A-Levels and the International Baccalaureate: Do preparatory academic programs really equip students for university?

Most, if not all, university students are familiar with the sufferings and stress associated with final year academic examinations. Whether one is undertaking the challenges of A-Levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, or other such programs, the fear in the weeks leading up to final exams and results day is practically a coming-of-age ritual. Yet, throughout, students are told repeatedly that the stress will be worth it, especially in preparation for higher education. Looking back on secondary school and the common struggle of academics, were academic programs like A-Levels and the IB truly successful in equipping students with the skills needed for university?

Salvador, who is a current first year at the University of Edinburgh, formerly an A-Levels student who took Religious Studies, English Literature, and Drama and Theatre Studies, voices his opinion, “I think it did help! They are a useful stepping stone.” Though overall having a positive view on the contributions made by A-Levels to his university studies, he adds that, “They’re quite restrictive exams.” This sentiment was reflected by another Edinburgh University student, Liv, who mentioned that, “the A-Level exam system and essay structures are not as helpful as they are so different.” However, as a current English Literature and Language student, she also noted that, “Taking both English courses during A-Levels was the best prep as it gave me prior knowledge and experience on the core subjects.” With the ability to specialize in fewer chosen subjects, A-Levels are structured so that students are able to truly go in depth with the subjects of their choosing. So while A-Levels may have a slight weakness in preparing students for certain examination styles, the overall knowledge and experience gained from the program’s learning content allows students to more easily adjust to broader university academics.

A former IB student turned Film and Television student, Will, strongly agreed that the academic program had been highly successful in preparing students for university. The current second year student said that his first year and a half at university has been relatively relaxed as, “The IB definitely helped [him] get used to a lot of work needing to be done simultaneously.” The IB diploma program, notorious for its rigorous workload and extensive requirements, almost demands the development of time management skills. Yoojae, another student whose IB classes included Biology and Chemistry at the Higher Level, now studying Veterinary Medicine, said that, “The IB helped me to develop my essay writing, time management, and academic efficiency.” Content wise, she said, “There’s also been a good amount of overlapping content between my IB Biology class and my current university studies.” Overall, former IB students feel well adjusted and adapted to university workload, working efficiently after having gotten used to the pressure of time crunches.

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Overall, preparatory academic programs do equip students for their studies in higher education, whether that be through overlapping learning content or teaching necessary skills such as time management. Thus, students are able to better adapt to their university education. The academic ease of university’s first few terms makes the difficulties and stresses of prep programs worth it.