I have seen plenty of straight-A students struggle and fall short with IB, and grades are never the root cause.
Many parents hold a one-sided belief: if their child scores highly in regular exams, IB will be a smooth ride for them. But anyone who has gone through the full IB journey knows this is the biggest misconception out there.
Today we share the genuine journey of a top-performing student. She started her studies at Tianfu No.7 High School, then moved to Anglo-Chinese School (ACS) International Singapore, and finally secured an offer from Nanyang Technological University with an IB score of 40.
Her cohort was exceptionally talented. Three students from ACS Class of 2024 even achieved a perfect full score of 45, gaining admission to Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge respectively. Even as someone who personally reaped the benefits of a high IB score, she sincerely advises everyone: do not rush into IB lightly.
Drawing from her firsthand experience, she offers clear insights into the strengths of Singapore’s international education framework and how to map out academic plans across different learning stages.
✅ What makes IB truly challenging?
✅ What type of student is well-suited for IB?
✅ Beyond academic scores, what preparations are required for university applications?✅ How can university counsellors support students throughout the admissions process?
✅ What does a long-term career plan entail?
Taylor × NTU Top Student Q&A
Q: What final IB score did you achieve?A: I scored 40 points.Our ACS Class of 2024 boasted a very high average IB score. Three seniors hit the full mark of 45 that year — one went to Imperial College London, and the other two to the University of Cambridge.
Q: Many people say IB is extremely tough. What is your take on its challenges, and which students are a better fit for this curriculum?A:It is indeed demanding.Every IB subject requires an independent research project, which demands massive time and energy for in-depth investigation. Students also have to balance daily coursework, assignments and formal exams all at once, bringing consistent pressure on every front.
The biggest distinction between IB and other curricula is its emphasis on critical thinking. Both arts and sciences modules require students to analyse arguments from opposing perspectives. Every exam response and research paper calls for profound critical reasoning, which is intellectually taxing.
IB is not suitable for everyone. If your child matures later mentally, A-Level may be a better choice — it offers clearer, more singular academic goals. IB, on the other hand, works best for self-disciplined students with strong time-management skills.
Q: Aside from your IB results, what extra preparations did you make for your NTU application?A: I started mapping out my undergraduate admissions strategy the summer after finishing IGCSE, with Grade 11 IB being my core preparation phase. I took part in mathematics competitions and academic essay contests, and one of my research papers was officially published.
Q: How did your teachers support you with university applications during school?A: I first drafted my personal statement independently, then submitted it to my Economics and Mathematics teachers to refine its academic content. After polishing it with AI tools, I worked closely with the university counsellor to revise it repeatedly through multiple iterations before final submission.
Q: Could you share your long-term career plan?A: This question hits a pain point for me! As a sophomore, it’s hard to lock down a definitive career path right now. I major in Economics and plan to take Finance as my minor in Year 3. In the long run, I aim to build a career within the finance sector.
Key Takeaways for All Parents Choosing an International Curriculum
IB is never a shortcut reserved for high-scoring students. It evaluates a full spectrum of abilities: time management, academic writing, and community engagement. Students who only excel at rote exam practice often struggle to adapt.
Do not select a curriculum based purely on its reputation. Match the programme to your child’s personality, study habits and target country for higher education. Singapore’s British IGCSE/A-Level pathway is equally outstanding for securing top university offers.
Overseas university admissions rely on far more than just exam scores. Long-term profile building and a well-paced application timeline carry more weight than last-minute cramming.
Families planning young children’s overseas education must draw up long-term plans well in advance. The earlier you identify a curriculum that fits your child, the less burnout and detours they will face down the line.
If you are still uncertain about picking an international curriculum or mapping out your child’s overseas study journey, this top student’s real-life experience will offer valuable reference for you.
