University Advising 

Students and families have an opportunity in Grade 10 to reflect on their strengths, interests, and future considerations as they explore their options in the IB. The University Advising Center (UAC) supports this process by inviting students to first understand their own passions and preferences and then consider how they want to challenge themselves in a way that cultivates their own unique profile and skill-building. 

Our students will graduate into an uncertain future, and there is no one "perfect" IB package which will ensure access to a particular university or profession. Below you will find resources to understand those cases in which a university requires a specific IB subject, and questions to guide your overall thinking. Beyond those cases, the "perfect" IB package is one that reflects the student's unique strengths and does not try to force a student into a package where they will struggle to thrive. 

Once students have made an informed decision about their IB preferences, they will meet with their University Advisor to confirm their choices and answer individual questions about potential future pathways.

Link to the IB Prerequisite Matrix

This matrix contains general guidelines that are a starting point for determining whether university courses of interest have specific IB subject requirements. It is essential that students conduct their own research to ensure their IB subject package meets their needs.

Find countries and universities that recognise the IB 

The IBO offers a search tool to research various countries and their recognition of different IB pathways. 

Students are advised to consider both country and university-specific requirements when selecting subjects, as certain professional pathways, and some regions, tend to have specific requirements.

What impact will my IB choices have on my university options?

This is a complex question and the answer depends on which country, university and subject you are considering after high school. National systems and individual universities that offer specialised courses may expect that students to have been exposed to certain subjects prior to joining a subject-specific course or faculty. There are a vast number of university courses which have no specific IB subject prerequisites.

Do I already need to know where I want to attend university?

Families should discuss which countries in which a student is likely to apply and to what extent a student has developed a particular subject passion or career interest. Prior to entering Grade 11, every student will meet individually with a University Advisor to discuss university considerations with the focus being on keeping options open rather than making any firm decisions about universities or careers. Over the course of Grades 11-12, students will work with their University Advisor to select a range of universities to consider, keeping in mind the concept of ‘good fit.’  Information sessions for students and families, workshops, individual meetings, as well as virtual offerings and visits by university representatives, will help families to make informed choices. More information about our programming is available on the UAC’s website.

I don’t know what I want to do at university; must I make a decision now?

No, you don’t need to decide what you want to do at university now and it is very normal not to be sure.  There are some university systems that do not require students to commit to their majors before applying to university. However this is an opportunity to start thinking about the future and considering where your academic strengths and interests lie.

How do I decide which subjects to take at Higher Level? 

Students should choose subjects at the Higher Level in which they are most interested and which they would enjoy the most, with an awareness that some potential university courses may have specific requirements or recommendations. The IB is a two-year commitment, and thus Higher Level courses should be those which students enjoy and are confident undertaking. Students are encouraged to consult their teachers to consider which Higher Level courses would be best for them. 

What is a vocational or professional subject?

Something job-related, e.g., Architecture, Business, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine. If you are thinking about studying any vocational subject, you will need to do some research: is this the right career area for you? We also urge students to check in advance whether qualification earned would be recognised in their home country or country of practice. Certain pre-professional courses have specific IB subject requirements; check the Matrix for more information.

Do universities prefer some IB subjects over others?

If subject prerequisites are met, almost all universities do not have a preference regarding the rest of students’ IB subject choices. US applicants should note that the list of subjects indicated as ‘Recommended High School Preparation’ in some college websites/guides is intended for US high school applicants and need not be strictly followed by international IB students.

What do universities think about the IB Courses pathway?

Students who take IB Courses rather than the full IB Diploma Programme will graduate with a UWCSEA High School Diploma that is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). These students may apply to universities as an accredited High School Diploma holder and are eligible for direct entry and foundation programmes at many universities around the world. Sometimes students will need to meet minimum grade and testing requirements (e.g., a specific score on the SAT or ACT). Students will need to consider the number and level of IB courses needed and will consult with their University Advisor before finalising their decisions.

Is it possible to take three IB Science subjects? 

Students can only take three sciences in their IB Diploma with special permission of the IBO through the IB Coordinator and will have to demonstrate that they need that package for university entrance (e.g., to study Medicine in India or the Netherlands). Students should be very sure of their university course and country requirements if they intend to apply for permission to take a three-science package. It should be noted that this is a very demanding IB package and not advised.

How do universities view the different Math courses ?

The UAC recommends that students follow the recommendation of their Mathematics teacher regarding the best Mathematics course for them. Unless a university states a given requirement or preference, both HL courses can meet a HL requirement. For an overview of IB Math requirements by country, please see the PDF below. For UK research, students can also go to www.ucas.com and check IB requirements. In some countries, Mathematics Applications and Interpretations SL does not meet the subject prerequisite for certain quantitative courses such as Engineering or Commerce; check individual university websites to verify.  Students should balance their desire to maximise options with their ability to manage an IB package that will allow them to thrive. Pre-university bridging courses to meet missing pre-requisites may be available.