Should You Choose the IB Diploma Programme?

If you are considering the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), you might wonder whether it’s the right choice for you. Though it is a challenging programme, it has its own merit. 

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a school program with a rigorous and globally recognized curriculum. Founded in Europe in 1968, there are now over 5,800 IB World Schools in more than 150 countries and territories. The IB curriculum focuses on an in-depth understanding of the subject, developing critical thinking and research skills while encouraging global awareness. There are multiple programs offered by IB, beginning in elementary school. This blog focuses on the IBDP and key factors to keep in mind to help you make an informed decision.

The IB Diploma Progamme is recognized globally

About the IB Diploma Programme

DP is a two-year academic program for students aged 16 to 19 in grades 11 and 12. To earn an IB Diploma, you must complete one course from each of the six subject groups and three DP core components. 

The six subject groups are:

• Group 1 - Studies in language and literature

• Group 2 - Language acquisition

• Group 3 - Individuals and societies 

• Group 4 - Sciences

• Group 5 - Mathematics

• Group 6 - The Arts or another subject from the other groups

The DP core comprises:

• Creativity, activity, service (CAS) that allows you to enhance your skills. The creativity strand focuses on arts and other creatively minded experiences. To complement academics, the activity strand emphasizes physical activity for a healthy lifestyle. The service strand is an unpaid and voluntary activity.

• The extended essay (EE) is a 4,000-word high-level research paper. You can choose a topic from a list of approved Diploma Programme subjects. Usually, students select from one of their six chosen subjects.

• Theory of knowledge (TOK) is a course where you must complete an essay and presentation inquiring into the process of knowledge. 

The IB offers six subjects at Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL). You choose at least three (but not more than four) HL subjects; the rest are SL subjects. HL courses are more in-depth courses and often recognized for course credit at many postsecondary institutions; however, the IB programme grades both HL and SL courses equally.

Before choosing the IB programme, check whether your school offers the subjects you are interested in. Some schools might have limited options, and you should ensure that the subjects offered at your school align with your future career goals. Some schools allow students to choose the IB Career Programme or the Partial IB. Also, research your potential postsecondary institutions regarding their IB subject requirements before choosing your subjects.

Assessment and Grades

IB assessments include internal assessments, oral presentations, and final exams. Your final grade depends on the exams at the end of two years. Each subject is graded on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest). The TOK and EE grades are assessed individually on a scale of A-E and then converted to a combined grade of 0 (lowest) to 3 (highest). Hence, the maximum grade awarded is 45. The CAS strand assessment does not receive any grades. If you score a 5 or more on your HL courses, you could be eligible for course credit in a few postsecondary institutions. Some institutions require a score of 7 for credit. 

Pros and Cons of Taking the IB Diploma Programme

Academic Rigour: The IBDP is a rigorous academic program. Unlike other high school curriculums that may allow you to focus on specific subject areas aligned with your career goals, the IB subject groups have six subject groups that may or may not align with your goals. Let’s say you are interested in pursuing a career in science and wish to take three science subjects. This may be hard as you can only take one course in Group 4 Sciences and another in Group 6 instead of the Arts. Hence, you might not specialize in your particular academic interest. Likewise, since you have to take at least 3 subjects at HL level, some students may find some HL courses challenging, whereas in a regular high school curriculum, you can pick courses that suit your academic learning. Hence, IB is a good option if you are interested in a wide range of subjects and are comfortable with writing essays and doing research.

Postsecondary Education: Because of its global recognition, the IB programme can help you apply to postsecondary institutions that offer course credits or advanced course placement. Each institution has its own credit policy, so be sure to read their IB recognition policy to determine the requirements. Many institutions offer credit for other high school courses, such as Advanced Placement (AP), Honours, or dual credit courses. Learn about the difference between AP and IB courses to help you decide which option works for you. 

Some postsecondary institutions accept IB English marks as evidence of English language requirements, as long as your marks meet the minimum score specified by the institution. In most cases, the minimum requirement is a score of at least 4 (predicted or final) in HL or SL English A: Literature or English A; Language and Literature, but be sure to check each institution’s policy.

You can look into the course options available at your school and research which one best aligns with your goals. Check the IB requirements of the institutions you wish to apply to, your intended program of study, and plan your high school courses accordingly. Read about the institution’s admission policy, as some institutions make conditional admission offers based on the predicted IB scores. They may rescind the offer if your final scores, released in July, are less than the minimum score requirements. It can be a stressful and tough situation to be in. You might not want to take the IB route if you plan to attend an institution that does not require IB or whose admission is based on the national curriculum. 

Personal Growth: The IBDP offers a well-rounded experience that is not just about academics. The CAS component can help develop leadership and teamwork skills if you enjoy extracurricular activities and want to build a strong profile beyond academics. You learn time management, organization, and work-life balance. 

Time Management: One of the biggest challenges you can come across in the IB Diploma Programme is time management. Apart from balancing coursework and extracurriculars, you must complete the internal assessments for each subject, write the extended essay alongside regular schoolwork, manage CAS activities, and take the exams at the end of two years. Organization and discipline are a must to handle this heavy workload. IB might be stressful if you struggle to meet deadlines or prefer a more relaxed school experience. However, if you are good at planning, can manage stress, and stay on track, you can thrive in the program.

Cost: Since many public high schools offer free education, check with your school if there are any costs involved in attending the IB programme, such as subject exam fees, textbooks, and administrative fees. 

Conclusion

The IB Diploma is an excellent choice if you can effectively manage and enjoy a rigorous academic workload with a broad curriculum, including research and extracurricular activities, and perform well under exam pressure. It may not be the best fit for you if you prefer a more specialized curriculum with less workload and research, or if you struggle with high-stakes exams.

Choosing the IB Diploma is a personal decision. Try to talk to students who have taken the IB route to understand what is expected of you. Discuss with your parents, teachers, and guidance counsellors to advise you if the IB programme is the right fit for you. You can email us at admissionelements@gmail.com or book a 1-Hour Session with us if you wish to know more about the IB programme.