Entry in the DP

The International Baccalaureate Programme believes at its core that every student deserves an equal opportunity of entering the world of international education. Bearing this in mind, and taking into account NOVA students’ university preferences, individual learning strengths, and a keen personal interest, we believe that most NOVA students are capable of fulfilling the requirements for one or more IB subjects, namely, the internally and externally assessed components, formalized by the exam(s) at the end of the second year of the subject (May of the student’s senior year). 

When considering the structure, logistics, and overall philosophy of the full IB Diploma, it needs to be once again emphasized that this is a rigorous academic program open to those students who see themselves as inquirers, knowledgeable thinkers, versed communicators, principled and open-minded risk-takers, i.e., reflective knowers. (Please refer to the IB Learner Profile characteristics.)

Along those lines, as a school we look at the following entry criteria for potential DP candidates:

1. A cumulative score of at least 8 GPA points on our 12.0 scale (a B average) maintained throughout grades 9 and 10;

2. A positive attendance (no more than 15% absences per subject) and academic honesty record;

3. Exemplary growth-oriented attitude

Students apply to the IBDP in the second semester of 10th grade. They submit an application portfolio consisting of the following elements:

• Application form with a motivational letter

• Short interview with counselor and DP coordinator if there are concerns

Students undertaking the IBDP need to be aware of the key attributes asked of each IB Diploma candidate worldwide, leading to a successful completion of the diploma requirements; these include: strong personal motivation, excellent time management skills, and an organizational aptitude. A student’s academic placement in NOVA’s IBDP would be individually reviewed, namely with each potential student personally, their families and the school’s counselors/advisors, if they fall somewhere in between said criteria. In such cases, a conditional contract with clearly stipulated criteria will be issued. The school retains the final decision making in this matter.

Students new to NOVA and the programme will sit for placement tests in English and Mathematics. The student’s GPA must be a minimum of a B (8 points on a 12 scale). Macedonian (any non-native English speaking) students must score the Mastery Level on the Measure of Academic Progress test (MAP), the English placement test. It is recommended for Grade 10 students to have completed Algebra 2 and Geometry in order to continue with IB Mathematics. New students will also be asked to submit a motivational letter and graded academic sample, followed by an interview with the DP coordinator and counselor.

Students, in order to have a place in the Nova IB Program, must be in agreement to maintain at least a 90% attendance rate, to meet all Nova IB deadlines given by teachers and advisors, and to continuously exemplify the IB Learner Profile.  Students who do not meet these obligations may be “suspended” from full IB Diploma status.  It is clear that missing school and missing deadlines results in poor IB performance.