International Baccalaureate

Admissions Officers Want IB Students

"Highly selective colleges and universities are looking for students who take the most challenging courses available to them. The IB programme is notable not just for the rigor of its individual classes, but for the thoughtful integration of the entire programme. Students who complete the IB diploma are the kind of smart, intellectually curious, and creative students who excel at the top universities."

Brandon R. Clarke, Former admission director, Stanford University

 

"We respect the I.B. program for its acad rigor and the dedication it requires of students to earn the diploma. Over the years, we have found IB students to be exceptionally well-prepared for a challenging college experience."

Lorne Robinson, Dean of Admission and Financial Aid, Macalester College

 

"For many years we here at CMC have considered the Full IB Diploma to be the "Gold standard." We have some California public high schools where the IB program is so strong that we have a good number of applicants each year from those high schools who are Full IB Diploma candidates. We automatically consider that curriculum to be the most rigorous possible. It just doesn't get any tougher. Unlike an AP program in which students who can pick and choose which AP courses to take, sometimes based on playing to their strengths and avoiding their weaknesses, the full IB diploma is consistent, coherent, rigorous, and takes two full years to complete. It takes a tremendous amount of intellectual effort and academic commitment."

Richard Vos, Vice President/Dean of Admission, Claremont McKenna College

 

"Connecticut College highly values the IB program as it prepares students for the liberal arts in ways that few secondary school curriculums can. The required senior project and the TOK class's interdisciplinary approach are prime examples of the kind of work students will be expected to do on most college campuses today. In addition, colleges and American universities highly value community service, another important component of the IB curriculum. Students who have graduated from schools with the IB curriculum are extremely well prepared when they arrive on our campus."

Martha Merrill, Dean of Admission and Financial Aid, Connecticut College

 

"In our minds, there is no more challenging curriculum than the IB curriculum. Not only does it prepare students for a demanding college program, but the IB curriculum also instills in students a love of learning and an understanding of the truly interdisciplinary nature of education. Instead of working on each subject in a vacuum, IB students are shown how each of their classes connects both with the other classes and with the world around them. At Sarah Lawrence College, we are very cautious about granting advanced standing credit for any course work that is done before a student enters college. In the case of students who are completing the full IB diploma, however, we are willing to grant students an entire year's worth of credit due to the intensely rigorous nature of the program. Unlike the AP curriculum, which is often done piecemeal, students enrolling in the full IB diploma are receiving a comprehensive and challenging education, which is unlike any other. I only wish that my stepson had the opportunity to be part of this curriculum."

Thyra L. Briggs, Dean of Enrollment, Sarah Lawrence College

 

"I have always been a supporter of the International Baccalaureate. It is a thoughtful and genuinely intellectual curriculum with an unusually high degree of integrity and connectedness. There is no other curriculum anywhere that does a superior job of both educating students and inspiring a true and broad-based love of learning."

William Shain, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions Vanderbilt University

 

"Send us prepared students a la IB...it is the BEST high school prep curriculum an American school can offer."

Marilee Jones, Director of Undergraduate Admissions, M.I.T.

 

"One of the advantages of an IB curriculum is its structure and quality. It's a coordinated program, well established, well known, and well respected. We know the quality of IB courses, and we think the IB curriculum is terrific."

Christoph Guttentag, Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Duke University

 

"The best predictor of academic success is previous academic performance. Students who elect and satisfy the standards of a rigorous and demanding program in high school are the ones best suited to benefit from the intellectual environment at university. A transcript that reveals a student's enrollment in IB courses serves notice to the admissions officer that the applicant is someone who accepts rather than avoids educational challenges. Further, a successful IB student will enroll with some advantages over students who have taken less intensive programs. The educational sophistication that students develop through an experience in an IB program will serve them well at institutions that attract serious students. Other advantages include an increased self confidence that comes from classroom experience with college-level academic material, a sharing of intellectual activities with the best students of the school, better time management, more experience with independent study. Of course, the fact the IB is a world examination with nearly universal recognition can mean additional benefits for the internationally oriented young scholar"

Clifford Sjogren, Formerly of the University of Michigan

 

"The IB is a first-rate program, one we are familiar with, and it prepares students well for a university like ours."

Fred Hargadon, Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Princeton University

 

"IB is well known to us as excellent preparation. Success in an IB program correlates well with success at Harvard. We are always pleased to see the credentials of the IB Diploma Program on the transcript."

Marily McGraff Lewis, Assistant Dean of Admissions, Harvard University

 

"The rigor of the IB Diploma requirements meet our recommendation for the strongest high school preparation possible. The Extended Essay echoes William & Mary's belief in the value of original research as well as the College's emphasis on strong writing skills, and the Theory of Knowledge course fosters active and critical learning and is philosophically akin to the goals of our freshman seminar program. The CAS component answers our call for students who have been exposed to community service and creative endeavors and who understand the importance of developing the whole person. In sum, the IB diploma candidate who has met the challenge successfully receives strong consideration from the William & Mary admission committee.

