How to choose a high school Subject to prepare for Universities?
”Goals are dreams with plans attached!”
Identify future goals and dreams, and plan your options in a flexible way.
1. Think about your existing experience and skill set.
2. Consider prospective careers and employment opportunities.
3. Think about what subjects interest you.
4. Psychometric Test
Some popular curriculum:
The curriculum defines your planning to achieve proficiency in applied learning skills. Some of the popular curriculum are:
1. International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programmes (IBDP):
- Year 12 (Grade 11) and Year 13 (Grade 11).
- 6 subjects to select : 3 Higher Level & 3 Standard Level.
- The IBDP curriculum is made up of six subject groups and the DP core, comprising theory of knowledge (TOK), creativity, activity, service (CAS) and the extended essay.
- Each Subject carries a maximum of 7 points (42 points total) with core elements carrying 1 point each (total 3 points). The total IB score is out of 45 points.
2. British Curriculum: (IGCSE, GCSE, O-LEVEL, A LEVELS):
- AS (Advanced subsidiary) Level and A (Advanced) Level
- Offered by multiple examination bodies - 3 most popular ones are:
- Pearson Edexcel
- Cambridge Assessment International Education
- AQA
- There are 2 grading systems :
- Grades like A*,A,B,C,D,E and U
- Grade Points for each subject from 1 to 9.
3. American Curriculum:
- Year 12 & 13:
- Earn College Credit
- Skip Introductory Courses
- Differentiate College Application
- Advanced Placements (AP):
- AP classes are more rigorous courses that teach subjects at an introductory college level. Some of the most common AP courses are categorized under:
- Arts, English, History & Social Sciences, Math & Computer Science, Sciences, AP World Languages and Cultures
- Students usually choose 4-5 APs from 38 options in Arts, Maths & Computers, Sciences and Languages.
- Scoring band from 1 to 5
4. Indian Curriculum (CBSE, ICSE):
- Grade 11 and Grade 12
- Grading Scale: Out of 100%
- Students take 5 Subjects (Inc. 4 compulsory and 1 elective)
5. Some other Curriculums:
- French Baccalaureate
- SABIS Curriculum
- UAE MoE Curriculum
3. Subjects required for specific courses.
- MEDICINE ASPIRANTS : Biology, Chemistry, Psychology/English/Physics
- ENGINEERING ASPIRANTS : Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry/Economics
- COMPUTER SCIENCE ASPIRANTS : Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry/Economics/Further Mathematics.
- ECONOMICS ASPIRANTS : Economics, Mathematics, Business/Physics
- BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND FINANCE : Business, Mathematics, Further , Math/Economics
4. Sometimes despite best efforts, students are still confused about what subjects to take. Here are some general guidelines that will help:
- Do not drop math or science after grade 10 as this will limit your options
- Engineering usually requires math and physics throughout high school
- Business streams usually require math at the highest possible level, especially in the Canada
- Most colleges/universities require chemistry, math and biology for medicine
- For architecture, math and physics are usually required, while you may be required to submit a portfolio, which might be university-specific.
- For art and design, an arts-based subject or a related project is preferred. Also, you may be required to submit a portfolio, which might be university-specific
- Don't select subjects under the peer pressure/influence of friends, family or any external factor.
