The IB diploma is an academically challenging two year academic program, offered to 16 to 19 year old students. The IB diploma program aims to give a holistic education and is an internationally recognised qualification. This qualification offers your child a great advantage, especially while applying for international universities. Each year over 4,500 universities in more than 110 countries receive applications from IB students. The DP is recognized by colleges and universities in almost 90 countries, including prestigious US universities like Harvard, Yale, and Stanford.
Students and parents are keen to know why they should opt for the IB diploma and how it will help them in University Placements. This article seeks to explain why the IB diploma is a great curriculum for students who are aspiring for admissions in premier universities.
The IB Diploma: An overview
A survey by the International Insight Research Group found that IB students have an admission rate into Ivy League universities that’s up to 18% higher than the overall admission rate. One of the key reasons is the high academic rigour.
The IB diploma requires its students to take up six subjects along with the DP core. The DP core consists of:
a. Theory of Knowledge – Is a mandatory course in the diploma program that challenges students to think critically on the nature of knowledge.
b. The Extended Essay (EE) – The EE is an independent research project. Students investigate a topic of their choice and develop research and writing skills that are relevant to university-level work.
c. Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) – CAS enables students to enhance their personal & interpersonal development by learning through experience. Creativity involves arts and other experiences that involve creative thinking. Activity refers to physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle. Service – refers to an unpaid and voluntary activity that has a learning benefit for the student.
The six subject groups are: Studies in language and literature, Language acquisition, Individuals and societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and Arts.
What does the IB diploma develop in your child to promote University Acceptance?
The IB curriculum is highly regarded by Universities as it prepares students for the rigor of University life. Here are some advantages:
57% felt it offers an advantage to students as preparation for higher education
Wide Exposure: Students study six subjects from a range of disciplines. This exposure enables students to have different options while applying for university.
Develops critical thinking skills: In a research conducted by Oxford University it was established that IB learners had higher critical thinking skills than non-IB students. The structure of the DP program nurtures critical thinking. Universities prefer candidates who are analytical thinkers and can solve complex problems.
Promotes Independent Learning: A 2011 study by Cardiff University, UK highlighted the role played by the Extended Essay in developing cognitive, research, writing and communication skills. This college-readiness is another reason why IB graduates are preferred by premier universities.
It promotes a Real-World Perspective: The CAS component of the program encourages students to work on real-life projects through which they can change lives and give back to society. This is an aspect which makes the student stand out during the university application process.
It is an internationally recognised qualification: The Diploma program is a qualification accepted by leading universities globally. Every year many IB diploma holders gain admission to premier universities globally which includes Ivy League Universities. Each year over 4,500 universities in more than 110 countries/ territories receive IB students’ admission applications and transcripts.
Universities around the globe say IB students are “well prepared” – In a study of 150 university faculty from the UK, the IB diploma program was rated higher than other qualifications based on the curriculum content, development of critical-thinking, time management, communication skills & student motivation.
- 97% were satisfied that the diploma program prepares students for university
- 96% favoured a broad curriculum of the type that IB offers
- 57% felt it offers an advantage to students as preparation for higher education
At CHIREC this year – we have set a record in our DP results – 3 of our students are Global Toppers in Extended Mathematics. Additionally this year our students have obtained placements in premier colleges globally such as John Hopkins, MIT, Carnegie Mellon University, UIUC, Purdue University, New York University, University of Manchester & Imperial College, London to name a few. These placements are across various streams from Neuroscience, Aerospace Engineering to Medical and Business Management. These results were possible due to our comprehensive approach towards the IB program which includes- small class sizes, individual attention to students, expert faculty, a customized college plan – created for each student by our Career Counselling & Placements Team.
To know more how we can enable your child craft his career path email: admissions@chirec.ac.in.
