Frequently Asked Questions
Choose from the following questions:
- What are prerequisites for being an IB student?
- Will the program be available only to top students?
- What are the requirements to obtain an IB diploma?
- Do all students in an IB program generally earn the diploma?
- How do students benefit from obtaining an IB diploma?
- Are there differences between IB and AP courses?
For additional questions, please visit our Contact page.
What are prerequisites for being an IB student in grade 11 at UA?
Upper Arlington will have an open enrollment policy for both certificate and diploma candidates. Other than in Mathematics and Global Language, there are no courses specifically designated as pre-IB. Nevertheless, students should read carefully each department's program requirements. There will be courses in some instances that must have been taken to be prepared, for selected IB courses. Each diploma candidate will sit with the IB Coordinator in the 10th grade to plan a full diploma program for the 11th and 12th grades. Students in the 9th and 10th grades interested in the IB Program should take as many graduation require-ments as possible to free time in the 11th and 12th grades to meet all the diploma requirements.
topWill this program be available only to top students?
All IB courses will be open to all students. In fact, we believe that most of our students can obtain an IB diploma if they can devote the time in addition to their involvement in a wide variety of school and community activities.
What are the requirements to obtain an IB diploma?
Students can take a variety of paths to obtain the diploma. Cynthia Ballheim, IB coordinator, will help each interested student plan their path. Diploma students will take external and internal exams in six subject areas. Internal exams are scored by UA teachers, while external exams are scored by IB teachers from around the world.
In addition to meeting the requirements of the six core subject areas, students must also take a course called Theory of Knowledge, write an Extended Essay (similar to our current Senior Thesis requirement) and participate in 150 hours of activities centering on creativity, action, and service, or CAS. There are many IB mandated procedures, which can make scheduling complex. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Cynthia Ballheim, or your guidance counselor.
Do all students in an IB program generally earn the IB Diploma?
Around the world, approximately seventy-five percent of the students who participate in the IB Diploma Program earn the IB Diploma. Those who do not earn the Diploma may receive IB Certificates for IB courses successfully completed. We at Upper Arlington anticipate that our students will be at least as successful as their peers across the country and throughout the world.
How do students benefit from obtaining an IB diploma?
The intellectual rigor and high academic standards will prepare students for higher education and assist them in the college admissions process. Most importantly, students will gain a much deeper understanding of international affairs and diverse cultures. Additionally, colleges and universities see the program as a rigorous college preparatory program that expands students' understanding of international affairs. IB students are desirable candidates for college admission and have a higher acceptance rate to top universities.
Are there differences between IB and AP courses?
The requirements listed above-that students take courses from across the broad curriculum and that they complete the three core components-distinguish the IB program from a collection of individual AP courses. However, the two programs do not necessarily conflict with one another and in many cases students can satisfy the requirements of both programs in the same course and sit for both exams if they elect.
Students will experience courses conforming to international standards across the broad curriculum. The courses and the core components will ensure that these students are well prepared regardless of where they decide to go to college, what they decide to study, and what they choose to do with their lives.
Students electing to take individual IB courses instead of pursuing Diploma requirements will receive certificates for successfully completing the course. Many colleges grant college credit (similar to AP credit). Diploma candidates often have advantages in competing for college admission and scholarships; many colleges, in fact, go so far as to grant sophomore status for incoming IB Diploma recipients.
The requirements listed above—that students take courses from across the broad curriculum and that they complete the three core components—distinguish the IB program from a collection of individual AP courses. However, the two programs do not necessarily conflict with one another and in many cases students can satisfy the requirements of both programs in the same course and sit for both exams if they elect.
Students will experience courses conforming to international standards across the broad curriculum. The courses and the core components will ensure that these students are well prepared regardless of where they decide to go to college, what they decide to study, and what they choose to do with their lives.
Students electing to take individual IB courses instead of pursuing Diploma requirements will receive certificates for successfully completing the course. Many colleges grant college credit (similar to AP credit). Diploma candidates often have advantages in competing for college admission and scholarships; many colleges, in fact, go so far as to grant sophomore status for incoming IB Diploma recipients.