If you want to get into a top college, you'll need to prove your academic prowess in high school. Want to make sure you really shine - and get a stellar education in the process? Participate in the coveted International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.

What is the IB Diploma Programme?
The IB Diploma Programme is a challenging two-year curriculum for smart, motivated high school students. Juniors and seniors take six courses in the following subject groups: language; second language; experimental sciences; the arts; math and computer science; and individuals and societies. IB students also engage in three core requirements: an extended essay (4,000 words); theory of knowledge (interdisciplinary course); and creativity, action, service (community service).

How are IB students evaluated?
Students who perform well in all six subjects and the three core requirements and earn passing scores on the final exams are awarded the  

IB diploma

 . Those who take individual IB courses rather than the entire program receive certificates of completion.

Where can I take IB courses?
Only schools authorized as IB World Schools can offer the IB Diploma Programme; there are currently 1,861 IB World Schools in 130 countries that offer it. Of these schools, 637 are in the U.S. Find your school here: http://www.ibo.org/school/search/index.cfm.

Why should I pursue an IB diploma?
The IB Diploma Programme helps you develop critical-thinking, independent learning, and research skills. It also provides a gateway to the development of intercultural understanding. IB courses aren't about reciting facts and figures - the IB Diploma Programme helps you learn how to learn, and appreciate the process.

Where is the IB diploma recognized?
The IB diploma is recognized by universities around the world. However, as recently reported by The Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/19/AR2008101901800.html), you can generally get U.S. college credit only after taking the full two-year program that leads to the IB diploma. That means if you just take a few one-year IB courses, depending on the university, you may not be eligible to receive college credit. If you're hoping to save time and money in college by taking IB courses in high school, be sure to find out the IB policies of the colleges that interest you first.

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