How Course Selection Impacts College Admissions

As spring arrives, students at the International School of Boston begin looking ahead with excitement and intention. Course selection is a significant milestone, and one that our college counseling team and curriculum coordinators approach as a true partnership with students and families. This is a moment for us to listen, guide, and support each student in making choices that are right for them.

In my work with ISB students and families, I often see how these decisions help students begin to shape the academic story they will carry with them into the college admissions process.

The transition from Grade 10 to Grade 11 is particularly significant, as students begin to develop a clearer sense of who they are academically and where their passions lie. Thoughtful course selection plays an important role in shaping that journey.

The Story Behind the Transcript

The transcript is one of the most closely examined documents in a college application. Admissions representatives use it to understand a student’s high school story, including the choices made, challenges embraced, and interests pursued. Colleges want to see that students have challenged themselves within the context of what is available at their school.

At ISB, we offer two globally recognized programs that are considered among the most rigorous curricula available anywhere. Many universities view both the French Baccalaureate and the International Baccalaureate as comparable to college-level coursework.

Both programs also offer a bilingual diploma option that is widely recognized and valued by universities. At ISB, a significant proportion of our students pursue this distinction. For example, in 2024, 50% of our International Baccalaureate Diploma recipients earned the Bilingual Diploma, compared to 25% of students globally.

Both pathways can also be tailored to a student’s individual interests. For this reason, universities pay close attention not only to what courses students choose, but also to how those choices reflect their interests and goals.

The French Baccalaureate

Students in the French Baccalaureate system are evaluated in the context of their chosen specialty tracks and academic focus. Admissions officers often consider:

• The specialty subjects selected in Première and Terminale
• The depth and ambition of the academic pathway chosen
• Consistency and performance within the chosen track

Students may follow either the standard French Baccalaureate pathway or the BFI (Baccalauréat Français International), the bilingual option in which students study core subjects in both French and English. The BFI is widely regarded by universities as a particularly rigorous and specialized pathway. A student considering engineering or economics, for example, should demonstrate strong preparation in mathematics and relevant sciences.

A student leaning toward the humanities or social sciences may wish to show depth in literature, philosophy, history, or language studies. Alignment between course choices and future academic interests can be an important part of the application narrative.

The International Baccalaureate (IB)

Students enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) are evaluated on several important aspects of their course selection:

• The selection of Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL) courses
• Academic balance across subject groups
• The rigor of HL subjects relative to future goals

Students may also complete the bilingual IBDP by taking two languages at the Language A level. Only about 25 percent of IB students worldwide complete the bilingual diploma, making it a distinctive academic achievement that universities recognize.

Selective universities expect students to embrace academic challenges, particularly in areas aligned with their intended field of study. Students interested in STEM fields may consider Higher Level mathematics and relevant sciences, while those pursuing the humanities often benefit from strong preparation in writing-intensive and analytical subjects.

Making the Right Choice

Many universities award advanced college credit to students who complete the IBDP and/or the French Baccalaureate. Policies and credit amounts vary by institution, but the benefits can be significant.

Students may be able to graduate early, sometimes by as much as a full year, reduce tuition costs, gain greater scheduling flexibility, study abroad for longer periods, or simply explore courses outside their major.

When visiting universities, attending college fairs, or speaking with admissions representatives, it can be helpful to ask how their institution recognizes these diplomas and whether advanced credit may be available.

Continuing the Conversation

Course selection conversations at ISB are part of an ongoing process that begins early in a student’s academic journey. As students transition from Grade 5 to Grade 6, families begin discussing course loads that emphasize either French or English. These conversations continue through Grades 8 and 9 as students begin selecting their academic track.

Each spring, they take on new importance as Grade 10 students begin preparing for the final two years of high school. Our college counseling team meets with students and families, alongside curriculum track leaders, to help review options and support thoughtful, confident decisions.

Families are always welcome to schedule an individual appointment with our College Counseling Office if they have questions about course selection or would like to discuss their student’s academic pathway.

About the Author: Stephanie Sweeney is the Director of College Counseling at the International School of Boston. Stephanie is an ISB alumna, having attended the school from Kindergarten through Grade 5. She brings nearly 20 years of experience in international college admissions at two Boston institutions, where she worked with students from around the world. Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Emmanuel College and Master of Education from Suffolk University and speaks English, French, and Spanish. She enjoys guiding ISB students as they explore university opportunities across multiple countries.