IGCSE and A-Level are internationally recognized secondary education examinations. They provide students with a bridge to the world's top universities. Below I’ll tell you more about both programs and how to use them to apply to college.
The IGCSE, the International General Certificate of Secondary Education, is an international education qualification at the secondary school level provided by the Cambridge University Examination Board. The program aims to provide students with academic standards and educational experiences that are widely recognized around the world, focusing on cultivating students' critical thinking, innovation and problem-solving abilities, while emphasizing interdisciplinary learning experiences.
IGCSE courses are usually offered to students aged 14 to 16, covering multiple fields such as language, science, mathematics, humanities and social sciences. Students can choose appropriate subjects to study based on their interests and future development directions. After completing the IGCSE course, students can obtain an international certificate, which is widely recognized by higher education institutions around the world and provides strong support for students' future studies and career development.
GCE A-Level courses are British high school courses with a duration of two years. The first year is called AS level. Students usually choose 3-4 courses that they are best at and most interested in to study. After passing the exam, they will obtain the AS certificate. The second year is called the A2 level. Students can choose the three outstanding courses in the AS level to continue their studies and obtain the A-Level certificate after passing the exam.
GCE A-Level courses offer a wide range of options, including common subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and computer science, as well as non-traditional subjects such as economics, business science, psychology, drama, music, art and design. Students can choose appropriate subjects to study based on their interests and career plans.
