do feel like two of my teenage years have been robbed away - guess that's a price you (or at least some of us IBers) have to pay.
What the duck? You have to write "reports" (i.e. essays) etc if you're doing A Levels as well, as well as "extended essays" (i.e. coursework). I had coursework for both English Literature and History at 3,000 words each. Meanwhile, throughout the course, I write two essays every two weeks, one for English and one for History, each essay being around 1,500 words. I also have various French essays to write, not just on set topics but also on the films and the play that we study. So yeah, don't think you're all elitist just because you have to write "reports" and "extended essays" just like the rest of the country.
Izzen
What the duck? You have to write "reports" (i.e. essays) etc if you're doing A Levels as well, as well as "extended essays" (i.e. coursework). I had coursework for both English Literature and History at 3,000 words each. Meanwhile, throughout the course, I write two essays every two weeks, one for English and one for History, each essay being around 1,500 words. I also have various French essays to write, not just on set topics but also on the films and the play that we study. So yeah, don't think you're all elitist just because you have to write "reports" and "extended essays" just like the rest of the country.
Firstly, the extended essay and coursework are two completely different things with the IB. The extended essay is more than just "coursework" it develops your researching skills as well as teaching you to work independently which will certainly prepare you well for university. Correct me if I'm wrong but i doubt many a-level students have to write a 4000 word report? On top of that IB students have 6 other subjects with coursework in all of them compared to a-levels where it's very rare for someone to take that many subjects. Also, as I do both english and history, we also get set essays regularly, and the amount of coursework for english is 50% of the grade..and that doesn't just involve essays and reports..we also have to carry out presentations as well oral commentaries. I'm not saying we're the "elitists" - as you put it - just because we do all this, but the skills you pick up as an IB student through the 2 years are invaluable for university.
Ehmo
If you're very clever, and very well rounded, and don't know what you want to do at Uni/ don't want to do a highly specific course, then go for IB.
If not, or you want to go for Oxbridge, or you know what course you want to do, then go for A levels.
If not, or you want to go for Oxbridge, or you know what course you want to do, then go for A levels.
That is absolute rubbish in my experience. Of the 5 students starting at Oxbridge from my year at school in October 2008, 4 of them were IB students - and there were only about 30 of us doing the IB in a year group of around 200. The IB in NO WAY disadvantages you for entry to Oxbridge. My personal view, though you're welcome to slate it all you want, is that it gave me a slight edge. Sure, IB offers from Oxbridge sometimes seem pretty harsh, and a lot harder than AAA. However, many of Oxford's offers (based on what I've seen on here) seem to be slipping down to 38/39, rather than 40, and Cambridge's new A*AA offer will help make their IB/A Level offers more comparable.
Also, I hate it when people say the IB is good if you're not sure what you want to do at uni. Virtually every university will ask for specific HL subjects for specific courses, and you only do 3 (or possibly 4) of them - the same number of subjects as you would take at A Level. You have to have an idea of what you might want to do at uni, the same as for A Levels. The advantage of the IB's 6 subjects is simply the extra breadth they give your education - it adds variety and challenge. For example, I would never have taken English at A Level, but I had to have it at SL on the IB. I was never great at it, but it was a lovely change from studying science and maths the whole time.
Izzen
What the duck? You have to write "reports" (i.e. essays) etc if you're doing A Levels as well, as well as "extended essays" (i.e. coursework). I had coursework for both English Literature and History at 3,000 words each. Meanwhile, throughout the course, I write two essays every two weeks, one for English and one for History, each essay being around 1,500 words. I also have various French essays to write, not just on set topics but also on the films and the play that we study. So yeah, don't think you're all elitist just because you have to write "reports" and "extended essays" just like the rest of the country.
Alright, don't get so upset, I don't think I'm better than an A-level student, and for the record I don't live in a coutry where A-levels are even an option. The IB coordinator at my school told us she only ever had to do a research project like the EE when she went to Uni. So I'm just going by what she said.
A-levels are hard for people who make them hard, but I have friends who
moved to England simply because they wouldn't have been able to handle the IB, and have loads of free time. Does that mean all A-level students are slackers? God no! you obviously aren't, and I get why it's a pain to hear all these IB students talk about how great they are, but for the IB there is no easy way out - you have to do things you might be bad at like maths or a second language, while with A-levels you can focus on things you're good at.
<liverpoolfc>
Firstly, the extended essay and coursework are two completely different things with the IB. The extended essay is more than just "coursework" it develops your researching skills as well as teaching you to work independently which will certainly prepare you well for university. Correct me if I'm wrong but i doubt many a-level students have to write a 4000 word report? On top of that IB students have 6 other subjects with coursework in all of them compared to a-levels where it's very rare for someone to take that many subjects. Also, as I do both english and history, we also get set essays regularly, and the amount of coursework for english is 50% of the grade..and that doesn't just involve essays and reports..we also have to carry out presentations as well oral commentaries. I'm not saying we're the "elitists" - as you put it - just because we do all this, but the skills you pick up as an IB student through the 2 years are invaluable for university.
My chemistry c/w is 6000+ words.
vinsta
My chemistry c/w is 6000+ words.
For IB Chemistry we have to do at least SIX pieces of coursework..ok this is all starting to turn out as a competition..like the person before said, the thing with the IB is that maybe your forced to do subjects that maybe aren't your favourite, for me it was maths and english..but that is what makes an IB student an all-rounded individual at the end of it.
Do A levels.
jay8
Also, I hate it when people say the IB is good if you're not sure what you want to do at uni. Virtually every university will ask for specific HL subjects for specific courses, and you only do 3 (or possibly 4) of them - the same number of subjects as you would take at A Level. You have to have an idea of what you might want to do at uni, the same as for A Levels. The advantage of the IB's 6 subjects is simply the extra breadth they give your education - it adds variety and challenge. For example, I would never have taken English at A Level, but I had to have it at SL on the IB. I was never great at it, but it was a lovely change from studying science and maths the whole time.
Also, I hate it when people say the IB is good if you're not sure what you want to do at uni. Virtually every university will ask for specific HL subjects for specific courses, and you only do 3 (or possibly 4) of them - the same number of subjects as you would take at A Level. You have to have an idea of what you might want to do at uni, the same as for A Levels. The advantage of the IB's 6 subjects is simply the extra breadth they give your education - it adds variety and challenge. For example, I would never have taken English at A Level, but I had to have it at SL on the IB. I was never great at it, but it was a lovely change from studying science and maths the whole time.
Totally agree with that - it seems that people have this view that if your not sure what career path to take then the IB is the best option. If anything this is probably the worst option, as being unsure what you want to do at uni might not drive you to work as hard..something which is vital for the IB - hard work.
shamrock92
I'm not saying you didn't do those things; I'm saying you do them to a lesser extent for A-level. But let's face it: the IB imparts with you a lot more than A-levels. There's just no way that plugging values into an equation that's given to you on the page, spewing out an essay that you'd previously memorised or simply regurgitating facts from the textbook onto the exam paper is proper education. My experience of A-levels is limited to a couple of Maths modules I took early, but even through that and talking to my A-level mates I can see the disparity in skills and ability in the two qualifications.
Is it the case that the IB is more about breadth rather than depth?
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