International students who want to attend an Ivy League university or selective US university should carefully choose their GCSE, A-Level and/or IB courses. Though there are significant differences between the US admissions process and applying to schools in the UK and Europe, all make your grades and the rigor academic of your courses the most important, and impactful, part of your application evaluation. US university admissions officers are well trained to assess secondary school curricula across the globe. However, because international students have a wide array of course offerings. Not all of these will make you as competitive as possible for selective US schools. Vela Education aims to provide ethical and transparent advice so you can make the best decisions for your US university application.
Selecting Secondary School Courses for Selective US Universities:
Most US universities have a liberal arts ethos—meaning students are encouraged and often required to take courses from across disciplines even as they begin to focus on their intended major. If attending selective US university is your first choice, choosing secondary school courses with this ethos in mind is the best way to become an ideal applicant. For international students who want to get accepted to selective US universities this may mean choosing different A-Levels or IB courses than your peers.
Admissions committees evaluate applicants first by assessing the rigour of courses. The US system does have core courses that are slightly different to what is offered in other international systems. In the US, students take core courses, plus electives for all four years of secondary school. These core subjects are in the sciences (biology, physics, chemistry), math, English, history, and foreign languages (both modern and classic). Common electives are in the arts including drama, fine arts, creative writing, and music. Because US secondary schools are designed to prepare students for a liberal arts education at university, the secondary education is also broader than what is commonly offered in the UK or other international systems
What does this mean for international students?
First, US admissions committee will evaluate you foremost by what your secondary school offers. No applicant will be penalized if they cannot take certain classes at their school.
Second, students who do attend schools with wide course offerings should seriously consider taking classes that align with US core courses. This might mean choosing to take A-Level History rather than Politics. However, if attending a US university is your first choice, this is a savvy decision.
Third, international students may want to consider taking four courses (If doing A-Level or Pre-U courses) rather than the standard three. This isn’t an absolute necessity. However, for the most selective schools in the US, it can help you stand out from other applicants in your country. It also demonstrates that you are eager to take on, and can handle, the rigorous course work at a US university.
Though it can be common for international secondary school students to specialize in either STEM or Humanities subjects for their last two years of secondary school, those who are aiming to attend a selective US should consider taking both kinds of courses. A humanities focused student who is taking A-Level or HL English and History should also considering continuing with math and/or a core science course. This demonstrates the breadth of your academic interests which helps a US admissions reader realise you would thrive at a US university.
If you are interested in attending a selective US university and want to choose secondary school courses that would make you an ideal applicant, please reach out to us! A strategic consultation is a great way to start the process.