International Baccalaureate
Testing Information for 2025-26
Where:
Eastern High School Cafeteria
626 Marshall St.
Lansing, MI 48912
When:
Saturday, April 12, 2025 and
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Time:
10:00am
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is a globally recognized, two-year pre-university curriculum designed to develop critical thinking, research skills, and a global perspective while preparing students for higher education and beyond.
THE IB ADVANTAGE
Graduating with an IB Diploma gives students a strong advantage in university applications due to its rigorous curriculum, research focus, and global recognition.
The IB’s challenging coursework develops critical thinking and writing skills while the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) component fosters well-rounded individuals.
Many universities offer college credit, course exemptions, and scholarships for IB courses. Recognized worldwide, the IB prepares students for higher education, making them competitive applicants with strong research skills and global awareness, increasing their chances of securing scholarships and early university opportunities
POSTSECONDARY OUTCOMES
Studies confirm that IB DP graduates outperform the national average in college enrollment, persistence, and graduation rates.
What is IB?
The Diploma Programme prepares students for success in higher education and to be active participants in a global society.
What is an IB education? | What is the IB Diploma Programme? |
| The IB continuum of education for students aged 3 to 19 is unique for its academic and personal rigor. It challenges students to excel academically and personally, fostering a lifelong love of learning with enthusiasm and empathy. The IB helps schools develop well-rounded students who face challenges with optimism, embrace their identities, make ethical choices, celebrate humanity, and apply learning in real-world, unpredictable situations. | The IB Diploma Programme is an academically challenging and balanced programme of education, with final examinations, that prepares students aged 16 to 19 for success at university and in life beyond. It has been designed to address the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical well-being of students. The programme has gained recognition and respect from the world’s leading universities. |
The IB Learner Profile
The IB Learner Profile consists of ten attributes valued by IB World Schools. By emphasizing inquiry, communication, and balance, the IB framework encourages lifelong learning and responsible global citizenship, making students more effective leaders, problem solvers, and contributors to society.
As IB learners we strive to be:
InquirersWe nurture curiosity, develop inquiry skills, and love lifelong learning. | Risk-TakersWe embrace challenges with determination, innovation, and resilience. |
Open-MindedWe respect diverse cultures, consider different perspectives, and grow from new experiences. | CommunicatorsWe express ideas confidently, listen actively, and collaborate effectively. |
KnowledgeableWe explore ideas across disciplines, engaging with global and local issues. | BalancedWe maintain intellectual, physical, and emotional well-being. |
CaringWe show empathy, respect, and act to improve others’ lives. | Principled We act with integrity, fairness, and responsibility. |
ThinkersWe analyze problems critically and make ethical decisions. | ReflectiveWe evaluate experiences to recognize strengths and improve. |
Teaching and Learning Approches
IB teachers help students learn how to develop the attitudes and skills they need for both academic and personal success.
Approaches to teaching | Teaching and learning |
| Six principles underpin all IB programmes. Teaching in IB programmes is:
Approaches to learningThis area develops behavioral and emotional management skills, helping students assess their learning effectiveness and process information (“study skills” in schools). While these skills support natural ability or talent, they differ because proficiency grows through deliberate techniques, strategies, feedback, and challenge. Skills are highly teachable. | Therefore incorporates the development of:
|
“I graduated from undergrad with a 4.0 GPA and was admitted to EVERY law school I applied to, including some of the best in the country. “
— Claire Hipps,
IB DP Graduate
2020 Valedictorian
Eastern High School
What are the benefits of an IB Education?
Institutions of higher learning in the United States place significant value on applicants who possess an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.
This means that IB program graduates receive the benefits of:
Higher Admission RatesStudies indicate that IB students are about 21.4% more likely to be accepted into elite institutions such as Harvard, Princeton, Yale, and Stanford. This suggests that universities recognize the rigor and comprehensive nature of the IB curriculum when evaluating applicants. |
Course Credit and Advanced StandingMany universities grant college credits to IB students, allowing them to skip introductory courses or even enter with sophomore standing. For example, the University of California system awards 20 semester units to students who achieve a minimum IB score, demonstrating institutional recognition of the program's academic intensity. |
Holistic Admissions ConsiderationThe IB program’s emphasis on critical thinking, research, and global perspectives aligns well with the qualities universities seek in students. The Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) components of the IB diploma contribute to a well-rounded profile that admissions officers appreciate. |
Global Competency and College PreparednessU.S. universities value the international-mindedness fostered by the IB curriculum. Since IB students often engage in interdisciplinary learning and inquiry-based projects, they tend to be better prepared for the demands of higher education, making them attractive candidates. |
Overall, U.S. universities highly regard IB diploma holders for their academic preparedness, problem-solving abilities, and global outlook. This preference is reflected in both admissions advantages and the opportunity to earn college credit, which can accelerate degree completion.
