The journey to getting into IB Programs (International Baccalaureate) is an exciting quest filled with opportunities for academic and personal growth. On this path, be prepared to go through a series of steps that students need to take to be eligible for this program. From understanding the program's benefits to meeting admission requirements and beating college acceptance rates, you have a lot of things to engage yourself in before you become a student of an IB program. Aspiring participants should equip themselves with the necessary information to know whether they would be eligible to transition into the IB Program seamlessly.
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The Path to IB Programs
If you're at that exciting crossroads of life where you’ve completed or nearly completed high school, and look forward to furthering your education or applying to college and creating your university list, you are lucky. You have the option of exploring undergraduate programs and applying right away, or you might be interested in one of the IB programs to better prepare yourself for this next step and take your education up a notch.
Choosing an IB program may not be what everyone wants to do before university education but if that is what you want, you are still on track. Of course, it takes more than wishful thinking to get into an IB program. Are you ready to put in the work? Then start by learning all the requirements needed to be admitted to IB programs.
At the heart of this journey lies the question: What exactly is the IB Program, and how does it work its transformative magic?
What Are IB Programs?
IB, short for International Baccalaureate, is a diploma program designed specifically for 16- to 19-year-olds. From the different academic programs, IB programs aim at providing an internationally accepted qualification for entry into a higher institution. IB programs run for two years and is active in about 160 countries across the globe. With its well-rounded curriculum, it teaches students the things they need to know to be able to solve real-life problems and tackle real-life situations.
Within the two years, students are expected to take one subject each from six subject groups, which include:
- Studies in language and literature
- Language acquisition
- Individuals and society
- Experimental sciences
- Mathematics
- Arts
The acceptance rate for IB programs has always been impressive. The average acceptance rate of IB students into universities and colleges is quite impressive. It is 22% higher than the acceptance rate of the total population.
The acceptance rate of IB students into Ivy League schools like Yale, Princeton and Harvard is also quite significant. It is about 3% to 13%, higher than total population acceptance rate.
Below are some of the schools with relatively high acceptance rate of IB program students:
How Are IB Programs Different?
IB diploma programs are different from a conventional high school in many ways, ranging from the requirement to the age limit. Most importantly, it doesn’t only focus on the academic growth of the students. Instead, it’s a program geared towards helping students enjoy a well-rounded form of learning.
Should I Apply to an IB Program?
There’s no denying that the diploma you are issued after your IB program adds to your appeal anywhere in the corporate or academic world. Apart from the quality it adds to your portfolio, the teachings within those years also affect your outlook on life and overall analytical skills. IB Program also helps students to:
- Get admitted by high-ranking colleges and universities
- Be more aware of culture
- Be more engaging in global and important conversations
- Think critically and solve major problems
- Prepare them for college courses, and programs
Given the pros that come with going to an IB program, it is unarguably something worth considering. Nevertheless, there are other factors you must look at before making your decision.
1. Can I deal with the difficulty of the courses?
IB programs anywhere in the world are no walk in the park. Inquire from anyone who has been there, and the story remains: “I worked hard to get the diploma.” Are you ready to work hard? Start by checking up on the IB courses, the requirements, the instructors and the materials you’ll be using.
A proper scrutiny of the things that matter is necessary before you take the form. Although you should be fine with the right amount of dedication and material, it’s still always wise to know first-hand what you will be dealing with.
Taking Chemistry and Biology in your second year at IB school prepares you if you hope to study medicine in school. And if you look forward to studying Law, you should stick to essay-based subjects like Higher Level English for Application.
2. Is the curriculum beneficial to my career path?
While many people believe that ‘knowledge never goes to waste’, two years is too long a time to dedicate to learning something that is not wholly beneficial to your career path.
Before picking up a form and registering for any IB program, you should check if the courses and subjects to be taught correspond with your field. Since the program is known for covering a limited range of subjects, you might not need to subject yourself to academic rigor if the program doesn’t cover any part of your field.
3. Can I take some of the courses without taking the diploma?
The curriculum for the IB program is diverse so some parts of it may intrigue you. Are you wondering if it’s possible to only take a few courses, and move on? Here is the thing: You either prepare to get your Diploma, which requires your full attention for two years, or you take a walk, there is no in-between.
4. Are there other options apart from the IB program?
No matter how well-packaged the IB program is, some people still do not believe spending two years to collect a diploma before getting into university is worth it. Why do that when they can take other less demanding courses after high school or before university? It all comes down to preference.
As much as the IB program is more popular, and probably the most recognized after- high school program, it isn’t the only program you can engage in after your high school. There are other courses like AP and honours courses and independent study courses among others.
Want to get a head start on your college essays? Check out these tips and sample college essays!
How to Find the IB Program For You
There are many things to consider before making your decision to join an IB program or not. Congratulations if you have decided it’s best to pick up a form for the IB program because you’re about to experience a life-changing experience.
