U.S.A. destined students
Most of the advice above applies equally to students planning to further their education in the USA.
However, it is not absolutely essential for these students to have their subject choices as finelytuned as UK bound students. This is because American degree courses take four years of study;
the first two years are broad and generalised and provide a breathing space in which students can
decide the area in which they wish to major. Whereas a UK student hoping to study Medicine
would certainly have to choose Chemistry at A Level, this would not be so urgent in the US where
Medicine is a postgraduate course, as is Law. Most universities offer credit for A Levels which can
allow students to graduate in three rather than four years. Students should note that the same
credit is not offered for AS Levels. The chance to study 4 AS courses in Year 12 can provide the
breadth that US universities are looking for.
American colleges recognise A Levels as a worthwhile and demanding qualification and students are
in no way disadvantaged by remaining in our senior school, as our record of US placements clearly
shows. Indeed, the better US colleges are making it increasingly clear that they expect students to
complete their A Levels and some, such as the University of California, are now stipulating the
grades they expect. Similarly, the school expects students who enter Advanced level courses to
show a determination to complete them successfully.
Students heading for the USA should realise that, besides the heavy A Level workload, the college
application process is demanding in terms of time and effort. You may have to sit the SAT or ACT.
Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa
A Levels are a recognised global qualification and you can apply to the countries above with a
combination of both AS and A Level. Higher education courses in these countries may ask for
specific subjects at A Level but they may refer to them as prerequisites or assumed knowledge.
Where students know their higher education plans, they should investigate such requirements but
be careful not to confuse a requirement for English ‘proficiency’ with a demand for English A Level.
If you would like more specific advice in this area then please contact the Head of Sixth Form
Mrs. Rolf at lrolf@dubaibritishschool.ae.
The Sixth Form – A Crucial Decision
The choices you make, about what and where to study in the Sixth Form, will have a significant
bearing on your future life and career. The qualifications you acquire, the personal qualities and life
skills that you develop and the friendships you forge will all be crucial in determining how you cope
with the transition from school to adult life, and your success in an increasingly competitive world.