CHOOSING between A Levels and the International Baccalaureate can be daunting, especially when asked to consider your entire future when making such a pivotal decision.

About to enter the final year of my degree, I now realise just how much the IB helped to prepare me for university life, more so than A Levels would have done.

The International Baccalaureate diploma requires students to study six subjects, as well as Theory of Knowledge (ToK) which is an exploration of the different types of knowledge. Although I didn't find ToK the most functional task since leaving school, other aspects of the diploma have been useful.

Aside from academic studies, the IB has an extra-curricular component built in, known as C.A.S. (Creativity Action Service), whereby students must get in touch with their creative side, stay active and take part in voluntary service in order to benefit the wider community. 

Ideally teenagers should pursue these aims anyway but they sometimes need an extra push. The fact that IB students must follow this guide in order to receive their diploma instils in them a focus on living a well-rounded lifestyle. 

These skills are essential at university, participation in extra-curricular activities is fundamental for development, meeting new people and making the most of university the experience. It's also a pretty important exercise when it comes to applying for jobs. I certainly underestimated how voluntary work and involvement in societies would look good to employers.

Not only does the IB take into account skills that are invaluable for higher education, it also looks beyond university to the career market. 

Whilst A Levels remain the norm, I was grateful to be given a choice and thankful I chose the IB. 

Lydia Webb is a student