IB Diploma: A Parent's Guide
IB Diploma: A Parent's Guide
guide to the
IB Diploma
Introduction 3
2
Introduction
Dear Parent,
One of the most important decisions a student makes during
their final years at school is which academic program to study.
As a parent, you want your child’s high school diploma to open
as many doors as possible for their future. However, many
programs limit students to only a few subjects in their final years
of school. While students with clear ambitions might benefit
from this focus, it limits many students’ options to access
certain university subjects and careers. By narrowing down their
education early on, students also miss out on the benefits of
making valuable interdisciplinary connections that form well-
rounded worldviews.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma has long been
considered the high school diploma of excellence. Its breadth
and depth of study mean students can tailor the diploma to
their interests without limiting themselves or their potential.
Not only are students challenged to grow academically,
personally and ethically, but it is widely recognized by
universities around the world that IB students are better
prepared for the rigorous demands of university life than
other graduates. In short, the IB Diploma is as academically
challenging as it is rewarding.
We have seen hundreds of students transformed by this
curriculum go on to achieve brilliant things. We are proud to
offer the IB Diploma at EF Academy and hope this guide will
give you further insight into the benefits of this world-renowned
high school program.
Sincerely,
EF Academy
International Boarding Schools
3
What is the
IB Diploma?
The International Baccalaureate (IB)
Diploma is an internationally-recognized
high school program offering students
a well-rounded education and turning
them into global, critical and creative
thinkers. It is a holistic, academically
challenging course that prepares students
for the responsibilities they will encounter
at university and in their careers.
The IB Diploma engages in personal
and academic achievement. In addition
to studying a range of subjects in
depth, importance is given to students’
personal growth as ethically-minded
global citizens. The program encourages
students to make meaningful connections
across subjects, and to let their individual
curiosity guide their academic discovery.
Recognized and respected by the “The internationalism
world’s leading universities, research into
here at EF Academy
IB Diploma graduates frequently shows
that students who complete the program enhances the
have a higher rate of going to and IB diploma
succeeding at university compared to
curriculum by
non-IB graduates.
Established in 1968 by the
allowing students
IB Organization, the IB Diploma is offered to use their culture
by more than 5,000 schools in over and perspectives to
150 countries – including EF Academy
International Boarding Schools in
inform their studies.”
New York and Pasadena, California.
Daniel Paccione
Deputy Head of School for
Learning and Support
EF Academy New York
4
The IB Diploma at
EF Academy
EF Academy opens a world of opportunities for high school students by
providing them with a superior education abroad, thorough preparation
for university and a future that knows no borders. Our mission runs
parallel to that of the IB and we are proud to offer the IB Diploma at our
international schools.
Students who earn the IB Diploma at EF Academy:
• Learn to think critically and independently
• Build a path that can lead them to top ranked universities around the world
• Become more culturally aware, considering both local and global contexts
• Are able to respectfully engage with and understand people in a world of
rapid change and globalization
Watch here
5
10 reasons to study
the IB Diploma
The IB Diploma is an internationally recognized alternative to high
school programs such as A-Levels or the Advanced Placement (AP).
More schools and students are opting for the IB Diploma program, and
with reason:
1
Breadth of study
3
Global citizenship
IB students study courses from six The IB Diploma is internationally
subject groups including languages, recognized by colleges and
humanities, sciences and math. universities from nearly 90 countries.
Unlike programs such as A-Levels, This includes prestigious universities,
where students specialize down to such as Harvard, Yale, Oxford and
three or four subjects, the structure Cambridge. The IB curriculum also
of the IB Diploma develops breadth teaches students to be outward-
and depth of knowledge. This leads facing and culturally aware, so they
to students graduating with more are well prepared as global citizens.
opportunities ahead of them.
2 4
Experiential learning Independent thinking
IB students participate in IB classrooms promote discussion
CAS – Creativity, Activity, Service. and two-way communication
This element encourages students between teacher and students. Every
to learn through experience outside member of the class is encouraged
of the classroom. Students pursue to speak up and voice their opinions.
their own interests and skills through This teaching style produces
projects, clubs, community service, students capable of original thought,
sports and other co-curricular confident in their perspectives and
activities to become well-rounded, willing to listen and be informed
motivated, engaged individuals. by others.
