What Is the IB Program, and What Are IB Classes? (2023)

FAQs

What are the IB classes? ›

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a high-level college preparatory program designed for outstanding high school students. Students in the IB program have the option of pursuing either the full IB Diploma or Certificates in one or more areas of selected study.

An IB education provides opportunities to develop both disciplinary and interdisciplinary understanding that meet rigorous standards set by institutions of higher learning around the world. IB programmes offer curriculum frameworks and courses that are broad and balanced, conceptual and connected.

The IB's programmes are different from other curricula because they: encourage students of all ages to think critically and challenge assumptions. develop independently of government and national systems, incorporating quality practice from research and our global community of schools.

IB students are required to take at least three subjects at the higher level, known as HL, while the remaining classes may be taken at the standard level, or SL. Higher level courses typically have at least 240 hours of instruction, while standard level classes have at least 150.

What is the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme? The challenging, rigorous and demanding program is a two-year course of study for high school juniors and seniors. It offers a broad and balanced curriculum presented in six academic areas surrounding a central core.

The IB is considerably harder than A-levels. In the IB, students must study six subjects plus extras whereas with A-levels students study three subjects. With so much workload, it is no surprise that many students taking the IB end up with relatively low grades (24-30 points).

Over the course of the two-year IB Diploma Programme, students study six subjects chosen from the six subject groups, complete an extended essay, follow a theory of knowledge (TOK) course, and participate in creativity, activity, service (CAS).

IB is one of the most demanding courses that one can attend for their high school. We have dedicated a whole other article in answering if the intensity and extra workload is worth it! For now, let's focus on the intensity itself. One of the distinguishing traits of IB is that it is comprehensive.

And as you might've expected, it's because of the workload. IB students reported that academic requirements were their main stressor – much more significant than students in the general education curriculum.

What are the negatives of the IB program? ›

Is IB harder than AP? It depends. Some students argue that IB is more challenging because of the emphasis on critical thinking and the more application-focused evaluations. However, both IB and AP classes are considered college-level courses that many students find challenging.

Additionally, competitive universities like Harvard emphasize higher level (HL) IB subjects. Candidates should aim for a 6s and 7s for each HL subject. IB students are expected to take a minimum of 3 HL subjects during their program, which introduces them to in-depth elements on a subject matter.

How much homework is there for IB classes? It is expected that students will receive about 20 minutes of homework per class per night. So 5 classes should be 1h40m of homework; however, instructors are aware that some classes require more others less homework, so instructors focus on the overall amount of work given.

IB is certainly one of the toughest programs. Maths HL, for instance, has its reputation for being tricky, complex and tough.

Grades 11 and 12

Grades of A and B are expected of all IB students. Students with a grade of D or F are not considered in "good standing." A semester grade of F in an IB course will require the students to return to their sending school for the remainder of their high school education.

Yes, all IB courses receive weighted credit at MVHS and at the university level. Universities will only award up to 8 semesters of weighted credit from AP and IB classes towards their GPA calculations.

It is possible to take an IB course in some subject areas and take (and do well on) the AP exam in the same subject area (IB teachers will help students decide if they should take the AP exam for a particular subject). However, students who have not taken an IB course may not take an IB exam.

How do I pass the IB program? ›

Although you might believe that the number is 50% or less, there was around a 78% pass rate in the IB last year! That's around 4 out of every 5 students who are able to pass. The good news? That means you're quite likely to pass the IB as well!

Whether the college you ultimately attend gives college credit for IB courses or not, taking IB courses give great advantages to students: Better prepared for college. IB courses are at a higher level than the general courses in high schools. Many see IB courses as college-level.

IB requires students to take three exams at the HL level and three at the SL level to be considered for an IB diploma. Students may opt to take four HL exams with the approval of administration.

Multiple choice questions feature very heavily in IB Physics, particularly in the final IB Physics exams, where the whole of Paper 1 is devoted to multiple choice questions. It is also highly likely that throughout your course, your teacher will give you multiple choice questions.

And IB students are at an advantage with elite institutions: in the US, IB graduates are 21.4 per cent more likely to be admitted into 10 of the country's most prestigious universities, including Harvard, Princeton, Yale and Stanford.

The International Baccalaureate enjoys a high level of respect and recognition among the world's higher education institutions. For students, success in the IB often results in advanced standing, course credit, scholarships, and other admissions related benefits at many universities.

Research done by the University of South Florida states that IB students are more susceptible to being stressed under the higher-pressure academic environment, which also makes them more susceptible to mental health problems, lower levels of happiness, fewer friendships, and disengagement from school.

IB Diploma students are allowed to take up to 2 Standard Level exams Junior year, while the remaining exams must be taken Senior year including all Higher Level exams.

