US Universities
Singapore-Cambridge Pathways to US High Schools and Universities
Cambridge curriculum pathways support seamless progression, globally valued qualifications, and long-term flexibility for students considering US progression for high school and undergraduate studies.
1. Pathways to US High Schools
The Singapore–Cambridge curriculum pathway provides a strong progression to US high schools. It is aligned to international foundational knowledge and skills and extends beyond them in academic depth, problem-solving and critical thinking.
Student learning is validated through internal assessments and internationally benchmarked measures such as ISA, Cambridge Checkpoints, and Cambridge IGCSE.
Singapore International School which has WASC accreditation, further supports transcript credibility and academic recognition for US high school applications.
This pathway supports smooth progression into US college-preparatory secondary programmes.
2. Pathways to US Universities
US universities do not require students to complete an American curriculum in their home country. Admission decisions are holistic and focus on academic rigor, external assessments and student achievements.
Singapore International School offers the Cambridge curriculum which are recognised by US universities as internationally benchmarked credentials that demonstrate readiness for undergraduate study.
International students are assessed using their own academic performance at Cambridge AS and A Levels, English proficiency tests such as IELTS and in some cases standardized tests such as SAT or ACT, depending on institutional requirements.
US universities do not discriminate between international assessment pathways. Instead, they value the level of academic challenge, consistency of performance and broader student profile.
3. Cambridge Qualifications, AP and University Credit
Cambridge AS and A Levels are eligible for university credit or advanced placement and are comparable to Advanced Placement (AP) at many US universities.
Based on published data from Florida State University, students studying Cambridge programmes earned an average of 15.7 university credits, comparable to AP course credit.
Cambridge A Level academic performance may be used for admission, advanced placement, or course credit, depending on the institution and the intended subjects of study.
In countries like the USA and Canada, good grades in Cambridge qualifications may result in up to one year of university course credit, depending on university admission criteria.
4. Curriculum Comparison: Singapore / Cambridge vs American
| Curriculum Model | American Curriculum | Singapore / Cambridge Curriculum |
|---|---|---|
| Alignment | Direct Common Core alignment | International benchmark for foundational learning, with deeper academic extensions |
| Assessment | School-based, AP optional | Externally moderate IGCSE, AS & A Levels |
| University Recognition | Widely recognised | Widely recognised including QS Top 50 |
| Credit Opportunities | AP-based credit | A Level credit or advanced standing based on strong academic results |
| Global Flexibility | US-focused | US, UK, Australia, Europe, Asia and others |
5. Common Misconceptions
- Is studying at American curriculum required to enter a US university?
- It is not required to study an American curriculum to enter a US university. US universities accept a wide range of international qualifications, including Cambridge AS and A Levels which Singapore International School offers.
- Is AP the only way to earn US university credit?
- AP is not the only way to earn US university credit. Many universities award course credit or advanced placement for Cambridge A Level results.
- Are Cambridge curriculum students disadvantaged in US admissions?
- Cambridge curriculum is not disadvantaged in US admissions. Cambridge qualifications are valued for their international quality, academic rigor and preparation for university-level study.
- Does early transfer to a US high school improve admission chances to US universities?
- A student’s academic performance, profile and extra-curricular activities matter more than curriculum type for admission to US universities.
6. Frequently Asked Questions for US University admissions
Q: Is SAT required?
A: Some universities require SAT or ACT, while others consider them optional depending on the student’s academic profile and chosen programme.
Q: Is Cambridge equivalent to AP?
A: Yes. Cambridge A Levels are academically comparable to AP courses.
Q: Can students earn university credit?
A: Yes. Students with Cambridge qualifications (IGCSE, AS & A Level) can enter top universities including Ivy League schools in the US. Advanced credit is offered for A Levels depending on subject specific admission policies.
These qualifications are highly valued for developing deep subject knowledge and critical thinking.
