Before you get to university, you can choose a pathway to make your admission route to the top universities seamless. This article will break down two pathways to either UK or US universities.
Pathways are tailored to the needs of overseas students. They offer flexible academic and English requirements to aspiring students while also providing them with dedicated support.
What is the Foundation Program? UK-based.
UK-based foundation courses are meant for students who have just finished their high school exams and would like to opt for an undergraduate degree in the UK. It is geared towards students who have finished less than 13 years of education.
Students must study a foundation course at any given UK university or college of their choice. Foundation programs are essentially preparatory courses for students who need some additional English language and academic preparation for admission to an undergraduate degree in the UK. The programs are geared towards students who have studied a non-British curriculum, acting as a bridge between the qualifications acquired by the student and the undergraduate degree admission requirements. The foundation course covers all possible academic gaps, and improves English speaking, listening, and writing skills while also familiarizing students with life and culture in the UK.
There are several types of foundation programs. They can be specific to courses like business, management, finance, computer, law, engineering, social science, etc. Some foundation programs have partnerships with universities and guarantee progression into an undergraduate course if the student meets the benchmark set.
Foundation courses can also be housed in universities in many cases and provide students with full access to all campus resources from libraries to computer rooms and even the gym.
Most foundation programs take one year to complete - a total of 32 weeks. The preparatory course is divided into three semesters with several modules. According to a career path, the modules are further split into generic subjects, major subjects, and more specialized subjects.
The degree usually starts in September, and students graduate just in time to start their undergraduate degree in October of the next year.
On the other hand, intensive pathway programs are available for students who need to complete their studies faster. The intensive 6-month program starts in January and ends in August of the same year. In general, international foundation programs have flexible commencement dates.
The assessments in foundation programs are similar to those in undergraduate study programs. They include exams, presentations, projects, and various assignments. Students who wish to take up a foundation course have to meet a set of requirements for admissions. These generally include:
A minimum IELTS score of 4.5, with no single element less than 4.0.
Higher secondary school certificate.
Higher secondary transcripts.
Letter of recommendation from teachers.
Personal statement.
Scanned copies of passport and visa.
Students who have no formal English qualifications may be required to attend an English language course before starting their foundation course.
Studying at a foundation program greatly increases university admission chances, improves English language proficiency, reduces cultural shock, and provides direct access to excellent universities across the UK. They also help students get into the right mindset as students know what to expect from an undergraduate degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for the Foundation program?
The foundation program is for international students whose academic qualifications do not meet the entry requirements for direct entry into an undergraduate program and for those whose first language is not English. If you have any concerns or questions, you can contact us to discuss the eligibility criteria.
Does the program prepare students for any degree in any field?
No. Like the degree in the College of Arts at the University of Edinburgh, some degrees have additional requirements not covered in the program. You need to contact the university representative for more information in this regard.
What is Advanced Placement? US-based.
Advanced Placement is a US-based learning and assessment program designed to help US-based universities assess students for entry into colleges and universities. AP is developed by the College Board, which also conducts the SATs. College Board is an organization that aims to make higher education more accessible for students. AP classes prepare students for a successful transition to college through programs and courses centered around college readiness and college success.
AP courses are college-level classes that students take while in high school. In some cases, they have replaced SAT subject tests for college applications. If you do well on AP courses, you can convert them into credit at US universities. AP courses are designed to be self-study programs with a standardized exam offered once a year. It can help to take AP courses with a good teacher as that will help divide the bulk of work, making it easier to manage the course and school work simultaneously.
A good AP score reflects the student's ability to take on a rigorous academic curriculum and gives them college credit. AP courses provide students with several benefits, including:
Allowing them to dig deeper into the subject material that interests them.
Developing research skills.
Polishing communication skills.
Tapping into creative, critical thinking, problem-solving and analytical potential.
Understanding and accessing high-level rigorous college-level coursework.
Building confidence through understanding.
AP is not a requirement for admissions into higher education in the US. Still, students who have taken up AP courses have an edge over others because they demonstrate a commitment to go further.
Advanced Placement programs prepare you for academics in a new environment and supply you with time-management skills for college; you will need these in abundance. While you won't be in classes all day long, striking a balance between work, classes, and a social life can be hard.
Taking AP classes before college allows students to learn how to manage their time effectively before even stepping foot in college. Students can master the skill of time management with the guidance of parents, relatives, and teachers. AP also makes room for more diverse experiences in college. If you already have a few credits cleared, you can take your time to explore and try things you would not have been able to otherwise.
You need to consider what else you can do to make your college experience as rich as possible. An open schedule allows you to challenge yourself by taking on a second major or taking additional courses. You can even take on an internship earlier in the year to consolidate your CV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I opt for AP courses?
AP courses are an excellent way to get college credit. Essentially, it means you won't be paying tuition for classes you take in college - you will only pay an exam fee.
A college application with an AP course ranks high. It stands out against your competitors as Advanced Pathway classes indicate that students are ready to take on complex learning and academic challenges in a new and rigorous environment.
How much does an AP exam cost?
An AP exam costs $94. All the exams are to be ordered and paid for separately. You can check the latest costs and details here. It is best to check with us to explore your options.
When are the exams held?
Exams are held in May, but the tests are ordered in March. However, the dates vary from year to year, so checking the dates and deadlines beforehand is crucial.
What score do I need to get college credit?
Usually, schools accept a score of 3 or above, but some competitive universities have a cut-off of 4 or 5. You must check the score at your college of interest using this tool.
Importance of College Credit in Admissions
College credit courses improve your college applications by a large margin. Colleges take note of students who have taken up and completed college-level courses because it sets them apart and shows initiative, intellect, and ability. They demonstrate a commitment to working hard for something.
In addition, college credit greatly enhances a student's GPA as college-level courses often have more weight in the overall GPA. Lastly, maintaining good grades in school, especially in AP classes, increases a student's chance of getting a scholarship based on merit.
Colleges give out various types of scholarships. Some are based on academic performance, while others look at students as a whole, considering their athletic performance, volunteer work, extra-curricular, and other skills.
While having AP classes won't guarantee a scholarship, it will give you an edge over other students. The transition from school life to university life is a stressful one. Foundation programs and AP Pathways are two key ways to make this transition smooth and seamless for students. If you’d like to find out where you stand and how to apply for foundation or AP programs, then book your free consultation now and laugh your way to your dream school!