Allison Jesse, Former Associate Dean of Admissions, William & Mary

FALL 2023 EXAM REGISTRATION  OCTOBER 10 - NOVEMBER 3

ALL EXAM FEES MUST BE PAID TO THE BOOKKEEPER BY NOVEMBER 3 

 

An Overview 

Students in IB classes have the opportunity to register for final examinations produced and graded by the IB examiners around the world.  While students' work is assessed according to rubrics, student's also have an opportunity to see how they match up to their peers around the world.  Many students earn college credit for exam scores. Typically scores of 5, 6 or 7 will earn a student 8 college credits (on average). In Oregon the public colleges and universities give credit for a score of 4 or higher.

Important Dates

• REGISTRATION for exams happens in the FALL (October 10- November 3) 
• EXAMINATIONS take place in the SPRING (May 1 - May 30)  

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HOW TO REGISTER

Registration for IB Exams is a 2 step process

Step 1: Fill out the online form HERE

Step 2: Visit the bookkeeper's office to submit a payment in full, a payment installment, or request a fee waiver

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FEES & WAIVERS

EXAM FEES

The cost per subject is $95.00 payable to Rex Putnam. Fees can be paid to the school bookkeeper (cash, check, card).  The actual cost of IB examinations is  higher, however the school district makes up the difference so that the cost of an IB exam is comparable to the AP exams (which are offered at other schools). Fees must be paid by November 3.

FEE WAIVERS

To qualify for a fee waiver students must qualify for the Free/Reduced lunch program. Students should visit the bookkeeper's office to obtain a fee waiver. Those students with a fee waiver will not need to pay any IB fees. Waivers must be submitted by November 3.

PAYMENT PLANS

Students who do not qualify for a fee waiver but who may have a difficult time paying for their exams may submit a fee payment plan to the bookkeeper. This will allow a student to pay their fees over several months. Students may pickup a payment plan from the bookkeeper. The first payment and payment plan must be turned in by November 3.

General IB FAQ

What are the requirements of the IB Diploma Programme?

A full diploma candidate will take a total of 6 IB courses. The first 5 courses will be in each of the following areas: English, Second Language, Social Science, Experimental Science and Math. The sixth IB course is an “elective” and can be an IB Art course or from one of the other 5 subjects. A student must take 3 courses at Higher level and 3 at Standard Level. In addition IB diploma candidates will take 2 semesters of Theory of Knowledge, accumulate 150 CAS hours, and write a 4,000 word extended essay. 

What is the Theory of Knowledge Class? 

Theory of Knowledge, or TOK, is a course designed to teach students to think about their own thinking. In an age where people are bombarded with information, it is essential that we teach students to think critically about the information they encounter in order to recognize bias and determine for themselves the difference between “good” and “bad” information. TOK focuses on how the ways of knowing (perception, reason, language and emotion) affect each of the areas of knowledge (natural science, human science, art, ethics, math, and history). 

What is CAS? 

CAS stands for Creativity, Action, Service. Full diploma candidates will accumulate and reflect on 150 hours of CAS activities/projects. A student’s CAS hours should roughly be 1/3 in each of the three categories. A student can use projects or activities they are already involved with as long as they aren’t receiving a grade, payment, or proselytizing. Students will create a CAS plan with the coordinator at the end of their Sophomore year or the beginning of their Junior year. 

What is Extended Essay? 

We know that students who go on to pursue higher education will be required to write at least one research paper at some point in their schooling. We also know that we can do a better job in preparing students for that challenge. Extended essay is an opportunity for students to learn how to create a research question, complete their own research, and write a concise, clear, factual essay on the subject. By taking advantage of the Extended Essay in high school students are led through the process over two years under the guidance of a research librarian, subject advisor, and essay advisor. 

What is a typical IB student profile?

IB honors diversity so there isn’t one profile. IB students come from all different types of backgrounds and all walks of life. What these students have in common is their passion about one or more subjects, high motivation, and commitment to challenge themselves. 

How much homework is involved in this program?

For a full diploma candidate, the average is two to three hours a night, but it varies depending on the type of IB classes, a student’s study habits, and the assignments. The IB teachers at RPHS are committed to working cooperatively so that assessments and large projects are spaced throughout the year. 

Does a student have to take foreign language in middle school? 

No, a student will be prepared to take a foreign language exam if he/she starts in the 9th grade. If a student doesn’t take a foreign language in 9th grade they can pick up a summer session at the local community college and enter into the 3-4 level as a sophomore. 

Why aren’t Japanese and French IB languages offered at RPHS?

One of the IBO guidelines for offering classes is that they must be taught on the authorized school’s campus. The upper level Japanese and French classes are taught at Milwaukie High School.

How do IB classes compare with AP classes?

IB and AP courses feature college level curriculum. To see a complete outline of their commonalities and differences please scroll to the bottom of the page.

 

IB GRADES FAQ

How is the IB grade determined? 