To start on the right footing, you need to navigate your choice of campus/ school with wisdom. To choose the best IB program, you should look into the following:
#1 Location
Finding an IB program in major cities is not difficult so you’re lucky if you stay anywhere near a major city in the world. Look around you, and you’ll probably find one of the programs not too far away.
Even if you’re closer to a rural setting, you might just be lucky to find one of those IBDPs in a boarding school near you. As long as the location is favorable, it is worth considering.
#2 Type of IB program
You might be wondering if there are truly different types of IB programs. The answer is yes! You get to choose between IB schools for multiple nationalities, which is the true international school or IBDP based on a local/national curriculum.
This is why you need to research before choosing to go for an IB program. Your knowledge before decision-making should help with choosing the type you’d be most comfortable with.
#3 Academic performance
There are records in every school and organization. So, of course, you have something to bank on for this research. You want to find out how well an IB school has been doing academically. How many graduates have they produced and what is the average point of these graduates?
Most top-rated UK Universities require about 36-38 points before they consider you for admission. So, think about this in comparison to the result the IB school you’re considering has been able to give over the years. Is it worth it? If the record favors the IB school, then you might just be on the right path. Otherwise, you may want to let it go.
#4 Subjects Available for Diploma
As stated earlier, the standard subjects for an IB program is in six groups, which normally include a variety of courses. While the six groups may be constant, some IB schools have more variety of subjects than others.
Before deciding to register, you should ensure that the school offers the subjects you want across all six groups.
#5 Day or Boarding
Most of the IB programs out there do not offer the boarding option so if you’re looking forward to being a boarder, it’s better to make your research well before taking up a form or registering.
How to Apply to IB Programs
To apply for an IB program, you should do the following:
1. Inquire
Learning if the IB program is a good fit for you, and choosing the most suitable school to go to your IB program is a great place to start. Since you already know these, checking out the teachers and the type of campus may be something you want to add. Find out as much as you can so that you can prepare for the best and worst.
2. Apply Online
Your experience at the IB program is dependent on taking this step. Do you want that IBDP as you claim? Then click on our website to register. You’ll have to provide: personal information, your academic profile(grades, scores, extracurricular activities, self-regulation, wellbeing, learning progress, and behaviors) candidates interest, English language level and letter of recommendation from counselor or/and teacher. In your letter of recommendation, the school is looking out for language fluency, projects, learners’ profile, and extended essay.
3. Participate in the assessment
All your documents will be scrutinized by the board of the school to check for eligibility. You’ll also be assessed through tests that will be invigilated by the school. To know whether or not you are fit for the study you hope to begin, the school assesses your current aptitude in Language and Mathematics
4. Turn up for an interview
If you’re lucky that you passed your assessment, the board will interview - a test based on a discussion between you and the faculty members – you. The interview is about getting to know you, your ambitions and why you should be admitted. Questions about academic background, interests, goals and extracurricular activities will surely come up.
FAQs
1. Who should enroll in IB program?
You should enroll in an IB program under the condition that you are driven, smart, academically successful and willing to do more to achieve greater success academically, and ultimately, in the world.
2. What subjects are available for IB programs?
There are six major categories for the IB program. Under each category, these are interesting courses to pick from.
- Art and electives: Music, Arts, exercise sports and business management.
- Mathematics; Mathematics and computer science
- Experimental sciences; Biology and Chemistry
- Individual societies; History of the Americas
- Second language; French and Spanish
- Language arts; language and literature
3. How do you know you’ve been accepted into the IB program?
To know that your application has been processed and you’ve been called to be a student, you’ll get a notification in your email. You also get the notification to accept the offer and register for classes.
4. Do I need exceptional grades to apply for IB program?
IB program encourages everyone in the world to actively work towards making the world a better place so the focus is not only on the exceptional students. You do not need to be a straight-A student to be considered worthy of being a student in the IB program.
5. Is IB school challenging?
Yes, it is! But that shouldn’t be a deterrent as there is hardly any phase in life without challenges. Most of the challenges you’ll be facing in IB school will come from all the independent work you have to do with your assignments. At IB, you’ll learn quickly how to be responsible and proactive.
6. When is the best time to enroll in an IB program?
The best time to enroll is after your junior or senior year in school. Nevertheless, you can always take the preparatory classes when you’re in ninth or tenth grade. Looking for a school that will accommodate ninth or tenth graders for IB? Check out Williams high school.
7. What’s the difference between the IB program and AP classes?
The major difference between the IB program and AP classes is the number of years it takes to complete the courses. To complete an IB program, you would need two years, and most AP classes take just about a year. IB program is also a full course of study while students may decide to take any AP course without the others.
8. What do you need to get an IB diploma?
After getting admitted into an IB program, all students need to focus on passing six academic subjects under different groups. In addition, students will also be tested for the theory of knowledge, which helps to unify the six subjects.
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