Choose The Right Subjects In Class 12 For Ease Of Admissions To Foreign Universities

Subject selection in high school or Class 12 plays a crucial role in determining admissions and academic pathways both within and outside India. Most students typically make these subject choices in Class 11, with subjects being uniform for all students till that point. Hence, subject choice is one of the strongest indicators of a student’s intended academic specialisation. It should reflect the student’s academic interests, strengths, and most importantly – subject areas that the student would like to explore through their undergraduate journeys and beyond. It is hence, needless to say that making the correct subject selection in high school or higher secondary grades, is important in securing admissions to prestigious universities abroad for undergraduate studies.

Importance of Subject Decisions

Academic Alignment

Selecting relevant subjects in high school demonstrates your academic alignment with the field of study you wish to pursue at the undergraduate level. Admissions committees often look for applicants who have a strong foundation in subjects related to their intended major. For example, if you plan to study engineering, taking subjects like physics, mathematics, and computer science will showcase your proficiency and commitment to the field.

Prerequisites and Entry Requirements

Different undergraduate programmes and universities have specific subject prerequisites and entry requirements. By carefully selecting the right subjects in high school, you can ensure that you meet these requirements. This is particularly important for competitive programs or universities that have strict prerequisites, such as specific science subjects for medical or engineering programmes. Mathematics is an important prerequisite for engineering, business, and science programmes across the world (it is even required for the study of BSc in Psychology in Canada). Students who seek to study visual and performing arts are also advised to undertake some coursework related to these subjects.

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Academic Performance

Subject selection can also impact your academic performance in high school. Choosing subjects that align with your strengths and interests increases the likelihood of achieving excellent grades. Strong academic performance is highly valued by prestigious universities abroad, as it indicates your ability to handle the rigour of their programmes. It is important to play to one’s strengths, especially in scenarios as competitive as undergraduate admissions to leading universities abroad.

Demonstrating Depth and Breadth

Prestigious universities often value a combination of depth and breadth in an applicant's academic profile. By selecting a mix of subjects across different disciplines, you can showcase your intellectual curiosity, interdisciplinary skills, and versatility. This can be particularly beneficial for universities that emphasise a holistic approach to education. For example: even if psychology is not a ‘business-related’ paper, taking that up in high school shows curiosity and a knack for a liberal-arts based academic approach. These align closely with principles of undergraduate studies in the United States.

Impression on Admissions Committees

Subject selection can reflect your passion, commitment, and intellectual rigour. Choosing challenging subjects and performing well in them demonstrates your dedication to academic excellence. Admissions committees at prestigious universities abroad are likely to view such achievements favourably, as it showcases your preparedness and potential for success at their institution.

In summary, subject selection in high school is crucial for securing admissions to prestigious universities abroad. It helps demonstrate your academic alignment, meet entry requirements, showcase your strengths, and make a positive impression on admissions committees. It's essential to research the specific subject requirements of your target universities and tailor your high school subject choices accordingly.

Factors To Consider While Selecting Subjects

When it comes to subject selection for Indian students planning to study abroad after high school, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. While there are country and university specific nuances that should be considered by students, here are some general subject selection decisions to consider:

English

This is literally a non-negotiable, English proficiency is absolutely essential for studying abroad. Ensure that you take up and excel in English language and literature courses throughout your high school journey as they form the foundation of effective communication skills, which are highly valued by universities abroad.

Core Subjects

Focus on core subjects that align with your intended field of study. For instance, if you're interested in engineering, prioritise subjects like physics, chemistry, and mathematics. If you're aiming for a business or economics-related programme, subjects such as economics, accounting, and business studies are valuable. Taking up core subjects and being a top scorer in at least one or two of these papers positions a student strongly for selection as it indicates the potential of excellence in competitive environments.

Electives

Explore elective subjects that complement your intended major and demonstrate a well-rounded education. These could include subjects like computer science, psychology, foreign languages, or visual arts. Electives that showcase critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity can strengthen your profile.

Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) Programmes

If available, consider enrolling in AP or IB programmes. These rigorous academic programmes offer advanced coursework and assessments that can enhance your academic profile and demonstrate your readiness for university-level studies. In addition to improving the chances of selection in competitive programmes, taking up Advanced Placement courses can also reduce the time and monetary investment that students are required to take whilst studying foundation-level courses in their freshman years. Students can simply earn these credits prior to joining university.

Also check - Studying Abroad After Class 10: Things To Keep In Mind

Consider University Requirements

Research the subject requirements of the universities you're interested in. Some universities may have specific prerequisites or recommend certain subjects for admission to particular programs. Tailor your subject choices accordingly to meet these requirements. For example, the University of Toronto requires students who seek to study Biology at the undergraduate level to have taken up Mathematics in Grade 11 and 12.

It's essential to research the specific subject requirements of your target universities. Admissions websites, course catalogues, and programme descriptions are excellent resources for understanding the subject prerequisites and recommendations of each institution.

Overall, a thoughtful and strategic approach to subject selection can strengthen your application and increase your chances of securing admissions to universities abroad. Consulting experts within and beyond your school to better understand subject requirements, choices, and their implications in admissions for different universities.