In many different international and European-system high schools International Baccalaureate (IB) programs are offered. This is a two year program offered in high schools, 11th and 12th grade (junior and senior year). Students may wish to take the diploma which requires six IB courses (three higher levels and three standard levels), service hours, and a mandatory course called Theory of Knowledge. The six different courses may be any courses offered at the school general science, social studies, languages, mathematics, and arts. On the other hand, Theory of Knowledge (ToK), is a mandatory course for all IB diploma-seekers. In this class, students learn how to write papers and present speeches. Upon graduation, students must write a 4,000 word paper called the Extended Essay (EE) which can be written on any topic the student wishes for after consulting with the IB director(s) in school. Service hours, also known as Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) hours where students are expected to fulfill at least 150 hours by doing community works.
For students who are not IB diplomas, but are taking IB courses, are referred to as IB certificates. The same rule apply to the certificates, but students are not required to take ToK and fulfill 150hours of CAS. Exams are usually two days long and are up to three hours per exam in the month of May. Students may re-take the IB exam after 6 months to get a better score. The difficulty of exam varies every year.
After receiving the IB scores, depending on the required score of individual schools in the US and in Europe, students may use his/her IB scores to waive some course and get credits. In the US, IB is not a requirement since most schools prefer Advance Placement (AP) and not many high schools offer IB, however in European colleges, IB is required. Students may get up to an equivalent of two full years of college waived by their scores. Every school in the US has different requirements for IB scores so students are highly encouraged to check. In European colleges, every school requires different scores and students are accepted or rejected after viewing their scores. Colleges in other countries are slowly adapting the IB system and are giving credits to students who took IB.
IB is known for their intense program. Taking college level courses in high school in the span of two years is intense and gives a good opportunity for high school students to experience what to expect once they go to college. It is important to check requirements for schools because two years of college might be waived!