6
5
Research skills
The Extended Essay and Theory of
8
University admissions
A study by the Higher Education
Knowledge are two elements of the Statistics Agency showed that
IB Diploma that cultivate inquiry and IB Diploma graduates have a better
investigation. They require students chance of enrolling in one of
to develop advanced independent the UK’s top 20 universities than
research and organizational skills – students with other qualifications. It
crucial for any student wishing to was also found that IB graduates are
pursue higher learning or success in more likely to be admitted to 10 of
their future careers. the US’s most reputable universities.
6
The challenge
It’s academically rigorous.
9
Freedom
It’s stimulating, inspiring, and allows IB students are encouraged to make
students to truly excel and see what links between everything they learn
they’re capable of. For those who and to seek out what interests and
choose to challenge themselves, the inspires them. Connections can be
IB Diploma rewards students with the made between something taught in
skills and level of confidence that will the science lab and something that
push them forward their whole life. happens out on the soccer field.
This connection can then turn into
a personal project of study, such as
7
the topic for their Extended Essay.
10
Time management
Time management is a skill picked
up instinctively by IB students. Personal growth
Establishing good study habits, Being exposed to multiple
setting aside time for assignments, perspectives, learning to articulate
developing revision techniques and your own opinions, balancing
resisting distractions – IB students academic work with co-curricular
master these skills and are one step activities, learning through
ahead when they reach university. experience and managing your own
work – the level of personal growth
that IB students achieve is reason
enough for choosing this program.
7
The structure
of the IB Diploma
Age: 16-19
Program length: 2 years
Grade levels: Final two years of high school (Grades 11 & 12)
Next step: University
EF Academy locations: New York and Pasadena, California
The curriculum
The IB Diploma curriculum includes
six subject groups: languages,
literature, social studies, science, The IB Diploma is for
mathematics and the arts. Students you if you want to:
choose one course from each • Take classes
group and study three subjects at from a range of
higher level and three at standard subjects at a rigorous
level. This allows students to focus level
on their strengths or interests • Combine in-class
while continuing to receive lessons with hands-
a comprehensive high school on opportunities
education. outside of class
8
Grading
Assignments and exams are graded from 1 to 7, with 7 being
the highest mark. At the program’s end, students receive an
overall grade for each subject based on a combination of
assessments and final exams.
Together, the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge
can award a student a maximum of three core points, so the
highest total points that can be achieved with the IB Diploma is
45. To pass the IB Diploma, students must receive a minimum
of 24 points and meet some additional passing conditions.
& Approaches
Second Language:
• English B; Arts:
• French B & ab initio • Music
9
Creativity, Activity,
Service
A core component of the IB Diploma, CAS promotes personal
and interpersonal development and gives students the chance to
pursue passions and new hobbies. Students complete projects in
each category through enriching extracurriular activities.
Creativity
Creativity experiences help students develop creative thinking.
From mastering a challenging piece of music, performing in an
after-school play or organizing an art show, students explore
original ideas and forms of creative expression.
Activity
Active experiences encourage students to find a healthy balance
between mental and physical wellbeing. Achieving this balance
through regular exercise and team sports is particularly important
as students approach young adulthood.
Service
Service experiences provide opportunities for students to
collaborate with their communities. Fundraising, volunteering
and humanitarian trips are examples of how lending time and
knowledge can benefit others.
10
Clubs and activities at EF Academy
We offer over 120 clubs and activities to support our IB students
with CAS – including sports, arts and off-campus excursions.
Activities
11
IB support
at EF Academy
A dedicated team of teachers, guidance counsellors and
university advisors monitor our students’ progress throughout the
IB and ensure they stay on track to achieving their ultimate goals.
IB Year 1 IB Year 2
Students’ goals Students’ goals
· Earn good grades on · Prepare for interviews
Year 1 exams · Write first personal
· Take university entrance exams statements and essays
· Visit universities and explore · Work hard to meet
program/major choices predicted grades
· Continue co-curricular · Submit university applications
activities · Make an informed
· Complete long-term university decision
action plan
· Gain work experience during Our support
a summer internship · Coach students through the
application process
Our support · Provide feedback on
· Arrange trips to universities personal statements and
and on-campus presentations college essays
· Guide students through the · Schedule regular check-ins
application process with students
· Organize group meetings and · Write personalized
one-on-one sessions recommendation letters
· Provide focused preparation · Support students in choosing
for the SAT, ACT and other their university
university entrance exams · Hold mock interviews
Watch here
12
IB Diploma vs IB Certificate program
At EF Academy, students also have the option to
take the more flexible IB Certificate program, which
allows students to add a few IB classes to our
US High School Diploma instead of taking the whole
IB curriculum. The core requirements are not included
in the Certificate program, which means students
have more time to focus on TOEFL/IELTS or SAT/ACT
preparation and co-curricular activities.
