This is one of the many questions I pondered over during my O'levels and I'm sure many others do the same. To make such a decision usually involves a lot of elements. Its usually your parents who suggest changing your line of education and moving on to do FSC or you just get discouraged by your seniors who couldn't perform well in the entry test and failed to make it to the better government universities. I have always supported A'levels and so I did the same instead of changing my field to FSC so basically, this post will focus on a pro-A'levels argument so if anyone has a different opinion please don't mind. :)
With the introduction of the A*, the A'levels students are no more at a disadvantage. Apart from the top most students of FSC, getting a 90% equivalency is not an easy task for FSC students. But I'm pretty sure that the proportion of A'levels students with straight A*s (that gives you a 90% equivalency) are much more than FSC students with > 90% marks so we are actually at an advantage here.
Performance in the MCAT
One problem students have when opting for A'levels is the possibility of poor performance in the MCAT due to the pro-FSC syllabus. But let me make one thing clear for you guys that studying FSC books once we are done with A'levels (which are essential to get the best in the entry tests) can only be of advantage to us. Plus, the Punjab UHS MCAT has a strict syllabus which is much closer to the A'levels syllabus and recently in the past two years many students from A'levels have been able to secure top marks in the UHS MCAT. I can't say the same thing about other provinces, though. But with a 90% equivalency, you can do well in any case by working a bit more hard.
Why do A'levels?
Do A'levels if you have a good enough O'levels result as you'll already be done with 73% of the FSC by then if you choose A'levels.
Do FSC if you have an average result in O'levels as doing FSC will give you a renewed chance of improvement.
The final choice is yours.
The A'levels Equivalency
Now the first question is that how does the IBCC equate FSC and A'levels students. They have a simple formula where they use the 8 compulsory subjects of your O'levels and 3 subjects of A'levels. The formula is as such that you get 90 marks for an A*, 85 for an A, 75 for a B and so on.
For example, you get 6A*s, an A and a B in O'levels and you get 2A*s and a A in A'levels, your FSC equivalency will be calculated as follows:
6*90+85+75=700 (O'levels) + 265 (2*90+85 in A'levels)= 965
Do you see an anomaly over here? About 73% of the equivalency is comprised of your O'level subjects. That means when you enter A'levels you are already done with 73% of the equivalent FSC and even if you don't do well in A'levels it won't make a grave difference to your FSC equivalent marks.
Advantages of the A*
With the introduction of the A*, the A'levels students are no more at a disadvantage. Apart from the top most students of FSC, getting a 90% equivalency is not an easy task for FSC students. But I'm pretty sure that the proportion of A'levels students with straight A*s (that gives you a 90% equivalency) are much more than FSC students with > 90% marks so we are actually at an advantage here.
Performance in the MCAT
One problem students have when opting for A'levels is the possibility of poor performance in the MCAT due to the pro-FSC syllabus. But let me make one thing clear for you guys that studying FSC books once we are done with A'levels (which are essential to get the best in the entry tests) can only be of advantage to us. Plus, the Punjab UHS MCAT has a strict syllabus which is much closer to the A'levels syllabus and recently in the past two years many students from A'levels have been able to secure top marks in the UHS MCAT. I can't say the same thing about other provinces, though. But with a 90% equivalency, you can do well in any case by working a bit more hard.
Why do A'levels?
Now let me come to the reason why you guys have this question in your mind.
- Firstly, you have studied continuously in the CIE exams type environment so it is always preferred to continue with the same.
- Then you guys have the choice to opt for Mathematics and other subjects and keep your options open while opting for pre-medical in FSC binds you to one field with very less other options.
- Then the question of conceptual studies arises. It is quite clear that there is a huge difference between the examination pattern of our local boards and the A'levels. With the latter one always preferred. And this is one major reason why people prefer to continue with the same British curriculum rather than shifting to the local one.
- Lastly, you'll have a slight edge when it comes to admissions in private institutions like the Aga Khan University due to the all round personality you develop as part of the A'levels programme.
Why do FSC?
Eventhough I support A'levels, I've yet come across several advantages of doing FSC.
Verdict
- First of all, if you don't get good grades in O'levels for example a Matric equivalency of less than 85% with no A*s or a few Bs then it is much better if you do FSC. As I have stated above, about 73% of the A'levels equivalency is comprised of the O'levels result so an average O'levels result will truly damage your equivalency even if you achieve 3A*s, that is the maximum possible, in A'levels. So for those with an average O'levels result and with strong aspirations of entering a government medical university should seriously consider doing FSC instead of A'levels.
- Secondly, doing FSC gives you an idea and prepares you for the hardships and different style of education that you have to go through during the medical studies at the government institutions. It isn't difficult to adjust in the new environment after A'levels either but obviously the FSC students have a slight edge at the beginning.
Verdict
Do A'levels if you have a good enough O'levels result as you'll already be done with 73% of the FSC by then if you choose A'levels.
Do FSC if you have an average result in O'levels as doing FSC will give you a renewed chance of improvement.
The final choice is yours.
