Both are rigorous programs Both attract highly motivated students Both grant weighted grades Both involve highly dedicated and creative
teachers Both use external assessments Both are recognized by most US
universities for consideration for college credit or advanced standing
Similarities of IB and AP
How are AP and IB Different?
AP IB
Scored from 1-5 Scored from 1-7
College credit for 3 and above College credit for 4 or 5 and above
Measured by a one day, largely multiple choice test
Measured by multiple assessment formats throughout the year: essays, labs, portfolios, projects, oral commentaries
Measures breadth of knowledge Measures depth of knowledge
Courses stand alone; students specialize
Integrated curriculum over 2 years with CAS, Extended Essay and TOK for a well-rounded education program
Any student may take AP exams; IB students may take AP exams
Only IB students enrolled in IB courses may take IB exams
Apply critical thinking skills Educate the whole person Develop international mindedness Understand individual responsibility to the
local and global community Belong to a family learning community Outperform peers on state assessments Have higher acceptance rates to
universities Perform better in post-secondary education
Benefits of the IB Diploma Program
IB students accepted to over 82 universities, such as: UC Berkeley, UCSD, NYU, BYU, SDSU, Cal Poly SLO, UCLA, USC
Every Diploma student has been accepted to a 4 year university.
89% of 2014 cohort earned their IB diploma. 30 was the average passing score.
MVHS Statistics
IB World University Acceptance Rates
University or College
Total Pop. Acceptance
IB Diploma Acceptance
UC Irvine 56.0% 89.9%
UC San Diego 41.0% 65.6%
UC Berkley 24.0% 50.6%
UC Los Angeles 24.0% 48.5%
USC 30% 69%
University San Diego
53% 83%
Cornell University 29% 47%
BYU 30% 96.3%
Georgetown 21% 28.5%
CSU, Fullerton 69% 97.6%
CSU, Long Beach 52% 92.2%
University policies for IB/AP credit differ. Generally, all HL courses with a score of 5 or above are accepted. In most cases HL courses are granted 8 credits.
UC: Full IB Diploma candidates with a score of 30 or above will receive 30 quarter units (or 20 semester units) toward their degree.
**Not all universities will award college credit for the passing of IB or AP exams. Some may give elective credit, but it varies by university.
EXAMPLES OF IB RECOGNITION
2 year program taken in 11th and 12th grades that can result in an internationally recognized diploma in addition to the high school diploma.
Focuses on educating well-rounded students who want to make a difference in the world and are willing to challenge themselves to prepare for college.
Program Description
Complete an application form with 2 teacher recommendations.
Applications are requested by February. Student and parents will be notified when
completed application is reviewed. Additional paperwork will be sent home for
signatures. When all signed paperwork is returned,
student will then be officially enrolled in IB.
Next steps to join the IB Diploma Family
11th Grade IB English HL1 IB Language B
SL/HL1 IB History HL1 IB Science SL/HL1 IB Math SL IB Music, Art SL/HL,
Psych SL/HL Elective
12th Grade IB English HL2 IB Language B
SL/HL2 IB History HL2 IB Science SL/HL2 IB Math SL/HL2 Elective Elective
Sample of 2 year program
TOK is now offered as an evening class in Spring of Junior year and Fall of Senior year.
Theory of Knowledge Course – Asks the big questions. How do we know what we know? Discussion based course.
Extended Essay – Research a topic that interests you. Write a well argued 12-14 page research paper with guidance from a teacher, written over 2 years.
Creativity / Action / Service (CAS) – Get involved in meaningful activities. 150 hours completed in 11th and 12th grade only. (Hours count for graduation requirements)
Core Requirements for the Diploma(Satisfies senior exit interview requirement)
External exams taken in May
Internal assessments completed
throughout the course.
Score of 1 to 7 to determine college credit
and awarding of diploma.
All IB courses except TOK and Math Studies
receive weighted grades.
Assessing Student Work
Maximum 45 points possible (7 pts x 6 classes + 3pts from TOK/EE)
Minimum for diploma is 24 points with no failing conditions
Failing conditions = ◦ 1 on any course or 2 on any
HL◦ Not averaging 4 points on SL
exams ◦ Not averaging 4 points on HL
exams
IB Scoring for Diploma
Fees are paid in September of each testing year and students are required to take the exams
Registration Fee (subject to change)◦Diploma Student: one time fee of $160◦Certificate Student: fee of $160each testing year
Per subject fee (subject to change)◦$110 per subject test◦No fee is charged for Theory of Knowledge or
Extended Essay Total Cost for DP: 6 tests at $110+ $160= $820 30 credits at a university can average over $15,000
Costs for IB Exams