Advanced Placement or IB: What's the Difference?
Both programs offer rigorous coursework for high school students, but they differ in structure, focus, and recognition.
Advanced Placement | International Baccalaureate | |
| Curriculum & Structure | A flexible program where students choose individual AP courses in specific subjects. They can take as many or as few as they like, and each course stands alone. | Requires six subjects and three core components: Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). Students can also take IB courses individually without completing the full diploma. |
| Depth vs. Breadth | Allows students to specialize in their strongest subjects by selecting specific courses. | Requires a well-rounded curriculum, covering humanities, sciences, mathematics, and languages. |
| Assessment | Assessment is primarily based on a single end-of-course exam, scored from 1 to 5. | Assessment includes a mix of internal assessments, essays, projects, and final exams, with scores ranging from 1 to 7. |
| College Credit & Recognition | Widely accepted for college credit in the U.S. and some international universities. | Recognized nationally and globally, with many universities offering credit for higher-level (HL) IB courses. |
| Cost & Availability | Generally more widely available in U.S. high schools, with students only needing to pay for exams. | Requires a school to be IB-certified, making it a less common option. |
Which One is Better?
AP is ideal for students who want flexibility in course selection and are looking for college credit opportunities in specific subjects. IB is best for students who prefer a holistic, interdisciplinary program and are interested in global education and critical thinking. Some students even take a combination of both if their school offers both programs.
The Three Core Components of an IB Education
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Global Research department collaborates with universities and independent research institutions worldwide to produce rigorous studies examining the impact and outcomes of the IB’s four programmes.
This resource provides a brief overview of key findings from recent research on the DP core, which includes theory of knowledge (TOK), the extended essay (EE), and creativity, activity, service (CAS).
- Theory of Knowledge Exploring the nature of knowledge.
- Extended Essay a 4,000-word independent research paper.
- Creativity, Activity, Service Extra-curriculars and community service.
IB assessment includes internal coursework and external exams, graded on a 45-point scale, with 24 points required for the diploma.
The IB DP is valued for its rigorous academic standards, emphasis on holistic development, and focus on international-mindedness, making it a preferred qualification for university admissions worldwide.
IB DP Curriculum Subject Groups
DP students must choose one course from each of five subject groups delivering a breadth of knowledge and understanding in language and literature, individuals and societies, the sciences and mathematics. Furthermore, students must also choose either an arts course from the arts group or a second course from one of the other subject groups. DP courses can be taken at higher level (HL) or standard level (SL). At least three, and not more than four, are taken at HL (240 teaching hours), while the remaining courses are taken at SL (150 teaching hours). SL courses ensure students are exposed to a range of disciplines that they might otherwise opt out of, and HL courses allow students to spend more time with subjects they are more interested in by exploring options in addition to the SL core curriculum. In this sense, all DP courses, regardless of whether they are SL or HL, are integral to the programme. Students can study and take examinations in English, French or Spanish. Two courses are classified as interdisciplinary, meaning that they satisfy the requirements of more than one subject group.
- Literature and performance (studies in language and literature subject group and the arts subject group)
- Environmental systems and societies (individuals and societies subject group and sciences subject group)
In addition to disciplinary and interdisciplinary study, the DP features three core elements that broaden students’ educational experience and challenge them to apply their knowledge and skills.
Studies in Language and Literature-- Language A: literature—55 languages offered-- Language A: language and literature—17 languages offered -- Literature and performance (SL only) (also the arts subject group)—3 languages offered | Language Acquisition-- Language B—23 languages offered-- Language ab initio (SL only)—12 languages offered -- Classical languages—2 languages offered |
The Arts-- Dance-- Film -- Literature and performance (also studies in language and literature subject group) -- Music -- Theatre -- Visual arts | Mathematics- Mathematics: analysis and approaches SL- Mathematics: analysis and approaches HL - Mathematics: applications and interpretation SL - Mathematics: applications and interpretation HL |
Individuals and Societies-- Business management-- Economics -- Environmental systems and societies (SL only) (also sciences subject group) -- Geography -- Global politics -- History -- Information technology in a global society -- Philosophy -- Psychology -- Social and cultural anthropology -- World religions (SL only) | Sciences-- Biology-- Chemistry -- Computer science -- Design technology -- Environmental systems and societies (SL only) (also individuals and societies subject group) -- Physics -- Sports, exercise and health science (SL only) |
Diploma Programme courses online Students can enroll in a range of authorized DP courses online offered via their IB World School.
IB at Eastern High School
For information about IB at Eastern High School, contact:
Jacob Boer
jacob.boer@lansingschools.net
International Baccalaureate MYP Coordinator
Marcelle Carruthers
marcelle.carruthers@lansingschools.net
Principal
Eastern High School
626 Marshall St., Lansing, MI 48912
