G10 IB Induction
University & College
Perspective
Choose a Pathway. Choose Subjects. Choose Your Future.
Today's Session
Agenda
Part 1 · Start with Your Future
What to study, where to go — and what you're good at
Part 2 · Choose Your Pathway
IBDP, WASC or IBCP — pick the track that fits your goals
Part 3 · Match Subjects to Your Future Major
Which subjects your intended major really needs
Part 4 · Meet Entry Requirements & Aim for Strong Results
Eligibility, grades and conditional offers
Part 1 · Start with Your Future
Start with Your Future
What do you want to study at university?
Where do you want to go to university?
What are your current strengths, interests, and academic goals?
Part 2 · Choose Your Pathway
Three High School Tracks
Broad international university pathways
WASC High School Diploma + IBDP Course Cert. — Fully eligible for US&Canadian pathways,
WASC + SAT = possible options in Hong Kong and Australia
Career-related and focused academic pathways
Part 2 · Choose Your Pathway
How to Choose the Right Pathway — Focus & Fit
| IBDP | WASC High School Diploma | IBCP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Programme Focus | A comprehensive academic programme with broad international recognition | A flexible US high school diploma pathway | Combines career-related learning with academic study |
| Best Suited For | Students who want to keep a broad range of international university options open and can manage the academic demands of the IB Diploma | Students who prefer the US high school diploma route and are prepared to meet additional requirements, such as standardized tests, where applicable | Students who have a clear career interest and want to pursue career-related learning alongside academic subjects |
Part 2 · Choose Your Pathway
How to Choose the Right Pathway — Destinations & Requirements
| IBDP | WASC High School Diploma | IBCP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Potential University Destinations | Universities across a wide range of countries and regions worldwide | The US and Canada, as well as potential options in Hong Kong and Australia, depending on university requirements | Depends on the university, destination, career-related qualification, and academic subject combination |
| Key Course Selection Considerations | Subject prerequisites for intended majors, HL/SL combinations, and overall IB score goals | Diploma and transcript requirements, SAT or other standardized tests where required, and individual university admissions policies | Career-related qualifications, academic subject combinations, and whether target universities accept the programme |
| Important Considerations | Balance subject requirements, course difficulty, and overall score expectations | Do not assume that all universities accept the same diploma and testing combination | Do not assume that all universities or countries recognize the same IBCP qualification and subject combination |
Part 2 · Choose Your Pathway
Thinking About IBCP?
Consider Your University Destination First.
Hong Kong & Singapore
Undergraduate recognition of the IBCP pathway remains limited at universities in Hong Kong and Singapore. If you are considering these destinations for university, we strongly recommend choosing the IBDP to keep your options open.
United Kingdom
Some universities accept UCAS Tariff Points (counted by DP subjects).
Therefore, UK as a destination is open to IBCP students. But keep in mind that CP is not a guaranteed path to all the UK universities.
Part 2 · Key Takeaway
Your high school pathway should support your future university goals, not limit your options before you have had the chance to explore them.
Part 3 · Match Subjects to Your Future Major
Match Subjects to Your Future Major
→Engineering
Mathematics and Physics
→Medicine / Biology / Pharmacy
Biology and Chemistry
→Law
Strong English skills and attention to English course level requirements
→Business / Economics
English and Economics; Mathematics requirements must also be checked
Part 3 · Match Subjects to Your Future Major
Intended University Major and IB Subject Selection
| Intended Major / Field | Recommended IB Subjects |
|---|---|
| Engineering | Mathematics AA HL, Physics HL |
| Computer Science / IT | Mathematics AA HL; Physics HL (where required or recommended) |
| Medicine / Dentistry | Chemistry HL, Biology HL |
| Biology / Life Sciences | Biology HL, Chemistry HL |
| Pharmacy | Chemistry HL, Biology HL |
| Business / Management | Mathematics AA or AI HL/SL, Economics HL/SL |
| Economics / Finance | Mathematics AA HL, Economics HL |
| Law | English A HL/SL, History HL or another essay-based subject |
| Psychology | Psychology HL (if offered), Biology HL, Mathematics or a science subject |
Part 3 · Match Subjects to Your Future Major
Three Key Reminders About HL Subject Selection
Don't choose HL by major relevance alone
Do not choose HL subjects based solely on their relevance to a particular major. Check whether target universities have specific HL requirements first.
SL can be enough
SL may be sufficient if a subject is not a compulsory prerequisite. Do not assume that every subject related to a prospective major must be taken at HL.
Undecided? Prioritise flexibility
For students who have not yet decided on a major, prioritise flexibility. Choose a subject combination that keeps a reasonable range of university options open while playing to your academic strengths and allowing you to achieve strong results.
Part 4 · Meet Entry Requirements & Aim for Strong Results
Grades and University Admissions
Why interest alone is not enough
- Check required subjects and HL/SL levels.
- Understand predicted grades, total IB points and subject-specific requirements.
- Consider the academic workload and your likelihood of achieving strong results.
- Understand conditional offers, particularly in the UK and Hong Kong.
Part 4 · Three Questions to Guide Your Choice
Am I Eligible?
Do my chosen subjects meet the entry requirements of my target universities?
For example:
- Does Engineering require Mathematics and Physics?
- Does my intended major require specific subjects at HL?
- Are there any compulsory subject prerequisites I need to meet?
Part 4 · Three Questions to Guide Your Choice
Can I Achieve the Required Grades?
Can I realistically achieve competitive grades in my chosen subjects?
Students should consider not only what they enjoy, but also their academic foundations, study habits, and overall course workload.
Part 4 · Three Questions to Guide Your Choice
Can I Meet the Final Offer Conditions?
Can I meet the final admission requirements set by the university?
Some universities in the UK and Hong Kong issue conditional offers that specify requirements for the overall IB score, individual subject grades, and/or HL subjects.
Part 4 · Meet Entry Requirements & Aim for Strong Results
Two Key Concepts to Understand
IB Total Points
Your overall IB score can affect your admission prospects, but achieving the required total does not necessarily mean you have met every entry requirement.
Subject-Specific Requirements
Even with a high overall IB score, you may not qualify for admission if you have not taken a compulsory subject or achieved the required grade in a specified HL subject.
Part 4 · The Goal of Subject Selection
Choose a subject combination that meets essential university entry requirements, keeps a reasonable range of future options open, and allows you to achieve the strongest results possible based on your academic strengths.
Part 5 · Make an Informed Choice
Make an Informed Choice
Identify 1–3 potential university majors.
Identify preferred university destinations.
Note any essential subjects or HL requirements.
Prepare questions for subject teachers.
Part 5 · University Pathway Checklist
G10 IB Induction — University Pathway Checklist
Scan the QR code or visit the link to complete the checklist before subject talks.
Open the Checklist →forms.cloud.microsoft/r/FA9rX77Rue