The IB Diploma program is widely recognized by many universities in the world. The International Diploma Programme is for students aged 16 to 19.
The IB Diploma Program helps students to develop an excellent breadth and depth of knowledge, allowing them to flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally, and ethically.
About the DP curriculum
There are 6 subject groups in the Diploma Programme alongside the DP core, which comprises the theory of knowledge, also known as TOK, creativity, activity, service (CAS), and the extended essay.
Read also: The Complete Guide to International Baccalaureate MYP and DP
IB Diploma for Universities: Here are 9 reasons why the IB DP can be considered as ideal preparation for university
1 – Globally recognized – Increases academic opportunities
The IB Diploma program is internationally recognized. It is offered in 150 countries globally and recognized by colleges and universities from almost 90 countries. This includes the top ivy leagues in the world such as Harvard, Yale, and Stanford. Additionally, the IB curriculum also teaches students to be culturally aware and knowledgeable, to well prepare them as global citizens. ‘
Hence, the IB DP curriculum allows students to be ready for a university not only in their homeland but also anywhere in the world.
2 – The DP curriculum develops time management skills in students
This skill is picked up almost instinctively by IB students, this is because the key to good independent study requires students to have good study habits. This means setting aside time for assignments and being able to develop revision techniques and resisting distractions.
This is an extremely important skill set that students will need to be able to do well and succeed in university. As we all may know, the university is nothing like high school. The curriculum is hectic and fast-paced, students must be able to be independent learners and take responsibility in their studies when they enter college.
3 – IB DP cares more than just your grades
Through creativity, action, and service (CAS), encourages students to develop in areas other than academics. The CAS is characterized by as follows:
- Creativity – arts and other experiences that involve creative thinking
- Activity – requires students to be involved physically, such as contributing to a healthy lifestyle, complementing academic work elsewhere in the DP
- Service – students will have to do an unpaid and voluntary exchange that has a learning benefit for the student.
These are helpful for when a student continues their education to university, some universities look for students who are all-rounders rather than students who only have the grades. The IB curriculum helps students to be active in society and community, which can be attractive to some universities.
4 – The IB DP curriculum encourages critical thinking in students
Students that undertake the IB DP curriculum learn how to analyze and evaluate big issues, generate innovative ideas and consider new perspectives. Students require thinking skills and strategies that enable them to develop and demonstrate the ability to learn, apply and use knowledge and information to solve problems.
Critical thinking is not only an effective skill for students moving to university, it is also a skill set that is needed and highly sought after in the workforce, hence the IB curriculum not only prepares its students for higher education but also their future careers.
5 – The IB DP curriculum helps students develop research skills
With the compulsory DP cores, the theory of knowledge and extended essay requires students to develop critical thinking and advance independent research on the topics. This skill is crucial and important for students who wish to pursue higher education or success in their future prospects.
Research skills are very much needed for students who are taking language or science majors. Hence, students who are exposed to researching and developing in their early years could have an upper hand when it comes to choosing a major in these relevant fields in the university.
6 – DP subjects are not taught in isolation
The DP core subject, Theory of Knowledge encourages students to make connections between subjects. This integration helps students to better understand and relate to subjects from various different perspectives.
Read also: How To Write a ToK Essay IBDP – Step-By-Step Guide
7 – Breadth and depth of learning
Students are able to choose from six different subjects groups and study subjects at different levels. The IB offers students the opportunity to study a subject at a Standard or Higher Level (SL or HL). Whereas for language subjects, students are able to choose the difficulty level at SL, HL, or Ab Initio. The Ab Initio is for students who have little to no knowledge of the chosen language.
This provides students the opportunity to learn a variety of subjects in a variety of difficulty levels. This option allows students to develop subjects of interest to a more advanced level, which could be helpful if they are looking to major in a relevant field in university.
8 – Character development
The IB curriculum encourages and gives room for students to flourish and grow. This is thanks to IB’s curriculum that exposes students to many opportunities and activities, allowing them to become confident and independent learners.
Character development helps students to become better citizens and more responsible learners for their further education.
9 – IB assesses more than examination techniques
Students learn to build a strong knowledge foundation in the things they study, meaning they understand the taught material rather than merely memorizing the content.
IB curriculum has been structured to ensure that students are actively learning and always encouraging students to voice out their questions and doubts if they have any.
In a nutshell, it can be seen that the IB DP curriculum helps students to develop a set of unique and useful skillsets that is beneficial for the university.
Tutopiya is a Live Online Tutoring platform that offers students online tuition for the IB DP curriculum, We also offer IB PYP and MYP. Tutopiya also offers students a bridging course if they are transitioning from the IGCSE O Level to the IB Diploma Program.
Read also: Transitioning To Another Curriculum: 4 Tips & Must-Knows
