FAQ

1. What is the difference between and IB Full-Diploma (DP) candidate and and IB course only student?

An IB Full-DP candidate is enrolled in the full IB program consisting of 3 higher level courses, 3 standard level courses (from IB Groups 1-6) and the Theory of Knowledge (ToK)/Research class.  This student is striving to score 24 or more on the combined assessments to earn the IB Diploma in addition to their Texas high school diploma.  Students who complete all requirements as full-DP candidates in good standing will sit at the front of their class at graduation and proudly wear their IB stoles.

An IB course only student in enrolled in personally selected IB courses and are not enrolled in ToK.  The student will get a certificate score report for the each IB class, but are not eligible to earn the IB Diploma.  IB course only students who test in a minimum of 2 IB classes will be awarded an IB Medal to be worn at graduation, but will sit in their alphabetical assigned rows with the general senior population. 

2. What does one accomplish in earning the IB Diploma?

Resiliency, pride, knowledge and skills that certainly rank you among the best in the world. Many public universities as well as some private universities award college credit for passing IB scores. 

3. Can an IB exam be taken without having taken the IB course at Denton High School?

No. Part of the student's final IB score comes from work done in the classroom and is sent off to the IB for scoring.

4. What kind of scholarships does IB give to students?

IB awards no scholarships. Completion of the IB curriculum, however, makes students attractive to those who offer scholarships. Please remember that students must actively seek scholarship opportunities and apply for them AFTER they have been admitted to a university.

5. Who pays for Denton High School IB assessments?

Denton High School currently pays for IB assessments for all Diploma candidates and course only students.  By enrolling in any IB DP course, students are accepting the responsibility to complete all internally and externally assessed components on time.  Failure to complete all assessments on time will result in a testing fee fine passed along to the student.  Currently the cost is $130 for each exam.  

6. Where have Denton High School's graduates attended college?

Please view our banquet programs from previous years to see where our graduates enrolled after Denton High School.  Denton High School full-diploma candidates have been accepted to Cambridge (UK), Harvard, Princeton, Columbia, Dartmouth, Cornell, Yale, UPenn, Stanford, NYU, Georgetown, Harvard, Emory, Notre Dame, DePaul, The University of Chicago, The University of Michigan, The University of Texas and many, many more.  

7. Can you letter in IB? Who pays for the letter jacket?

Students qualify for a letter jacket after completing their first year in the full Diploma Programme.  You will get information when jacket fitting and ordering take place in the spring semester. Students who earn a jacket from another DHS program such as a sports or fine arts, can get an IB patch for their jacket.  Basic letter jackets start at $50. 

College Admissions FAQ: IB Diploma Programme

1. Does the full IB Diploma help with college admissions?
   Yes. Colleges and universities recognize the IB Diploma Programme as one of the most rigorous high school programs available. Admissions officers understand that students completing the full diploma are balancing advanced coursework across multiple disciplines while meeting long‑term deadlines, demonstrating strong academic commitment and perseverance.

2. Is IB viewed differently from AP by colleges?
   Both IB and AP are respected, but the full IB Diploma is often viewed as a more comprehensive and sustained academic challenge. While AP focuses on individual courses, the IB Diploma reflects a cohesive, two‑year program that emphasizes writing, research, critical thinking, and global perspectives across all subjects.

3. Will IB help my student earn college credit?
   Many colleges and universities offer college credit, advanced placement, or course exemptions for higher‑level (HL) IB courses and qualifying exam scores. Policies vary by institution, so we encourage families to review credit policies at colleges of interest. Even when credit is not awarded, IB coursework strongly prepares students for college‑level classes.

4. How does IB prepare students for college workload?
   The IB Programme emphasizes time management, organization, independent learning, and academic writing. Components such as the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and long‑term assessments mirror the expectations students will encounter in college, helping them transition more smoothly to post‑secondary coursework.

5. Will participation in IB hurt my student’s GPA or class rank?
   IB courses are designed to be challenging, but they also help students grow academically. At Denton High School, IB courses are weighted, and students receive strong supports from teachers and the IB team. Colleges typically review GPA within the context of course rigor, recognizing students who challenge themselves academically.

6. Do IB students perform well once they get to college?
   Yes. Research consistently shows that IB Diploma students are more likely to remain in college, perform well academically, and graduate on time. The skills developed through IB, research, writing, analysis, and self‑advocacy, translate directly to college success.

7. Should my student attempt the full diploma or take only individual IB classes?
   This depends on the student’s goals, strengths, and commitment level. However, for college‑focused students who are willing to engage in a challenging program, completing the full IB Diploma provides the greatest long‑term academic and admissions benefits.

8. How will IB help with college essays and applications?
   IB students are excellent writers and reflective thinkers. Experiences from CAS, TOK, and the Extended Essay often provide meaningful topics for college application essays, interviews, and scholarship applications.