Is an international baccalaureate better than A-Levels?

In the UK, IB is increasingly being recognized as a more intellectually rigorous preparation for university than A-Level. The Higher Education Statistics Agency recently found that IB students were more likely to be accepted to a top 20 UK ranked university than their peers studying for A-Levels.

Do US universities prefer IB or A-Levels?

So, if a student who plans to apply to US universities is able to do well in the IB, this might be the best option for them. However, if a student can achieve higher grades in the A-Level curriculum, it is generally better to take A-Levels and do well, than to attempt the IB and achieve lower grades.

Does Harvard prefer IB or A-Levels?

Harvard University does not explicitly prefer the International Baccalaureate (IB) or A levels. Admissions decisions are based on a holistic review of an applicant's academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities.

Does Oxford prefer IB or A-Levels?

Students with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma are our second largest group of applicants and students, after those with A-levels, and we welcome applicants with this qualification.

How is A-level compared to IB?

What are the subject differences between IB vs A-Levels? A-levels requires the study of three to four subjects over two years. The IB Diploma also spans two years, but offers six chosen subjects. Three subjects are taught at “higher level”, which provides an opportunity for in-depth analysis.

Regular Kids vs. IB Kids

Is IB more difficult than A Levels?

Which one is harder to complete? The IB is considerably harder than A-levels. In the IB, students must study six subjects plus extras whereas with A-levels students study three subjects. With so much workload, it is no surprise that many students taking the IB end up with relatively low grades (24-30 points).

Is IB a lot harder than A Levels?

The IB and A Levels are both extremely challenging and require a lot of hard work. The only difference that makes IB program a tad challenging from A Levels is that IB emphasizes critical thinking skills and problem solving ability over theoretical knowledge.

Does Harvard prefer IB students?

Although Harvard does not explicitly state university IB requirements for each course, their admission process highly values candidates who excel in higher-level (HL) IB subjects. In my experience, students aiming for top-tier universities like Harvard should target scores of 6s and 7s in their HL subjects.

Do Ivy Leagues prefer AP or IB?

Students who take IB classes in high school have higher acceptance rates into Ivy League schools, but this doesn't necessarily mean a higher acceptance rate than AP students; it just means that IB students have a higher acceptance rate than the general application pool.

Does Harvard like IB students?

The fact of the matter is that Harvard does take IB scores into consideration. If you score well on your IB diploma, then that makes you a very strong applicant for the IB this way. Non-IB applicants in fact, have a 5.1% chance of getting in, whereas this is 12.2% for those who have an IB diploma.

Do Ivy Leagues care about IB?

The IB Diploma Programme is a well-known and accepted “college-standard” curriculum. The acceptance rate of IB students into Ivy League Universities is up to 18% higher than the total population acceptance rate.

Do colleges care more about IB or AP?

Do Colleges Prefer AP or IB? Colleges typically do not state a preference for AP or IB courses. Both options are rigorous and can help you earn college credit depending on your exam scores. If your school only offers AP or IB, you may want to simply stick with what is available.

Does IB get you into Ivy League?

A survey of more than 4,000 students conducted by the International Insight Research Group in partnership with the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) showed that the acceptance rate of IB students into Ivy League universities is up to 18% higher than the total population acceptance rate.

How many A Levels is the IB equivalent to?

The British Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) has developed a tariff system that helps compare IB scores with equivalent A Level grades. An IB score of 38 points out of a maximum of 45 is equivalent to five 8-9 grades at A-level. A score of 30 IB points reflects 6-7 grades at A level.

What is the American equivalent to A Levels?

The nearest equivalent would be AP tests. However, no AP test is worth more than 6 credits, some fewer, whereas A levels normally count for 10.

Is IB harder than American diploma?

A: The IB Diploma Program is recognized as one of, if not the most, rigorous High School academic programs in the world. Requirements of the full IBDP (such as the Extended Essay and Community, Activity and Service requirements) ensure that students are well-prepared and transition smoothly into university.

Is IB or AP more prestigious?

Because the IB is a global program, the scores for these exams are more widely accepted in universities and colleges all over the world. Because there are more score ranges in the IB, the highest-ranked students are truly the top in their class, while in AP there is a wider range in each level.

Does Yale prefer AP or IB?

Admissions officers are familiar with various types of advanced coursework, including AP, IB, A-Levels, Dual Enrollment, and others, but have no preference for one advanced curriculum over another. We also understand that the availability of advanced coursework varies significantly from school to school.

Are IB classes harder than AP?

Difficulty. While HL (“High Level”) IB courses are generally considered to be more difficult than equivalent or similar AP classes, SL (“Standard Level”) IB courses are typically seen as similar or easier than their AP counterparts.

How prestigious is the IB program?

The International Baccalaureate® Diploma is a world-renowned qualification for students who seek a broad and challenging curriculum that helps them develop all the skills needed for success at university. Thanks to EF Academy's unmatched internationalism, our students live the IB ethos every single day.

Is a 6 in IB good?

Universities don't release specified IB Diploma Program cut-off scores in the US. If you want to apply to the Ivy League and more selective colleges, you'll need a healthy mix of sixes and sevens (no less than six) in your subjects for a shot at admission.

Does Oxford accept IB?

A total score of 38, 39 or 40 points (depending on the course) including core points, with 6s and 7s in subjects taken at the Higher level. Please visit the individual course pages for details. IB students can choose from: Analysis and Approaches (SL or HL)

What is the hardest class in IB?

Do many people fail IB?

While the pass rate for the IB varies from year to year and from school to school, the overall pass rate for the May 2022 session was 86.11%, according to the IB website.

Is IB the hardest high school curriculum?

IB is one of the most demanding courses that one can attend in high school. We have dedicated another article to answering if the intensity and extra workload are worth it!