First off, what is IB? The program was meant to be a rigorous, internationally recognized diploma for entry into universities that students all around the world could earn. You can read more about the history and philosophy of the IB program on the official IB website. An IB Diploma is a credential issued to students by the IB, and is recognized by most colleges and universities I'll go into more detail on this below.
Not all students who pursue an IB Diploma will actually receive one, though. To earn an IB Diploma , you have to go to an IB-approved school called an IB World School and meet all the requirements , including taking classes in the six subject groups, passing their respective exams, and completing three additional core requirements.
Don't want to pursue the Diploma? Some schools allow you to take a few IB classes without doing the full-blown IB Diploma Programme , though each high school sets its own policy. My school, for instance, did not allow anyone who was not a Diploma candidate to take IB classes. This is why it's so important to find out a school's policy before you decide to attend.
Search for a school in your area using this complete list of IB schools in the United States, and then email that school's IB coordinator to ask about their policy. In total, 5, schools around the world offer IB programs. This includes the Diploma Programme as well as the career program and programs specifically for elementary and middle school students.
You can also take certain IB classes online through Pamoja Education. Though each school has slightly different qualifications for earning credit for IB classes, most colleges will give you credit for IB HL classes with an exam score of 5 or higher.
Some colleges will even waive your General Education requirements for those students with an IB Diploma. Others, such as the University of Southern California my alma mater , will give you a full year's worth of credit if you have an IB Diploma. Whereas AP exams are typically all or mostly multiple choice, IB exams are mostly written, essay-based.
IB classes tend to have a wider worldview as well, making you read loads of foreign books, learn foreign history, and study a foreign language. AP classes focus more heavily on the test material. IB is a more well-rounded education , in my opinion, because you're required to submit a written component typically a report or essay that will count toward your ultimate IB score in addition to taking the exam at the end of the course.
For example, for science classes, you must complete extensive lab reports. Meanwhile, for history, you are required to do an extensive report on a specific subject that aligns with the history you're learning about, and you get to choose the topic you write about. In , 2. By contrast, only about , students took IB exams in May , and 88, of those were in the US. IB is also more expensive than AP classes. Though this is a lot of money, it's much less than the tuition you would pay for the same intro-level college course.
Many schools also have their own financial aid programs for IB. College courses are expensive and time-consuming, so the ability to earn credit while in high school can be extremely valuable. According to the International Baccalaureate Programme, graduates are more likely to enroll in some of the highest-ranking schools around the world. Students and families who are looking into more challenging alternatives to the traditional high school curriculum may come across Advanced Placement AP options along with IB.
Both programs offer college-level courses to high school students, but there are many key differences that should be examined before determining whether one is a better fit over the other.
Noting the similarities and differences between these programs can help students make the right decision for them and their academic and personal goals. Preparing for IB can be an intimidating and, at times, confusing process. Both deciding on an IB program and doing well once enrolled takes a lot of early preparation. These tips can help students determine whether or not IB is a good fit for them, and can help ensure they stay on track and get the most from their IB program without getting overwhelmed.
Students often have the ability to visit their intended IB program and see for themselves how the program works. IB is very writing-intensive, can involve a lot of group projects and challenges students to think critically about potentially controversial subjects in order to gain a strong understanding of cultural differences.
Doing well in an IB program can help students get into top colleges, but if that is the only reason for enrolling in IB, students may want to consider options like AP. Often, students need to travel to get to the nearest IB program.
The feasibility of this should be taken into account when deciding if IB is a good fit. Students and their families should talk to school counselors to make sure they are aware of and understand IB and its alternatives. Using a calendar or planner to block out specific study time between school and extracurriculars will help students make sure they dedicate enough time to their coursework to succeed in IB. This will take some advanced planning, but making sure they have enough time for school and being a high schooler will help students maintain good mental health and general wellbeing.
Students can make plans and calendars with IB advisors to make sure they manage their time well. Staying on top of subject material and outside stressors will help them do well throughout the program and keep from falling behind.
Developing and maintaining relationships with teachers and peers will make the IB experience easier and more enjoyable. Explore these resources to help you make informed decisions and prepare for whatever is thrown your way.
Connect with a community of peers, and find a program that will allow you to continue your education in a fast and flexible way. An Overview of IB, Benefits and Tips for Success High-achieving students preparing for high school and beyond have many options and opportunities to push their educations further. This high school clearly knows the IB Program well, and you or your child will be much more likely to receive an IB Diploma by attending here.
The following list is organized alphabetically by US state. Trying to figure out what extracurriculars you should do? Learn more about participating in the Science Olympiad , starting a club , doing volunteer work , and joining Student Government. Studying for the SAT? Check out our complete guide to the SAT.
If you're planning to take it in the next month or so, you'll definitely want to read our guide to cramming for the SAT. Not sure where you want to go to college? Get tips with our guide to finding your target school. One of the single most important parts of your college application is what classes you choose to take in high school in conjunction with how well you do in those classes.
Our team of PrepScholar admissions experts have compiled their knowledge into this single guide to planning out your high school course schedule. She loves watching students succeed and is committed to helping you get there. Dora received a full-tuition merit based scholarship to University of Southern California. She graduated magna cum laude and scored in the 99th percentile on the ACT. She is also passionate about acting, writing, and photography. Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.
See how other students and parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. Ask questions; get answers. How to Get a Perfect , by a Perfect Scorer. Score on SAT Math. Score on SAT Reading. Score on SAT Writing. What ACT target score should you be aiming for? How to Get a Perfect 4. How to Write an Amazing College Essay. A Comprehensive Guide. Choose Your Test.
According to one IB coordinator, "IB allows schools to not count some students' scores, so the school will not drop the student in order to help their percentage.
What the admission criteria for their IB Programme is. Usually, this differs from the high school's overall admission criteria. The overall graduation rate. Pedro Menendez High School St. Murphy High School Mobile W. Lucie High School Port St. Petersburg High School St. Martin Luther King Jr. Paul's School Brooklandville St. Paul St. Paul Harding High School St. Louis St.
Robinson, Jr. General William H. Harrison Preparatory School Lakewood Mt. Dora Seigel. About the Author. Search the Blog Search. Find Out How. Get the latest articles and test prep tips! Looking for Graduate School Test Prep? Pedro Menendez High School.
Petersburg High School. Ramsay Alternative High School.
0コメント