The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) is a two-year educational curriculum that occurs during a student’s junior and senior years of high school. The program provides an internationally accepted qualification for entry into higher education and is recognized by many universities worldwide.
What kind of student is right for the IBDP?
The IBDP student generally wants to achieve the highest level of college and university recognition and preparation. These students generally take on more than the standard academic course load in order to become competitive candidates for the most selective colleges and universities. IBDP students are also involved with various extra-curricular and service activities. Students who participate in the Diploma Program (DP) generally desire to be well-rounded leaders and learners that can excel in the top colleges and universities.
Program Details/Requirements:
Students must complete six (6) two-year, IBDP courses.
Students must complete six (6) IB Exams (one for each subject) throughout May of their senior year.
Students must complete a 4000-word Extended Essay (EE) over the course of two years.
Students must be involved in various Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) activities over two years.
Students must successfully complete a two-year IB Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course.
Benefits:
Each IB course has an extra ten point “weight” reflected on the student’s transcript.
Students in the IBDP experience these extra GPA points in at least 12 courses throughout their junior and senior years of high school. This also increases opportunities for scholarships and interest from more selective colleges and universities.
Students in the IBDP generally perform better in college than those who had not participated in the IBDP. Also, more IBDP students actually finish college with a four-year (or higher) degree.
Students can receive college credit for every IB exam/subject with a qualifying score of at least 4 out of 7. (Check with applicable colleges and universities for individual IB exam score requirements to receive college credit.)
If all other requirements are met and the students make a combined score of 24 on their IB exams, they will earn the “IB Diploma”. This means that students can potentially start college with enough credit to be qualified as a sophomore. It is also valid for acceptance into many universities outside the United States.
Guaranteed IB, Fine Arts, and Language Pathway completion upon graduation.
IBDP requirements are viewed favorably by competitive colleges, thus increasing student chances of acceptance and retention.
Entrance Recommendations:
Student must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 prior to eleventh grade.
Students must have completed Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 prior to 11th grade.
Students must have completed two consecutive years in a world language course (Chinese, French, or Spanish) prior to eleventh grade.
Students that have attended MJHS in ninth and tenth grade must complete the MYP Personal Project
Each IB Subject Examination costs $119 (x6) totaling $714. APS currently pays 90% of these charges for low-income students (leaving $72 for parents) or 75% of the cost for non-low-income students (leaving $179 for parents). This is often due in November of the student’s senior year.
Course Listings and Schedules:
Below is a prospective list of courses for students that are considering the IBDP: (Students should have one course from the each of the six IB subject groups each year).
additional notes:
Students interested in completing a CTAE Pathway (such as Engineering, Audio-Video Tech & Film, Graphic Design, Web and Digital Design, or JROTC) should consider the IB Career-related Program (IBCP).
Once in the DP, students must choose to take IB Dance, IB Film, IB Theatre, IB Music, or IB Visual Art throughout their junior and senior year. IB Business Management SL is also available for junior year only. But any DP student that takes IB Business Management must take IB Biology HL.
For DP students to take AP Calculus, it is best to complete Pre-Calculus prior to the start of junior year. Please see the child’s counselor for more details. When choosing to take two math courses in one school year, students may opt out of an additional elective.