Stephen Fleming
Head of Science
EF Academy New York
13
Comparing high
school programs
Two of the most popular alternatives to the IB Diploma
are the British A-Levels and the American Advanced
Placement (AP) programs. The IB Diploma’s primary
difference is its holistic approach. Whereas A-Level and
AP students take individual courses that are independent
to one another, the IB Diploma program ensures all
students receive a well-rounded high school education
regardless of the subjects they choose.
14
IB vs AP
The course structures of the AP “I think the most
and IB Diploma programs are meaningful
very different. AP students select
experience I’ve
subjects from a range of year-long
courses, while IB students follow had in terms of
two-year curricula in six subjects. academics is
The curriculum length gives IB
students more time to develop
studying for the IB
richer knowledge of subjects by Diploma. It’s a solid
going deeper into course content. preparation for
While AP courses are assessed
by final exams, the IB takes into college and
account internal and external so special and
assessments as well as exams. rewarding”.
The AP is possibly the most
common qualification for American Tianchen ‘Jerry’ Xia
students applying to university, but IB Diploma Student
it is rarely recognized outside of the EF Academy
US. By comparison, the IB Diploma
is recognized in the US and globally,
and has a strong reputation among
prestigious universities.
At EF Academy, we offer the IB
because it challenges students to
grow outside of the classroom and Former IB Diploma
prepares them for the challenging, students in the United
competitive environment they’ll States are significantly
find at university. The IB’s holistic more likely to
approach encourages students to attend a ‘selective’
be global citizens, who are active or ‘highly selective’
institution compared
in various aspects of school life
to the average
and to develop the skills to be life-
US college-goer.
long learners.
Source: IB Organization
15
IB vs A-Levels
A-Levels are a popular option for
students who wish to attend university
in the UK. By studying only three
subjects, students who know what
they want to study at university can “I didn’t want to
obtain in-depth knowledge in very study three or
specific areas.
four subjects but
Yet research shows that the IB Diploma
a whole range of
is increasingly being recognized
as a more intellectually rigorous things – which
preparation for university in the UK. I can do with
This is partially because the IB’s focus
on student-led research effectively
the IB Diploma
prepares them for university-level work. program”.
A University Admissions Officers Report
also found that the IB Diploma was Menna Clarke
better at providing students a “global IB Diploma Student,
outlook,” while A-Levels delivered EF Academy
a more “in-depth” subject experience.
A-Levels are not as internationally
recognized as the IB Diploma. Because
students do not experience the same
breadth of topics with A-Levels as on
the IB, A-Levels require students to
have a strong sense of their career or
university aspirations at a younger age.
Students who want to keep their
options open to study outisde the UK
IB Diploma students
or who are unsure about what to study are twice as likely to be
at university often take the IB Diploma, accepted to a top 20 UK
as its broader range of subjects allows ranked university than
them to have contact with different their peers studying for
areas of knowledge. While both A-Levels.
programs of study have their benefits, Source:
A-Levels have growing competition The Higher Education
Statistics Agency
even within the UK.
16
Your passport
to university
Studies commissioned by the IB Organization and independent educational
institutions often point to these common findings:
• IB students go to university at higher rates than their counterparts
• IB students attend more selective universities than their counterparts
• IB students perform better once at university than their counterparts
1
Motivation
The IB classroom isn’t confined
2
Cultural awareness
The core ethos of the IB
to four walls. The CAS module curriculum is to prepare
allows students to pursue their students to be open-minded
interests and learn experientially and culturally aware global
through projects, volunteering citizens. One way that students
and co-curricular activities. This are taught this is by discussing
freedom not only contextualizes international affairs. Classrooms
what is learned in class, it’s also are creative spaces where
highly motivating. The IB two-way communication is key.
develops students who are Students and teachers voice
eager to learn and motivated to their opinions and learn to listen
try new things. and take others into account.
