University Advising 

Our Grade 11 learning programme is both academically and personally challenging. We expect students to be fully involved in their studies and to be actively involved within the broader school community throughout the two years.

Prospective new students will be interviewed by one or more senior teachers, and may be asked to undertake appropriate educational assessments. We will ensure that all students accepted into the Grade 11 programme have the capacity to enjoy a successful outcome.

For those students already at UWCSEA, we fully expect the vast majority to openly select and succeed in their chosen Grade 11 options. To this end, we review students’ academic and approaches to learning profiles, and constructive engagement in activities and service to ensure they will benefit from undertaking our Grade 11 programme. At the heart of any final decision is the student and his or her future aspirations, both as an individual and as a prospective member of the school community. In reviewing entry into our Grade 11 programme, we consider whether :

Current students will select their preferred IBDP subject options in Term 2 of Grade 10. As transition from Grade 10 to Grade 11 is not subject to any academic gatekeeping, these options will simply be accommodated in the vast majority of cases. In any rare cases where we have concerns over a student’s choices, the Head of Grade will invite the student and parents to a meeting to discuss options. While we will work with families to accommodate aspirations, we do not guarantee all subject options and combinations will be open to all students. Parents should also be aware that while we do not require a student to excel in all five elements of the Learning Programme on entry to Grade 11, we are looking for students who make a significant contribution in several areas. In particular, we require that all current students have satisfactorily completed their Service, Activities and Outdoor education requirements to be eligible to enter Grade 11. 

When planning an IBDP package, students should bear in mind:

Recognition of the IB Diploma Programme is outlined on the IB’s website:  

Find countries and universities that recognise the IB. 

IB guides for international students applying to universities in various countries can also provide general information. 

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

Remember that the individual subject guidance from teachers is the best recommendation for course selection in each subject. Your interests, along with this subject guidance, should form the basis of deciding what IBDP subjects to select.

Students who take IB Diploma 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 American SAT or ACT test). Students will need to consider the number and level of IB courses needed and are urged to consult with a University Advisor before finalising their decisions.

What impact will my IBDP 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 tend to expect that students will have been exposed to certain subjects prior to joining a subject-specific course or faculty. The Matrix of IBDP prerequisites for university on the following page outlines, in very broad terms, some of the known prerequisites for common course subjects in popular countries. This is a guideline only and is meant to be illustrative of where students can begin their research. There are a vast number of university courses which have no specific IBDP subject prerequisites.

Families should discuss which countries a student is likely to apply in 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, applications or careers. Over the course of the IB Diploma Programme, 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 parents, workshops, individual meetings, as well as virtual offerings and visits by university representatives, will help families to make informed choices. More information and resources are available on the University Advising Centre’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, such as the US and Scotland, 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 Diploma 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, 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 IBDP 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 IBDP students.

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 UK research, students can go to www.ucas.com and check IB and/or A Level requirements. If a university requires A-level Mathematics, either HL Analysis or HL Applications is expected. If a university recommends A-level Further Mathematics, HL Analysis is recommended.  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.

Is it possible to take three subjects from one IB Group?

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.

This matrix contains general guidelines that are a starting point but requirements for specific programmes can change. It is essential that students conduct their own research to ensure their IBDP subject package meets their needs.

Link to the IB Prerequisite Matrix

Link to the UAC East website