For students taking the IB, you are advised to take at least two, and ideally three, of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics at Higher Level. The most natural pairings are Biology and Chemistry, Chemistry and Physics, and Mathematics and Physics.

Can you only take one IB class? ›

In the junior and senior year, students can choose from an array of courses; however, students in IB must take 2 or more IB classes.

Any student with a second semester grade of F or more than one D in an academic class will be removed from the Pre-Diploma Program. The dismissal may be appealed.

Let's get more specific: time.

Spend one hour on three to four different subjects per day, every day. For your weaker subjects, 2 hours would be required. This means around 4 hours of regular study every day if you want to do extremely well in the IB.

The diploma is awarded to candidates who achieve a minimum score of 24 (out of 45) and fulfil the other minimum requirements.

The average acceptance rate of IB students into university/college is 22% higher than the average acceptance rate of the total population.

Students who study the IB Diploma cope well with transitioning to the university as they have developed investigative and research skills through the Extended Essay and critical thinking skills through Theory of Knowledge. Therefore, building their subject knowledge and skills to a high standard.

Strengths of an IB education

Some of the most selective universities worldwide recognize the IB diploma and our students are regarded as some of the highest performers in their areas of study.

IB students often perform better

IB students develop strong academic, social and emotional characteristics. They are also likely to perform well academically – often better than students on other curricula.

The acceptance rate of IB Students into Ivy League institutions is between 3 and 13 percentage points higher compared to the total population acceptance rate.

It's academically rigorous. It's stimulating, inspiring, and allows students to really excel and see what they're capable of. For those who choose to challenge themselves, the IB is hugely rewarding. Students finish with skills and a level of confidence that will push them forward their whole life through.

What grades does IB look at? ›

IB courses are criterion marked from 1-7, rather than on a percentage scale. Teachers use assessment tools that they are trained to use during their IB training. They derive raw marks that are converted to 1-7 grades for assessments using mark bands published by IB each year.

Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations

The IB recommends Maths AI students have 150 hours of teaching time to cover the course material, with HL students doing an additional 90 hours on top of this. Both levels cover the following five areas: Number and Algebra.

On a theoretical level, an IB student is someone who has been enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program offered by IBO. Essentially, IB Students are the ones who, through their international mindedness and cultural understanding, make the world a better place.

There are many other factors that go into a university application, and admissions officers assess them holistically. One thing is for sure; by taking the IB Diploma, you automatically rise to the top of the admissions pool.

International Baccalaureate

We would expect students to achieve a total score of 38, 39 or 40 points, depending on the course, including core points, with 6s and 7s in the higher-level subjects.

Is IB harder than AP? It depends. Some students argue that IB is more challenging because of the emphasis on critical thinking and the more application-focused evaluations. However, both IB and AP classes are considered college-level courses that many students find challenging.

Taking either AP or IB classes will look very good on your college applications, as it shows you're challenging yourself with college-level courses. There's no real preference or benefit from doing one program or the other, as long as you do well in your chosen courses.

To sum up, the AP program is American based and provides courses that high school students can take for college. The IB course is international based and provides an integrated approach to learning. The biggest difference between AP and IB is that AP is more popular and useful for an American high school student.

Do colleges care about IB classes? ›

IB: Availability. Both IB and AP courses offer students the opportunity to challenge themselves with higher-level classes. College admissions officers often look favorably upon applicants who participate in these programs.

Requirements of the IB Diploma Program

A diploma candidate is required to take six IB courses and six IB exams. Additionally, candidates are required to complete the Theory of Knowledge course, the Extended Essay, and the Creativity, Action, and Service hours.

You will also need to write an Extended Essay (EE), participate in Theory of Knowledge (ToK) and indulge in Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS). IB is one of the most demanding courses that one can attend for their high school.

Yes, all IB courses receive weighted credit at MVHS and at the university level. Universities will only award up to 8 semesters of weighted credit from AP and IB classes towards their GPA calculations.

You might have heard about the IB Diploma, the internationally recognized high school program for students seeking a broad and challenging curriculum. But did you know that IB graduates are 21.4 percent more likely to be admitted into 10 of the most prestigious universities in the US?

How much harder are IB classes than AP or regular classes? IB classes are generally considered much more difficult than regular classes, and somewhat more difficult than AP classes. However, for many people, the issue isn't an increase in difficulty, but rather an increase in how time-consuming their work is.

Can I take an IB exam if I didn't take the associated IB class? Students who do not take IB classes are not allowed to sit for IB exams. If your school does not offer IB classes, it may offer AP classes or other rigorous coursework that can make you a more competitive college applicant.