Are you stuck with the decision about what to do next? Now that you have aced the 10th grade are you seeking a challenging programme to justify your talent and create new opportunities? International Baccalaureate’s pre-university programmes are immersive, and engaging, pose interesting challenges, and have international recognition. For 11th and 12th grade, IB offers the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), a two-year course. For students studying from another board, IB offers the IBDP subjects individually and you earn an IB certificate after completing that subject.
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IB Diploma is a full-length programme where students will study at least 6 subjects from six subject groups and complete the DP Core elements to earn their IB Diploma. Among the subjects they select, the student must opt for at least three subjects at the Higher Level (HL) and the remaining students can study at the Standard Level (SL). The DP Core includes -
The IB Diploma is only awarded if all the components, including the DP Core, are completed as per the requirements.
Students that are pursuing their pre-university course from another board, but want to earn extra credits generally choose the IB Certificate. Here, they select any of the subjects from the six subject groups and work towards earning a certification in them. One can choose to take the subject at a Higher Level or Standard Level, depending on the intensity they prefer. As per the subject specification, they have to attend a certain number of hours of class, complete projects and assignments, and appear for the final written exam. Upon completion of all the criteria, they will earn the certificate.
Generally, students who opt for IB certification are studying in another education board and want to augment their qualifications to improve their chances for college admission. IBDP subject syllabus is designed to teach students theories, concepts and skills that will be relevant to them in college. So, if the student is applying for a college programme that has a specific subject requirement then they can earn a certificate for that subject. For many students, IB courses are inaccessible or the subject that they want to study may not be available in their school. So, they have the choice to choose that subject alone and earn a certificate in it.
The IBDP is a full-time course whereas the IB Certificate is a certificate awarded only for one subject. Colleges will consider the IBDP for admissions. IB certificate will be considered as an extra credit for college application. If you are planning to apply to college and submit the IB certificate as part of your application, you can do so, but you must submit a full IBDP or equivalent qualification to qualify. Further, the IB certificate must not be confused with the IBDP remote course. Students who appear for the IBDP remotely complete its requirements and only then do they earn the diploma.
If you are studying IBDP but the subject you want is not offered there, then you can choose to study that subject externally. However, whether that subject will be considered as part of the IBDP course offered by your school is up to the school’s discretion. Also, even if you take six IB subjects for certification, you will only earn a certificate and not the IBDP diploma.
If you are pursuing a high school programme, you can take the IB certificate subject as an add-on. There is no limit to how many subjects you can take, but the course load is intensive, so you must be sure you can manage it. The IBDP diploma will be considered by colleges to qualify you for admission. The IB certificate does not qualify you for college programmes, it gives you credits that can help you with applying for the college course.
If you are passionate about a subject, then IB will give you the best exposure for it through its immersive, experiential learning methodologies. IB Certificate students can attend IB classes online, or in person and get a well-rounded experience. So, choose the IBDP if you can, or even a subject for a valuable learning experience.
Both IB Certificate and IB Diploma enhance critical thinking, research skills, and international awareness, benefiting careers in diverse fields such as business, academia, and international relations. IB Diploma holders may have an edge due to the program's comprehensive nature and core requirements.
The IB Diploma is generally considered more challenging due to its comprehensive nature and core requirements. IB Certificate allows flexibility by focusing on selected subjects without the full Diploma obligations.
The IB Diploma is a comprehensive two-year program covering six subjects, Theory of Knowledge (ToK), Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). IB Certificate, on the other hand, allows students to take individual IB subjects without completing the full Diploma program.
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