IB Classes and College/University Credit
The I.B. Diploma Program is recognized on both a national and international level as a program that more than prepares students for the rigors of college and beyond. Included below are the opinions of admissions directors from some of the most prestigious universities in the United States, as well as the I.B. recognition policies of schools that are annual favorites of PHS students.
University of Michigan, Cliff Sjogren, former Director of Admissions
“A transcript that reveals a student’s enrollment in International Baccalaureate courses serves notice to the admissions officer that the applicant is someone who accepts rather than avoids educational challenges. Further, a successful IB student will enroll at Michigan with some advantages over students who have taken less intensive programs...Unquestionably, a school that graduates each year a number of students with IB diplomas has demonstrated its commitment to high educational standards and that commitment will serve to influence admissions decisions at the University of Michigan.”
Harvard University, Marilyn McGrath Lewis, Asst. Dean of Admissions
“Success in an IB program correlates well with success at Harvard. We are always pleased to see the credentials of the IB Diploma Program on the transcript.” GPA is not nearly as important a factor in university admission as the IB Diploma. If a student has to choose, choose the Diploma over protecting the GPA.”
Duke University, Christoph Guttentag, Director of Undergraduate Admissions
"One of the advantages of an IB curriculum is its structure and quality. It 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."
Examples of Schools Offering Credit for I.B. Exam Scores
In addition to helping students stand out in a competitive admissions process, many colleges and universities award credit for performance on exams to any IB Scholar pending their scores. Below is a list of some colleges with specific IB policies regarding credits for exams. This list is far from comprehensive, so if you have a specific college in mind, it can be a good idea to simply google “name of institution IB Credit.” At the end you can also find examples of colleges that offer special incentives for the full IB Diploma.
North Carolina State University
University of Alaska Fairbanks
University of British Columbia
In addition to the above, a number of colleges across the country and internationally offer incentives for completion of the IB Diploma. The list below is not exhaustive, but offers examples of what this can look like:
University of Colorado Boulder: “In general, credit is granted for approved International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations at the higher level with a score of 4 or better. Students admitted to the University of Colorado Boulder who have graduated from high school with an International Baccalaureate Diploma shall be granted 24 hours of college credit.” Credit by Examination < University of Colorado Boulder
University of Washington: “The UW recognizes the IB curriculum as a challenging academic program that provides excellent preparation for university study. In most cases, credits are awarded for subjects in which the student has earned a grade of 4 or higher…Additionally, students who earn an IB diploma will be awarded 5 more quarter credits toward UW graduation requirements.”
International Baccalaureate (IB) | Office of Admissions
Oregon State University: “Oregon State recognizes IB achievement by awarding credit to students who score 4 or above on standard and higher level IB exams. OSU also grants additional benefits for students who complete the full IB diploma with a score of 30 or higher including Sophomore standing and a renewable annual scholarship of $3000.” Credit Opportunities | Undergraduate Admissions | Oregon State University
Colby College, Waterville, ME: “Colby also recognizes the International Baccalaureate (IB) and offers advanced course placement and credit based on individual Higher Level examination results, as well as performance on the full IB Diploma program…A full year of credit toward the 128 credits required for graduation and up to two full semesters toward the residency requirement may be earned for an IB Diploma point total of 36 or better, assuming all examination scores are 5 or better.” Admission | Colby College
St. Michael’s College, Burlington VT: “In recognition of academic excellence, IB Diploma holders are guaranteed to receive at least $18,000 per year in total Saint Michael’s College scholarship awards… Students who complete the IB Diploma Program are eligible to receive up to 32 credits at Saint Michael’s College, which is equivalent to one full year of study, or sophomore status. IB students not completing the Diploma Program are also eligible to receive advanced standing and/or credit, which may be awarded for HL or SL courses with grades of 5 or higher.” IB Students | Saint Michael's College
McGill University (Canada): “Students who complete the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma will be granted up to 30 transfer credits…Students NOT completing the full IB Diploma, but who complete individual IB Higher Level (HL) diploma courses may be granted credit for final results of '5' or better, equal to the equivalent course at McGill and dependent on the entering faculty and program rules.”
International Baccalaureate | Transfer Credit & Advanced Standing - McGill University