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Choose the right programme to gain entry to the university of your choice

By Shyamala Elango

Published: Wed 1 Jun 2016, 11:40 AM

Last updated: Wed 1 Jun 2016, 2:05 PM

The UAE is not just a cultural melting pot. As part of servicing the abundant expat communities that have made the UAE their home, the country has invested in the propagation of high school curricula of various countries across the globe. Often students choose a combination of curricula to maximise the opportunities that best resonate with their academic abilities and future aspirations.

With changing trends, students have to take academically challenging programmes at school and concentrate on the overall development to be competent enough to land in a reputed university. Here is a preview of some popular choices and how they integrate into the tertiary education system:
International Baccalaureate
This curriculum aims at the personal, academic and professional growth of students and focuses mainly on challenging coursework. The final two years of the programme is divided into two streams - the IB Diploma programme and the IB Certificate programme. The Diploma encourages independent spirit of inquiry through the Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay components. A recent variation to the IB programme is the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP) that addresses the needs of students engaged in career-related education.
GCE A-Levels
In this curriculum, students are first tested externally in I/GCSE, usually in years 10 and 11. The curriculum during the last two years of study, years 12 and 13 culminate with the full A-level award. For certain subjects, students could take the Advanced supplementary exams in year 12. There are some subjects deemed as facilitating subjects and serve as prerequisites for most majors. Subjects like General Studies and Critical Thinking are normally not recognised for admission purposes.
American High School Diploma and Advanced Placements (AP)
The American High School Diploma satisfies college eligibility for universities in the US. Some countries will require additional credentials like SATs or Advanced Placements (AP). AP provides academically prepared students with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement (the opportunity to skip an introductory level university course), or both. Subjects are divided into groups A and B and it is important to find out university requirements before choosing subjects under the groups.
Indian Curriculum (CBSE and ISC)
The Indian system of education is divided into two: CBSE and the ISC curriculum. In Grade 10 and 12, the exams are conducted externally. It is important to note that students studying in these systems have to go through the foundation route to get into universities after their Grade 11.
UAE - Tawjihiyya (Shahadat Al-Thanawiya Al-Amma)
While universities in the UAE accept students with this qualification, students are expected to apply through a foundation track for direct entry into their degree programmes with a GPA of 2.5/4.0 for most universities abroad.
French Baccalaureate
French Baccalaureate diploma marks the completion of French high school programme. Students must choose a specialised programme of study within a core curriculum. The diploma is obtained at the end of grade 12, after the externally assessed examinations. Besides the common core, students are also required to write an interdisciplinary research project. The baccalaureate is divided into different specialised academic programmes like Economics and Social Sciences (Bac ES) and Science and Mathematics (Bac S).
It is important to remember that each system focuses on a different aspect of education and is accepted globally. Students are expected to make full use of the opportunities presented within their systems.