Exams and curricula William can guide you through
Cambridge, the IB, A Levels, BTEC, IGCSE, the SAT, the ACT, TOEFL and the GED. One guide who knows how they fit together, and which one fits you.
What he guides
Nine routes to university
Cambridge International
IGCSE, AS and A Level
Cambridge International programmes are taught in schools around the world. IGCSE is usually taken at about 14 to 16, and AS and A Level at about 16 to 19.
How William helps. Choosing subjects, study plans for each exam series, and matching your results to university entry requirements.
IB Diploma and IB programmes
PYP, MYP and Diploma
The International Baccalaureate Diploma is a two-year pre-university course with six subjects, plus Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and CAS.
How William helps. Subject combinations, the Extended Essay topic, time planning across the two years, and how universities read IB results.
A Levels
UK and international schools
A Levels are subject-based qualifications, often taken in three subjects. Many universities make offers based on predicted and final grades.
How William helps. Subject choice for the course you want, balancing workload, and planning the application around your grades.
BTEC
Career-related qualifications
BTECs are practical, career-related qualifications assessed through projects and coursework. Many universities accept some BTECs, and the rules differ by course.
How William helps. Checking which universities and courses accept your BTEC, and combining it with other qualifications when needed.
IGCSE
Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel
IGCSEs are international qualifications taken in many subjects, usually at the end of secondary school.
How William helps. Picking subjects that keep doors open, and building a revision plan that you can keep.
SAT
US university admission test
The SAT is a standardised test run by College Board. Many US universities accept it, and some do not require it. Policies change, so each university's page decides.
How William helps. Deciding whether to take it, choosing test dates, and building a practice schedule.
ACT
US university admission test
The ACT is another standardised test accepted by US universities. Whether the SAT or the ACT suits you depends on how you work.
How William helps. Comparing the two with a practice test, then planning your preparation.
TOEFL
English language test
TOEFL is an English test used for university admission, run by ETS. Many universities also accept other tests such as IELTS.
How William helps. Checking what your universities accept, setting a target score from their pages, and practising the four skills.
GED
High school equivalency
The GED is a US high school equivalency credential. It can give a second route to university for people who did not finish high school.
How William helps. A full pathway: starting level, study plan, test strategy and university options. See the GED page.
The GED pathwayExam rules, scores and university requirements change every year. William checks the official sources with you. He is not an exam board or a test centre, and no adviser can promise a result.
Why it matters
Choosing the right exam changes the options
- The same student can follow different routes to the same university. The best route depends on country, course and strengths.
- A wrong choice at 14 or 16 can close doors. A right one keeps them open.
- Most families only see one system. William has guided students across several, in schools in different countries.