A student in an IB class will receive two grades. The RPHS grade is determined by the classroom teacher in the same manner as all other classes. This is the grade that appears on the RPHS diploma and is automatically submitted to colleges when a transcript is requested. Students in IB classes (who are pursuing a certificate or IB diploma) will also receive an IB grade, which is determined by a student’s work on internal and external assessments. A student will receive a grade from the IBO ranging from 1 to 7. Many universities will award college credit for grades of 5, 6, or 7 in Higher level classes. 

What is an internal assessment? 

Internal assessments (IAs) are done during the class and typically a part of classroom work. IAs are scored by the classroom teacher according to a specific scoring guide the teacher has been trained to use. The scores for the IAs are submitted to the IBO. Additionally, the IBO randomly requests a percentage of the assignments be submitted for “external moderation.” Those assignments are re-graded by an official from the IBO (from anywhere in the world) and used to ensure that the classroom teacher is marking fairly and according to IBO standards. The classroom teacher receives feedback essential to maintaining high, rigorous international standards. IAs usually make up 20-30% of the student’s overall IB mark. 

What is an external assessment? 

External assessments (EAs) are the final exams in each course. These exams are given in May on specific dates. Each course has 2-3 parts, which are given back to back on the same day or on consecutive days. For example, in 2007 English HL paper 1 was given the afternoon of Thursday, May 3rd and the English HL paper 2 was given in the morning of Friday, May 4th. To ensure standardization worldwide, the exam schedule and regulations are determined by the IBO and not open to flexibility or interpretation. The EAs make up the remaining 70-80% of a students IB grade.

When are IB grades posted? 

All IB marks are posted in early July and can be accessed through the IBO website using a PIN provided by their IB coordinator. 

 

IB EXAM FAQ

When do students register for their IB exams? 

Mid-October

When are fees due?

Fees are also due when you register for the exams.

Who do we make checks out to? 

All checks should be made out to RPHS. The school submits ONE check to the IBO. 

If my student changes his mind or is sick and misses the exam will I get my money back? 

No. All fee are non-refundable. 

How much do exams cost? 

In the North Clackamas School District the parent cost for and IB exam will be the same as the cost for an AP exam. The current fee for an AP exam is $93.00 per exam.

Are there fee waivers or scholarships?

Students who are qualify for the free or reduced lunch program can receive fee waivers from the state. Students who are not on free or reduced lunch but can’t afford the entire exam fee should contact the IB Coordinator. 

Do all students in the class take the IB exam?

Yes. The final exams are part of the class. Students who don’t register for the exam in the fall will still take a final exam but it won’t be sent out for grading by the IBO – it will be graded at RPHS. 
 

UNIVERSITY RECOGNITION FAQ

How do universities access IB marks?

Each student must request to the IBO that their scores be sent to specific universities. This is taken care of by the school's IB office in May & June. 

What do colleges think about the IB program?

Colleges and Universities strongly believe that the IB Programme prepares students for success in college and in life. You can read more on the Value of the IB Diploma section above.

IB Literature HL Year 1

IB Literature HL Year 2

IB Language & Literature Year 1

IB Language & Literature Year 2

IB Spanish SL

IB Spanish HL

IB History HL Year 1

IB History HL Year 2

IB Geography SL

IB Psychology SL

IB Biology HL Year 1

IB Biology HL Year 2

IB Math Applications SL Year 1

IB Math Application SL Year 2

IB Math Analysis HL Year 1

IB Math Analysis HL Year 2

IB Theory of Knowledge

Each essay is a 4,000 word independent research paper. At RPHS IB Diploma candidates generally work on their essays for 11 months.  They begin January of the Junior Year and submit them December of the Senior year. The school librarian is the Extended Essay Supervisor and oversees the entire process, in addition each student is assigned a Subject Supervisor.

The IB Programme at Rex Putnam High School offers students a rigorous education that supports international mindedness and the highest standards of personal integrity.  The IB Honor Code applies to all students enrolled in IB classes.

Violations of the honor code include:

Plagiarism: Presenting someone else’s work or ideas as your own. This includes material from the Internet, texts, periodicals, or another students’ work.

Collusion: Permitting another student to copy or use your work as the basis for his/ her own work or not reporting a violation of the Honor Code.

Cheating on Exams: Using prohibited items during an examination; communicating with other students during an examination; looking at another student’s work; or providing another student with the questions and/or answers to a test that they haven’t taken.

Theft: Taking notes, notebooks, reports, labs or other work from another student or teacher without permission.

Lying: The deliberate act of deviating from the truth with regard to class assignments, and/ or misrepresenting CAS hours/ events or Extended Essay collaboration.

The classroom teacher in consultation with the IB Coordinator and Student Management will deal with violations of the honor code which may result in:

• A failing grade on the work in question
• Denying the student the opportunity to submit work to IB for assessment
• Removal of the student from the IB programme and exams (there are no refunds for exam fees)
• Disciplinary action through Student Management

Seniors have the option of having their IBO transcript sent directly to the university they plan to attend in the fall. The IBO authorizes me to submit one transcript request on behalf of the student, free of charge, before July 1, of each year. Students submit these requests to me in May during exams.  All other transcript requests must come from the student. Details are on the IBO Website.