17
3
Confidence
IB students are used to voicing their
6
Responsibility
In CAS, the Service component
opinions and presenting their ideas. asks students to consider their
In some traditional classrooms, role within society and work
a high achieving student might in their community to enact
perform well in written assignments change. The result is students
or exams; with the IB Diploma, who feel responsible, not only
a high achieving student must for themselves but for the
also develop the confidence people around them. This is
to articulate themselves and a particularly powerful outcome
communicate effectively. of the IB curriculum and one
4
not easily achieved in a typical
classroom environment.
Independence
The IB Diploma teaches students
to study independently – a key
skill for success. Through learning
to manage their time, complete
work without teachers present
and seeking out additional
material to support work, students
become independent learners
and thinkers. It’s this quality that
makes IB students ideally suited
for advanced study at university.
5
Find out more about
university guidance
and preparation at
Adaptability EF Academy in our
The Extended Essay component of school guide.
the IB requires students to choose
Browse our brochure
a topic, learn how to conduct in-
depth research, find new sources
of information and complete an
entirely original piece of research.
It’s demanding work, but it teaches
students how to be adaptable and
rise to any challenge.
18
Why US universities
love IB students
Did you know that IB graduates are 21.4% more likely to be
admitted into the top 10 universities in the US? That includes
Harvard, Princeton, Yale and Stanford. There’s clearly a reason,
so why are IB students such a good fit for American universities?
University preparation
Universities in the US require applicants to prove they’ve
mastered independent study, time management,
critical thinking and research skills. In high school
programs where learning is entirely teacher-led,
students aren’t self-motivated and can struggle to
gain acceptance into top universities. A study at the
University of Virginia found that the IB Extended Essay
helped students prepare for undergraduate research, and
that good grades correlated with good undergraduate
research projects. Universities in the US know that IB
students are likely to excel at university because they’re
already equipped with the skills they need to succeed.
19
Global citizenship
Universities in the US are international communities.
They’re committed to educating the youth of today
to solve the global challenges of tomorrow. They
encourage students to learn from one another, to
recognize their common humanity and to reflect on
globally significant issues across the curriculum.
The key aim of the IB Diploma is for students to
develop an international mindset that will enable
them to build a better future. IB students learn to see
the world from different cultural perspectives and
study languages that enable them to communicate
with peers from different backgrounds. As an
internationally recognized qualification, the IB also
prepares them for a career anywhere in the world.
IB students are true global citizens. Perhaps more
so than any other reason, it’s this that makes IB
students so appealing to universities.
Rebekka Kvalum
IB Diploma Student
EF Academy
20
High university
acceptance rates
Responses from over 4,000 students surveyed by the
International Insight Research Group on their university
acceptances revealed that IB Diploma students are up to 18%
more likely to be admitted into Ivy League universities. For
certain universities, the acceptance rates are even higher.
Acceptance rate
21
IB Diploma results
at EF Academy
After more than 50 years, the International Baccalaureate Diploma continues
to provide an exceptional education to students all over the world. We are
thrilled to see that this has been consistently true at EF Academy.
Over the past five years, our students have been accepted to 41 of the top
50 universities in the US and all of the top 20 universities in the UK.
In 2019, EF Academy IB Diploma students scored over 10% above the world
average. We are immensely prsoud of our IB students who are not only
attending some of the best-ranked universities in the world but have walked
into the next chapter of their lives feeling confident and well-prepared.
22
Other EF Academy acceptances:
US UK
• Boston University • Durham University
• Brown University • Imperial College London
• Carnegie Mellon University • King’s College London
• Columbia University • London School of Economics
• Georgetown University • University College London
• Harvard University • University of Bristol
• Johns Hopkins University • University of Cambridge
• Massachusetts Institute of • University of Edinburgh
Technology • University of Exeter
• New York University • University of Glasgow
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute • University of Leeds
• University of California, Berkeley • University of Loughborough
• University of Pennsylvania • University of Manchester
• University of Southern California • University of Oxford
• University of Virginia • University of St. Andrews
• Yale University • University of Warwick
23
Choosing the right
IB school
It can be hard to judge a school from the outside.
Here are a few indicators to help you choose a school
that delivers an IB Diploma with teaching excellence
and expertise.
24
Want to learn
more about the
IB Diploma at
EF Academy?
N E W YO R K PA S A D E N A, CA L I F O R N I A