Compare A-levels, IB, ADFP, AUSMAT

jackjack · #1 10-07-2005 **Compare A-levels, IB, ADFP, AUSMAT**

Is there a thread comparing the preparatory courses? If not, I think it will be good to start one, comparing A-levels, IB(Internatonal Baccalaureate, ADFP(American Degree Foundation Program), AUSMAT(Australia Matriculation), etc, to give some clues on the pros and cons of each foundation in terms of recognition, reputation, quality, and so on.

*bush* · #2 10-07-2005

Generally, IB and A-levels are still the most recognisable foundation courses in the world. Very well structured and organised.

Dr_Tay · #3 11-07-2005

Generally, the IB is a broader more liberally designed program compared to specialised A-Levels. In some schools in Britain the IB has replaced the rather antiquated A-Levels. IB being more a continental European qualification compared to A-Levels is more appropriate these days. However, if you still want to go to the UK, A-Levels are appropriate but then there are foundation courses to short circuit the process and thus be able to enter university without going for the two years of A-Levels, though some have done it in one or one and a half years i.e. AO Levels.

There is really no right or wrong answer. The main thing is what you want to do as a career, where you want to do it and what you have to do to get there are the questions that one has to ask before you decide on which path to take. Some unis prefer foundation or just O-Levels and others not. So check them out before you opt to pursue A Levels or IB.

pangping1510 · #4 11-07-2005

kuang...How about SAM?

jackjack · #5 11-07-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by pangping1510

kuang...How about SAM?

Is AUSMAT similar to SAM? I thought it is, so i juz listed either. But when i googled, i can find only SAM official site, not AUSMAT. Anyone can explain?

Btw, i didn't mean this thread is only for discussion on A-levels, IB, ADFP, AUSMAT. Other Pre-U courses can come under comparison. Note that i put "etc".

*bush* · #6 11-07-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackjack

Quote:

Originally Posted by pangping1510

kuang...How about SAM?

Is AUSMAT similar to SAM? I thought it is, so i juz listed either. But when i googled, i can find only SAM official site, not AUSMAT. Anyone can explain?

Btw, i didn't mean this thread is only for discussion on A-levels, IB, ADFP, AUSMAT. Other Pre-U courses can come under comparison. Note that i put "etc".

SAM and Ausmat are one of the many australian high school diploma.Different names, different boards, but they are all equivalent.

khor_albert · #7 11-07-2005

Well, A-levels are less stressful for many people. This is because A-levels are more guided in the sense that one can anticipate what will be waiting for them. Furthermore, it is somehow similar to SPM, so Malaysian students shouldnt have any problem with the style of studying.

However, take note that less stressful does not mean easy. A-levels syllabus is much more detailed than SAM. That means more things are taught. And as there are less courseworks and exam-oriented, A-levels is a risky programme if the student had had enough with examinations. SAM is coursework-based and makes students to run around, searching for answers.

Therefore, there are pros and cons between SAM or A-levels. It highly depends on the personality of the student to determine the program of his/her choice.

As for ICPU, courseworks play a bigger role-70%.

succubus · #8 12-07-2005

If you're not sure you will be going to Australia, i think you should do A-levels. A-levels will help you keep your options more open, and is more widely accepted than SAM or AUSMAT.

FedEx · #9 13-07-2005

What about if someone already decided to go Australia? Then SAM or A Levels?

My teacher said its the same in this case. How do u guys that are already in Australia think?

Thanks.

succubus · #10 14-07-2005

Quote:

FedEx Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 11:27 am Post subject:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What about if someone already decided to go Australia? Then SAM or A Levels?

My teacher said its the same in this case. How do u guys that are already in Australia think?

Thanks.

Well, if you are very sure and you will definitely have the means then i think: go study in the SAM program. If you are into saving time and stuff like that then obviously SAM is better(unless of course you're not sure about Aus yet). I would say most of my close friends who did SAM went on to study in Aus.

P/s- i'm not studying in Aus btw.

jackjack Less Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 115	#1 10-07-2005 Compare A-levels, IB, ADFP, AUSMAT Is there a thread comparing the preparatory courses? If not, I think it will be good to start one, comparing A-levels, IB(Internatonal Baccalaureate, ADFP(American Degree Foundation Program), AUSMAT(Australia Matriculation), etc, to give some clues on the pros and cons of each foundation in terms of recognition, reputation, quality, and so on.

bush ReCom Staff Wiki Contributor Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 1,686	#2 10-07-2005 Generally, IB and A-levels are still the most recognisable foundation courses in the world. Very well structured and organised.

pangping1510 Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 180	#4 11-07-2005 kuang...How about SAM?

succubus Super Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 39	#8 12-07-2005 If you're not sure you will be going to Australia, i think you should do A-levels. A-levels will help you keep your options more open, and is more widely accepted than SAM or AUSMAT.

FedEx Super Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 42	#9 13-07-2005 What about if someone already decided to go Australia? Then SAM or A Levels? My teacher said its the same in this case. How do u guys that are already in Australia think? Thanks. __________________ The greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time you fall.