Benefits of IB for students (2024)

FAQs

Benefits of IB for students? ›

The International Baccalaureate program, or IB program, fosters critical thinking skills while helping students become productive global citizens and leaders. Although IB courses are more common in high school, IB programs are also available in elementary and middle schools.

The International Baccalaureate program, or IB program, fosters critical thinking skills while helping students become productive global citizens and leaders. Although IB courses are more common in high school, IB programs are also available in elementary and middle schools.

Completing the IB program allows you to receive up to 32 credits. If you gain admission into a college or university that offers generous course credit for both the IB diploma and individual IB exams, you could graduate at a much faster rate than students who didn't take up the IB program or exams in high school.

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.

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.

A student typically receives 5.0 grade points for a class if they earn an "A" grade in an Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), or International Baccalaureate (IB) class and receives an extra point added to the non-weighted value for each lower grade (i.e., a B in an AP course is counted as 4.0, rather than 3.0).

Universities appreciate the IB's rigour and they know it takes hard work and dedication to perform well, particularly in Higher Level (HL) subjects. This is demonstrated by the fact that most US universities award course credits for IB Diploma subjects.

Both the Advanced Placement and the International Baccalaureate academic pathways offer high school students challenging and engaging coursework respected by colleges and universities around the globe, and both offer the possibility for high schoolers to earn college credit or exemption from introductory college ...

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.

What type of student does IB want? ›

To be an IB student is to have the ability to take up any challenge, regardless of how out of the world it may seem, and have the faith within yourself to come up with the best possible solution.

College admissions officers recognize the value of both programs, with grades in college prep courses like AP and IB considered important by 73.2% of respondents in a State of College Admission report. Consider your available study time, interests, and passions when deciding between the two.

Do universities prefer IB or AP? Universities generally respect both IB and AP programs. However, some colleges might offer more credit for AP exams than for IB exams. It's essential to research your prospective colleges' policies.

The workload can be overwhelming, and the pressure to perform well is intense. Many students also have extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and part-time jobs, which can add to their stress levels. Moreover, the IB curriculum is demanding and requires students to be self-directed learners.

What are the disadvantages of the IB board? The International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum can be demanding and rigorous, potentially leading to high-stress levels for students. Its comprehensive nature may limit specialisation.

Through the IB, students are given a unique education that helps them develop strong academic, social, and emotional characteristics. They are also likely to perform well academically – often better than students in other programs and often more likely to be recruited by top universities worldwide.

Universities appreciate the IB's rigour and they know it takes hard work and dedication to perform well, particularly in Higher Level (HL) subjects. This is demonstrated by the fact that most US universities award course credits for IB Diploma subjects.