ENTRANCE QUALIFICATIONS

Selection is made on the basis of both academic and non-academic qualifications: 

i) General
The International Baccalaureate is a demanding academic program. Students are expected to both cope with the academic load, as well as participate fully in the life of the College. To be seriously considered by UWC Bahamas, students should have successfully completed BGCSE's with a minimum 'B+' average or to have done so by June of the academic year of application. High school students who are taking IGCSE exams would also be expected to have completed IGCSE’s with a minimum ‘B+ equivalency.

NOTE: For students applying who will take National Examinations (BGCSEs) or Equivalent AFTER the Bahamas UWC Application deadline:

• Final Official Student Selection and ratification depends on ALL components of an application.
• Valid, up to date Bahamian Passport/Bahamian Permanent Residency certificate/document(s).
• Final official BGCSEs (or equivalents: see above) MUST be presented to the Bahamas National committee for review.
• The Bahamas UWC National committee reserves the right to revoke ANY selection in the interests of the UWC ideals such as poor examination results that do not measure up to their application or the rigorous academic expectations of the United World College and the Bahamas UWC National committee.
• If not currently residing within the Bahamas, equivalent National, Regional, International academic examinations (O-Levels, A-Levels, Advanced Placements Tests [AP's], Caribbean Secondary Education Certificates [CSEC's], IGCSEs, International Baccalaureate [IBs]) with minimum 'B+' average (O-Levels), 2s (CSEC's), 4s (APs) or 5s (IBs) will be accepted as adequate substitutes.
• Have strong transcript and reference letters from teachers, community leaders and/or counsellors.
• Competitive standardised Test Scores (example: High SAT I scores). Equivalent standardised Test Scores (such as ACTs) are also acceptable. Additional high standardised Test Scores are advantageous.
• Preferably between 17 and 18 years of age. Must not be 18 years old by the starting date at UWC colleges.
• A sound knowledge of the English language is required. A working knowledge of English Literature is advantageous. Linguistic ability (in English as well as other foreign languages: Spanish, French, Italian, German, Mandarin, etc.) is advantageous.

All International Baccalaureate examinations may be written in either French, English or Spanish.

ii) Non- Academic Considerations
Successful applicants will have a genuine enthusiasm for the aims of the United World Colleges, such as the idea of understanding between peoples of widely differing cultures. An openness of mind is essential. Students need to approach new and unfamiliar experiences with enthusiasm, balance and good humour. They should be able to accept and enjoy customs and attitudes that are vastly different from their own. The United World Colleges and the Bahamas UWC Selection Committee look for students who are socially mature and morally responsible with outstanding social and community service.

Beyond this, successful applicants have active and proven interests in the world in which we live. This could manifest itself in such interests as writing, painting, the environment, economics, politics, government, religion, and travel.