The IB Advantage

In an environment of increasing competitiveness among institutions of higher education, and taking account of the growing mobility of students, university admissions tutors and academic staff around the world recognize the benefits of recruiting IB graduates for their universities and colleges. The benefits include:

• The admission of students from a rigorous academic background, who know how to think and to learn
• The absence of any concerns about grade inflation
• The knowledge that state and national standards are being met and exceeded through effective teaching and learning; IB standards and grading practices are the same around the world, which means the criteria for achieving each grade are the same for all IB World Schools
• The rich diversity of experience and perspective that IB students bring to their university or college

Admissions officers around the world use some of the following assumptions about IB diploma graduates to assist them in the admissions process.

Academic strength of curriculum

Admissions officers can be assured of students’ strong preparation of coursework in a cohesive and broad‑based curriculum that encompasses the basic academic areas: mother‑tongue language and literature, second language, social sciences/humanities, experimental sciences and mathematics.

Academic strength of schools

All IB World Schools must offer, support and maintain a minimum of seven or eight strong academic departments.

Academic strength of students

The IB Diploma Programme requires students to maintain a high level of focus and performance.

External validation

The IB Diploma Programme validates both achievement and academic integrity in students’ performance through its examination requirements.

Research and writing skills

The extended essay requirement—an independent, self‑directed piece of research, culminating in a 4,000‑word paper—provides practical preparation for the kinds of undergraduate research required for further and higher education.

It is also the opportunity for students to engage in an in‑depth study of a topic of interest within a chosen subject.

Acceptance of educational challenges

Participation in the IB Diploma Programme demonstrates that students accept, rather than avoid, rigorous academic challenges.

Critical‑thinking skills

The required theory of knowledge course ensures that students become critical thinkers who understand the interdisciplinary nature of learning.

Interview skills

IB students have strong preparation in oral presentation skills. Several IB courses include mandatory oral assessments, and the theory of knowledge course requires students to shape their opinions into logical discourse.

Extra‑curricular involvement

The creativity, action, service element requires students to invest a minimum of 150 hours during the final two years in non‑classroom activities.

Maturity and responsibility

The IB Diploma Programme assists students in developing time‑management, goal‑setting and other organizational skills.

For more information on university recognition of IB Diploma students and testimonials from leading universities please refer to the IB's University Recognition Booklet.