FAQ
The IBO did a recent survey of admissions tutors at selected UK universities. When asked: “96% favored the broader programme offered by the IBO, and 97% were satisfied that IB Diploma students were well prepared for undergraduate courses. 57% thought that the IB Diploma gave students an advantage over A-level students.”
How do colleges view the IB for admissions purposes?
Many colleges recognize the breadth, depth and international components of the IB that make a WIS student more than prepared for college work. However, "prepared" does not mean "competitive" for admission purposes at all universities. The more selective the institution, the more demanding its expectations in terms of course work, grades, interests and activities. The most competitive colleges expect students to take the most demanding course load they can, while still maintaining their grades and outside interests.
“The IB is the best high school prep curriculum an American school can offer.” Massachusetts Institute of Technology
What courses should I choose for my IB Diploma or Certificate?
The single-most important factor in planning your schedule is your individual strengths, passions and interests. It is not wise to create a program that is so difficult that you have no time to pursue outside interests. As the saying goes....All work and no play makes Jack a very dull boy. At the same time, you should challenge yourself because the rigor of your curriculum will be examined in light of your future goals.
Additionally, depending on where you plan to apply, you must pay attention to the requirements for the program that interests you. The UK has the most prescribed requirements for many courses, whereas the US is a lot more lenient in terms of your high school preparation. We generally recommend that students applying to the UK and Canada have a full IB Diploma. If you are applying only in the US, the IB certificates are recognized by admissions offices and prepare students for college work. These options are discussed with you in your individual meetings when you select their courses for the IB Diploma/Certificate.
“IB students are more flexible, more open to new ideas and are more ready to question and challenge.” University of Essex
How do colleges translate our 7 point IB grading scale?
We always include a letter translation of our 7 point scale when we mail a transcript. Many colleges use the letter translation and do not try to convert our scale to a more traditional 4 point scale. Colleges look at students in the context of the environment they come from without attempting to standardize everyone because then the rigor of the curriculum would be lost. If necessary, we provide a translation to a 4 point scale.
“There is a stark contrast between DP (diploma program) and A-level students with the former at an advantage. The compulsory inclusion of mathematics was a distinct advantage.” London School of Economics
Does WIS rank students?
Like many other small, independent schools with rigorous curriculums, WIS does not rank students. Colleges are familiar with this practice and use the school Profile and their knowledge of the difficulty of the IB curriculum when evaluating our students.
“[The IB] is a coordinated program, well established, well known and well respected. We know the quality of IB courses, and we think the IB curriculum is terrific.” Duke University
When should students take the SAT exams?
Our strong recommendation continues to be that students wait until March of their junior year to begin their SAT testing. Students are more academically prepared and mature by the spring of their junior year. Many often take the exams again in the fall of senior year after they have been able to do revisions in the summer. Most colleges mix and match the different components of the SAT from multiple test sessions.
“I would take an IB student over others any time.” University of Toronto
How do colleges make their decisions?
This varies depending on where you apply. See below for a brief description, organized by country, of what is requested as part of the admissions process.
UK
- Appropriate high school preparation for the course selected
- Predicted IB Exam grades
- Personal Statement — used to evaluate how you have shown interest in your future course
- School reference
Canada
- Appropriate high school preparation for the course selected
- Predicted IB Exam grades
- School reference
US
- Rigor of high school curriculum
- Grades on their transcript since 9th grade
- Standardized test scores
- Extracurricular activities
- School and teacher references
- Essays
- Miscellaneous--diversity, legacy, athletic talent, musical talent and others
