Why Taking Advanced Courses Like IB, AP & A-Levels Can Open Doors To College And Career Opportunities

Getting into top universities worldwide has become increasingly competitive. This is why understanding the differences between IB, AP and A-levels and taking them is highly encouraged.

We all know that knowledge is power. Hence, students taking advanced courses develop higher critical thinking, research, and problem-solving skills that are helpful throughout their academic and professional vocations.

Let us dive deeper into the topic below.

5 Benefits Of Taking Advanced Classes In High School

There is no shortcut to getting into your dream university. But the closest trick would be taking westernised curricula to make securing a spot in your desired university and program abroad more accessible and helpful.

Although IB, AP, and A-level courses are academically challenging, you will get more than you bargained for in the long run. The certifications from these courses are a step higher than just acquiring a high school diploma.

While it is true that advanced classes can be daunting and intimidating to high schoolers, the benefits you can reap are worth the initial struggles.

Here are the top five motivations for taking them in high school:

1. It offers a competitive edge

Students enrolling in advanced lectures have higher standards and advantages than students taking traditional high school classes. Aside from that, it can make your college application stand out.

Given that AP and other advanced classes are as complex as introductory-level college lectures, students who took them in high school bear the necessary skills to survive the stress of college workloads.

2. It provides increased knowledge and a progressive skill set

Pupils have the option to choose one specific course they are interested in. With this, they get to explore more about their passions which could help them identify what they want to major sooner.

On top of that, instructors with advanced expertise and experience teach IB, AP, and A-level courses. This means the students acquire knowledge from the best in the field. The instruction specialists can help develop each student's unique strengths.

3. It saves time and money in college

In some cases, students who took advanced high school classes can skip their entire freshman year in college. This is because some colleges and universities abroad accept AP credits.

Crediting these courses cuts the entire cost of your college schooling by one quarter.

4. It builds resilience and improves self-discipline

Taking advanced programs is a time-consuming endeavour. It is an excellent way for pupils to develop their time management skills earlier. They have no choice but to plan their day to juggle academics and extracurricular activities.

Due to its challenging nature, advanced courses will teach students that a few setbacks are temporary. Keeping this in mind early on can help them develop the resilience they need when entering college.

5. It boosts GPA and sense of accomplishment

Once you have developed the necessary skills, such as resilience and discipline, academic success is almost within reach.

Various high schools give students extra weight to AP courses when calculating their GPAs. What's interesting is getting a B in an AP class is still a better choice compared to getting As in regular courses.

The Academic And Professional Opportunities That Await

If you are planning or envisioning attending college full-time after you finish high school, the odds are that you should enrol in AP or honours classes.

Regarding academic advantages, students with advanced certifications have a higher chance of getting into Ivy League universities compared to their peers who only took conventional schooling.

On the other hand, professional opportunities may include getting higher salaries and greater job satisfaction. Further, some employers often seek candidates who have demonstrated academic excellence and are ready to face challenges head-on.

3 Easy Steps To Overcome The Challenges When Taking Advanced Courses

Regular schooling can sometimes be pressuring and challenging - how much more if you are in an honours class? It is not unusual for pupils to drop classes they find burdensome. But it does not always have to be that way!

The following section discusses strategies to overcome school pressure and succeed in the most advanced courses.

1. Plan your term

Review your syllabus, then create a study plan for the entire term. You may start recognising which subjects are the most challenging. Set daily and weekly goals while providing yourself extra time to review the most complex readings.

2. Refine your study routine

You may use a study planner for this one. Set aside a fair amount of time for reading and answering your coursework. Do not forget to reward yourself for every job well done to keep the fire burning.

3. Strive to always go to class

It does not matter whether you find the class tiresome or complicated. It is not the best idea to miss a class. Not only will you miss important notes, but you will also find it hard to catch up on vital lessons and exam topics.

Taking Advanced Courses: The Strongest Link To The Academic And Professional Future

It is not a secret how advanced courses like advanced placements (APs), international baccalaureate (IB) and A-levels are the fastest portal to succeeding in college and the employment world.

But they can be as challenging as they sound. Once you have accomplished all these courses, you can easily spot the positive behaviour and advance academic differences between you and your peers who only enrolled in traditional classes.