What to do after 10th?

Previously Published in the Hindustan Times Education Supplement

I realize September is not normally the time students think about plans after class 10 exams, but if you are considering studying abroad either in 11^th or after 12^th, there are some things you may need to plan for now. Once your 10^th exam results start to come in around next April, you will have a wide range of choices ahead of you. 

IB Diploma: Many students wonder whether they should shift into an international curriculum if they want to study abroad after college. While colleges abroad do accept many students who have completed their 12^th through ISC, HSC, SSC and other boards, many selective colleges acknowledge that the IB prepares students well for college-level work and the challenge of the IB curriculum is taken into account when students apply. Furthermore, IB courses are given credit at most colleges which reduces the number of required courses you need to take in college. If you are thinking about the IB after 10^th, now is the time to get started. Many programs are starting their application process this month (e.g. B.D. Somani International School is hosting an information evening on Sept 10^th). Contact the schools directly to find out their application timelines.

Boarding School Abroad: For some students heading to boarding school in the 11^th grade is the first step toward college. Boarding school can provide a great bridge between school and college that helps build confidence and foster independence. Boarding schools typically require Autumn (Oct, Nov, Dec) appications for the following year intake.  You need to look at the applications and plan which tests  you will need to take, what the application involves and prepare for an interview if necessary. Also, some boarding schools have a waiting list for applications so be sure to check this well in advance.

Early College programs Abroad: Some students are ready for something bigger and better after 10^th grade. Fortunately there are a few innovative options for abitious students who feel they are prepared to enter college early. Among these are The Advanced Academy of Georgia, Shimer Early Entrant program in Chicago (for study of great books), and The Clarkson School in New York State. While most of these programs are hosted within larger traditional colleges, Bard College at Simon’s Rock is a four-year college exclusively designed for younger students. The college admits students after 10^th or 11^th grade and offers amazing opportunities such as a dual degree from Bard and Columbia in thier Pre-Engineering program where students complete 3 years at Simon’s Rock and 2 years at Columbia, earning a degree from both institutions. Many students also transfer after 2 years to top-ranked institutions like Brown, Stanford, UChicago, Berkeley, and NYU. In addition, the college now offers a BA/JD program in Environmental Law with Vermont Law School (3 years at Simon’s Rock and 3 years at Vermont) and boasts an exceptional acceptance record at medical schools in the US. If students feel ready for college now, there are tremendous opportunities awaiting them abroad.

Whatever you decide to do, check into the program requirements early so that you do not miss any testing or application deadlines. And most importantly study hard for you 10^th exams so that you are competitive on your chosen path.