Pathways to Universities/Colleges and how to get there

The three pathways that lead to higher education are:  IBDP (International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme)  IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) and or;  DepEd diploma (Department of Education, Secondary School Diploma)

◦ Which one is the best option for my family? ◦ Is one option “better” than the other with regards to recognition and qualification for University Admission? ◦ How do I even start to consider which of the three to choose from?

LOCAL vs. INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION

 WHEN WHAT HOW?!

LOCAL UNIVERSITIES Graduate High school by Grade 10 with a DepEd Diploma. INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITIES Graduate High School by Grade 12 with an IBDP Diploma. University Admission eligibility is available at Grade 10 University Admission eligibility is available at Grade 12 IGCSE DepEd Diploma IBDP

NOTE: Grade 10 is equivalent to Fourth Year High School in the Local Educational System for current Grade 6 students and above due to transitional period before K-12 Program comes into full effect. University Admission eligibility is available at Grade 10  Applications are submitted from July to November;  Entrance examinations are required and may not be waived;  Admission requirements vary and individual application forms for each school;  Students will begin classes at local universities shortly after (or even before ending) Grade 10;  Academic Year starts in June. IGCSE DepEd Diploma

In most cases, IGCSE is MORE COMMONLY USED as preparatory course work for A Level, AS, International Baccalaureate and US Advanced Placement courses rather than university admission. University Admission eligibility is available at Grade 10  A student will need to commit to and successfully complete the IGCSE curriculum from Grade 9 to 10.  External examination results taken at the end of Grade 10 has crucial weigh in qualification for Higher Education Admission.  Recognised by higher education institutions and employers around the world as evidence of academic ability.  IGCSE may be used as an international alternative to the local government's examination  IGCSE qualifications will satisfy the entry requirements for university  Grade C in IGCSE English (both First Language and Second Language) satisfies the English proficiency requirements of many universities in the UK and other anglophone countries.  To see a list of institutions which recognize the IGCSE Program for university entry: IGCSE DepEd Diploma

 With or without an IGCSE certificate, a student may apply to local universities using the DepEd Secondary Diploma which is provided upon completion of Grade 10.  It is highly competitive to use IGCSE as a path to Higher Education. Select universities accept students upon successful and exemplary completion of the program; university admission requirements have very high expectations.

 Students MUST continue (after IGCSE) to Grade 11 & 12 for IB Diploma Programme;  Successful Completion of the full IB Diploma Programme equates to worldwide recognition and easy access to fulfilling Higher Education Admission requirements worldwide;  Admission of IBDP graduates are based on accumulative score of all courses taken (or specific subjects depending on the university) and other standardized exams in the country of admission (ie. SAT’s, TOEFL, Advanced Placement scores, etc.) University Admission eligibility is available at Grade 12 IBDP

 If Students do not successfully complete the IBDP Programme and are instead, granted subject certificates, it is up to the University’s discretion whether to admit the student. In most cases, “Foundation Programs” are offered or pre-university courses are offered instead.  ADVANTAGE: Most universities grant college credits/allow accreditation upon scoring 5 or higher on subjects LESS CREDITS = LESS COST

 Which country do you want to pursue your higher education in?  How close (or far) do you want to be from your support system?  Are Ivy Leagues/Top Universities the only universities to consider as your best fit?

 What field of study should you pursue? Consider your strengths, interests, exposure, etc.  What are the mission, vision, values, religious affiliations, etc. of the school? Does it fit with your own personal philosophies and beliefs?  Research in order to truly know about universities beyond its ranks and reputation. What are the comments of the students who are attending? Retention rate is an overlooked detail in determining student satisfaction.  What kind of institutional system will you strive best in? private universities state universities liberal arts schools

 Importance of costs and Financial Aid availability  Does your citizenship entitle you to national scholarship programs?  What standardized examinations will be mandatory in fulfilling the scholarships you may apply for

U.K.  Liverpool John Moores University- International Journalism  University of Hertfordshire BSc Sport and Exercise Science  Anglia Ruskin University- Hospitality Management U.S.  College of Central Florida-Sports Psychology PHILIPPINES  De La Salle University Taft & Benilde-Pre-med, Marketing, Business  Enderun College-Hospitality and Management INDIA  Symbiosis International University- Biology/Pre-med