FAQ

What math class do I need for Engineering?

Typically, you will need IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches HL. You also often need to take IB Physics, and possibly IB Chemistry, depending on exactly what type of engineering you are studying. 

Do I need letters of recommendations and who do I ask?

For many universities you do, but not all. We will share a lot of information on this in 11th grade. In general, you usually want 2-3 from teachers whose courses are aligned with what you plan to study. For the US, if there's a teacher who you have gotten to know as part of your extracurricular acitivty, they may also provide a good recommendation.

If a US university has multiple deadlines, does it matter which one I apply to?

If you are interested in receiving scholarship offers, it's better to apply to the earliest deadline in order to be considered for them. In general, the earliest deadline usually has a higher acceptance rate as well (but can also have more competitive applicants). In many cases (but not all), you will be considered again in later admissions cycles if you weren't accepted in the first cycle.

How many essays/personal statements will I have to write for university applications?

It depends on where you're applying. For the UK, you will only write one personal statement, focused on academics and experiences aligned with your course of study. For the US, you will write a personal statement that´s more creative, but that generally explains why you want to study what you´re studying. You can write a different one for every school you apply to, and many univeristies also have additional smaller essay topics for you to answer. For Dutch and Danish applications, you usually don't have much writing to do. 

What grades matter most when applying to university?

Generally, when you first submit your application, universities look at grades 9-11. They like to either see high marks throughout, or at least growth over time (depending on the university). After you apply, they generally will still want to see your final grades after you graduate to confirm you either maintained your academic level or met your offer requirements.

What are the graduation/diploma options at CIS?

We have three:

1. The CIS high school diploma (an American diploma). You will be in the same courses as IB students, but with less assignments and not taking IB exams. You also don't have to do the Extended Essay or ToK, although they are encouraged. This allows you to focus on your studies, have time for extracurricular activities, or not stress about IB exams.

2. The CIS high school diploma + IB Certificates. In this option you can take IB courses (and exams) in your area of strength/interests. This can either gain you college credits or help with admissions requirements to certain universities (university dependent). 

3. The IB DIploma + high school diploma. Our most rigorous curriculumn. You will earn your high school diploma when you graduate, and you will be an IB Diploma Candidate while in grades 11 & 12 at CIS. Earning the IB Diploma is dependent in your final scores, released in July after you graduate.