International Baccalaureate

The IB (International Baccalaureate) program generally is an optional part of a high school’s curriculum. Sometimes the IB program starts in elementary or middle school. The information we provide here, however, is focused on high school programs. According to the IB website, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program for students aged 16 to 19 is a demanding two-year curriculum leading to final examinations and a qualification that is welcomed by leading universities around the world. There are 1,559 IB World Schools in the United States offering one or more of the three IB programs. 434 schools offer the Primary Years Program, 540 schools offer the Middle Years Program and 828 schools offer the Diploma Program.

Many high schools offer either the IB program or the AP program. Unlike the AP program, many IB schools discourage freshmen and sophomores from taking any IB coursework. The reason for this is that only juniors and seniors may test in an IB course and only scores received during the junior or senior year may count toward the IB diploma. Thus although some high schools may allow a sophomore to take an IB course, the sophomore cannot take the corresponding IB test. This potentially can cause an issue for a student that enters high school ready for accelerated coursework. Parents should meet with their student’s counselor to find out if accommodations will be made for their accelerated student.

Even if a sophomore cannot take the corresponding IB test, there are other options for the sophomore to help the student maximize credit for the IB course. For example, the student could take the AP test in that subject. Alternately, the student could take the SAT Subject Test in that subject. Or the student could do both. If the student elects to take either of these tests, it should go without saying that the student should buy a prep book to help prepare for the test. Sometimes subject matter that will be tested on either the AP or SAT Subject Test is not covered in the IB course.

For juniors and seniors, exams are completed in May with all exams centrally evaluated to set criteria by international examiners. For IB test dates, you can visit http://www.ibo.org/diploma/exams/. Even if the student has taken the IB course, students should prepare for the IB test. Usually instructors receive copies of old test questions. Students should directly ask the teachers for any past exams so that they can see the kinds of questions that are asked and prepare answers for those questions.

To obtain the IB Diploma, students must take 3 SL (Standard Level) exams and 2 HL (Higher Level) exams and a total of 6 tests, and must score a total of 30 points between all the tests taken. Each test is scored from 1 to 7. Individual tests can be taken for courses completed even if the full diploma program is not completed. Sometimes, IB test scores can satisfy requirements for college-level work or an excuse a student from a college requirement. Keep in mind, though, that it may be easier to satisfy college requirements by taking an AP test than by taking an IB test. The reason is because it often is easier to score a 5 on the AP test than it is to score a 7 on the IB test.

The IB diploma is awarded to students who meet the subject requirements, receive a minimum score of 24 points, and satisfactorily complete the core components, including extended essay, theory of knowledge, and creativity, action, service.

Each college or university is responsible for setting its own policies regarding credit for the IB diploma or coursework. A student who wishes to use IB credits received during high school towards college work must make direct contact with the college or university to be certain of the transfer value of the IB coursework. Often specific information is available on the college’s website. For example, if you wish to attend Oregon State University and you have taken several IB tests or have received the IB diploma

Currently AP courses are accepted at virtually all U.S. colleges and universities, while the IB program has more limited acceptance within the U.S. but is growing in popularity.