Inside the IB: IB vs. AP

How the IB Diploma can help your student succeed in high school, college, and beyond

In today’s competitive academic environment, students have to take advantage of every possible opportunity to learn successful habits, push themselves academically, discover passions, and prepare themselves for the college admissions process. ISI students have the distinct advantage of learning through the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, preparing themselves to be responsible and effective leaders who take ownership of their learning. 

Overview of the IB

Students at ISI take a full IB course load and have the opportunity to graduate with an IB Diploma. Courses are sorted into six subject groups: Individuals & Societies, Language & Literature, Language Acquisition, Mathematics, and Sciences, and optional Arts classes, which can be replaced with additional Science or Language. Classes are offered at standard and high levels. These rigorous courses develop students into globally minded learners, focusing on critical thinking skills and connecting material across subjects. Students completing the full IB Diploma also undertake Theory of Knowledge, a pre-college critical thinking course, and complete a 4000-word Extended Essay in a subject area of their choosing.

The IB curriculum is designed to be integrated and built upon year after year. There are also extracurricular requirements and additional projects throughout ISI students' time in high school, helping to develop students into well-rounded, responsible individuals. Studies show that IB students are more academically, socially, and emotionally engaged in their school community. IB students are constantly challenged in their coursework to foster critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity. 

Benefits of the IB Curriculum 

Students all over the world see the benefits of the IB curriculum. This academic pathway not only sets students apart upon graduation; it also allows for immense social and academic growth in high school. Some of the benefits ISI students see during their time in school include:

• More flexibility in testing: For students to receive college credit from an AP class, they must pass a final AP exam. IB classes are also eligible for college credit, but more than just a final exam is taken into account. Class assessments, which are externally moderated, and a final exam are all used to determine if college credit is awarded. 
• Connected curriculum develops critical thinkers: The IB curriculum requires students to connect ideas across subjects, reinforcing their learning, developing critical thinking, and building creativity. These skills help students gain a true understanding of the material instead of relying primarily on memorization. Studies show that IB students have significantly higher levels of critical thinking than their non-IB peers.
• Project management and communication: Successful completion of the IB Diploma requires a variety of outside projects throughout high school. Students learn how to plan for long-term projects, working with other students and staff advisors. Learning long-term time management and discipline in high school helps students prepare for the transition to college.
• Learning in a university-like setting: The IB and ISI both prepare students to be successful in college by creating a learning environment that mirrors college life. Students are expected to attend office hours, are given free periods to work on assignments and manage their time independently, and are encouraged to seek extracurricular opportunities. 
• Consistent learning experience: While AP offers high-level learning in a course taught in isolation, ISI offers the comprehensive IB curriculum all day. The IB classes connect with each other, so learning is constantly reinforced. 
• Language learning opportunities: While only about 25% of their time is dedicated to language learning in the Upper School, students still gain benefits from language classes, including enhanced cultural understanding, promoting interdisciplinary thinking, and the ability to test out of college courses - leading to a potential head start on language majors and minors.  

Benefits of the IB After High School 

• College acceptance rates: IB students have higher college acceptance rates than their non-IB peers. Studies show that the acceptance rate of IB students into Ivy League universities is up to 18% higher than the total population acceptance rate. The gap is even more significant for top-ranked universities outside of the Ivy League, where it is 22% higher, on average.
• College preparedness and success: The IB curriculum develops habits and skills for students to be successful in their postsecondary education. Studies show that IB students are 20% more likely to graduate from their selected 4-year institutions than their non-IB peers. 
• Employability skills: Global workforce trends have shown that there is a high value placed on competencies such as complex problem-solving and creative thinking. Students who have received an IB education thrive in environments that require those skills, as well as having strong communication and ethics. 

Do you think an IB education might be the best fit for your child? Our admissions team is excited to meet your family and answer any questions you may have! Schedule your own personal tour or register for an Info Session today.