A’ levels vs FSc

Pre-med students in Pakistan must take the MDCAT to get into a medical college in Pakistan; it takes place around August-September each year all across the country. The syllabus of the test is mostly based on FSc books, due to which A’ levels students are at a slight disadvantage. They have to study the entire FSc syllabus for MDCAT about 2 months before the exams. Whereas their FSc peers have already covered the entire syllabus comprehensively in the previous 2 years. However, this isn’t as big of a disadvantage as it seems because A’ levels course in itself is quite vast, and most of the concepts are the same as in FSc. Moreover, since A’ level develops on the problem-solving skills too, MDCAT, which is an aptitude test, becomes somewhat easier as well.

A’ level students suffer slightly in the affair of equivalence too, as it’s a common factor that the marks of O/A’ levels students are reduced when their grades are changed into marks to form merit, so that they can apply to a medical college. However, in 2021, the British Council introduced a new equivalence system which has benefited A’ levels students while getting into a university in Pakistan as now they can get around 93% for an A*. This is beneficial for A’ levels students as they have more of a chance to get into a government medical college. Not only that, but the equivalence criteria has been revised thoroughly in the wake of the introduction of grading systems in the Matric/FSc stream. The equivalence is now more lenient than ever for A’ level students, with little to no disadvantage to the A’ levels students now. Want to see for yourself? 

1. A* Equivalent Marks of A-Levels for Examination Session 2023
2. A* Equivalent Marks of O-Levels for Examination Session 2023
3. Example for Calculating A-Levels Equivalence

As mentioned above, A’ levels students used to suffer due to the equivalence factor that led them to get into private colleges, which are tremendously expensive; compared to government colleges but in recent times this situation has gotten better due to the equivalence. 

MDCAT is an MCQ-based, analytical exam, and it tests your profound memory and discipline; for its comprehensive study is required, this might give FSc students an upper hand. However, the MCQ solving techniques inculcated in A’ level exams are quite beneficial in solving MDCAT MCQs. 

In the end, there is no right or wrong answer to this question. The choice is yours. You should ponder upon the facts discussed above and align the pros and cons of each education system with your situation and abilities. It is true that doing FSc used to be the best option for medical, but times have changed now and you should thoroughly think over this decision, given the changes in the equivalence criteria alongside the SLO-based curriculum and grading criteria changes in FSc which have brought A’ levels students right on par with the FSc students. And even previously, it was also true that several students got into renowned medical colleges after doing their A’ levels in Pakistan.

Everyone has a different situation that challenges them and urges them to take different steps in their journey to achieve their goals, so it’s up to you to choose your path. Maybe Maryam Api is not right. At the end of the day, for MDCAT, whether you choose FSc or A’ levels, repeat memorisation and discipline are key, so you can check out our blog for tips on forming a daily schedule for MDCAT to attain discipline and work in the right direction to achieve your goals. For more such guides and a wealth of tips and tricks, check out Mojza’s library of blogs to keep upskilling, with a designated blog upload each week!

A’ levels or FSc, they both are going to be a completely new experience. It’s going to be difficult regardless of what you choose. Nothing is going to be a piece of cake, and that is the bitter reality; however, you must set your mind straight and work towards your goals. I am sure that with immense hard work and consistency, everything would work out in the end, and you would get into a medical college of your choice!