There is much said about the IB Diploma Programme, some from those who know, and some from those who do not know. Over the twenty years I have spent teaching in and coordinating the Diploma Programme, I have come across a number of statements or viewpoints that I take issue with regarding their accuracy. Below are a number of statements I have heard over the years or very recently that are of common concern to students and parents about the Diploma Programme.
Myth: Colleges do not recognize the Diploma Programme or give college credit for DP testing
Fact: The Diploma Programme is recognized by colleges and universities across North Carolina, the United States and around the world. In fact, the Assistant Dean of Admissions from Harvard University stated emphatically,
“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.” GPA is not nearly as important a factor in university admission as the IB Diploma. If a student has to choose, choose the Diploma over protecting the GPA.”
For more information regarding college recognition, including acceptance rates and college credit, please see the college recognition page of this site.
Myth: Diploma Programme students have no life!
Fact: Diploma Programme students are some of the most active students in the school. More than 60% of all Diploma Programme students at Millbrook are varsity athletes, several for multiple seasons. Our students regularly hold major roles in the Performing Arts presentations, including the Fall play and the Spring musical. Our students hold a number of MEB and student government positions, including last year’s student body president and this year’s senior class president.
Myth: The IB Diploma Programme is only for the top performing students in the school.
Fact: The Diploma Programme is intended to serve hard working, motivated students. Prior success, i.e. strong GPA through grade 10, is an indicator that a students has challenged him or herself and has worked to develop the skills necessary for success in the Diploma Programme. That said, students who are motivated to learn and prepared to work hard can be capable of success in the Diploma Programme.
Myth: Students in the Diploma Programme cannot take electives outside of the programme.
Fact: During the two years of the Diploma Programme, a student’s schedule will be mostly, but not entirely, allocated to DP classes. Of the 16 classes a student will take, 12-14 will be DP classes, depending on the DP course choices a student makes. The additional class time can be spent in any Millbrook class, depending on scheduling and availability.
Myth: The Diploma Programme is a Liberal Arts programme and is not intended for those focused on Math and Sciences.
Fact: The Diploma Programme is not a Liberal Arts programme or a Science or Math programme. It is a College Prep programme that prepares students for the demands involved in whatever college and career pathway they choose. The Diploma Programme allows students to take multiple IB Science courses, including at least one two-year course in Biology, Chemistry or Physics. Students in the Diploma Programme also frequently take the highest level math courses at Millbrook, including AP Calculus AB/BC and AP Statistics.
Myth: Diploma Programme students never see friends and other students that are not in the programme.
Fact: Students are very much engaged in activities with students outside of the Diploma Programme through yearbook, theatre, student government, electives courses, athletics, and a variety of other options. On the contrary, the Diploma Programme offers the opportunity for students to develop new and rich relationships with a community of students in the Diploma Programme.
Fact: The Diploma Programme is recognized by colleges and universities across North Carolina, the United States and around the world. In fact, the Assistant Dean of Admissions from Harvard University stated emphatically,
“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.” GPA is not nearly as important a factor in university admission as the IB Diploma. If a student has to choose, choose the Diploma over protecting the GPA.”
For more information regarding college recognition, including acceptance rates and college credit, please see the college recognition page of this site.
Myth: Diploma Programme students have no life!
Fact: Diploma Programme students are some of the most active students in the school. More than 60% of all Diploma Programme students at Millbrook are varsity athletes, several for multiple seasons. Our students regularly hold major roles in the Performing Arts presentations, including the Fall play and the Spring musical. Our students hold a number of MEB and student government positions, including last year’s student body president and this year’s senior class president.
Myth: The IB Diploma Programme is only for the top performing students in the school.
Fact: The Diploma Programme is intended to serve hard working, motivated students. Prior success, i.e. strong GPA through grade 10, is an indicator that a students has challenged him or herself and has worked to develop the skills necessary for success in the Diploma Programme. That said, students who are motivated to learn and prepared to work hard can be capable of success in the Diploma Programme.
Myth: Students in the Diploma Programme cannot take electives outside of the programme.
Fact: During the two years of the Diploma Programme, a student’s schedule will be mostly, but not entirely, allocated to DP classes. Of the 16 classes a student will take, 12-14 will be DP classes, depending on the DP course choices a student makes. The additional class time can be spent in any Millbrook class, depending on scheduling and availability.
Myth: The Diploma Programme is a Liberal Arts programme and is not intended for those focused on Math and Sciences.
Fact: The Diploma Programme is not a Liberal Arts programme or a Science or Math programme. It is a College Prep programme that prepares students for the demands involved in whatever college and career pathway they choose. The Diploma Programme allows students to take multiple IB Science courses, including at least one two-year course in Biology, Chemistry or Physics. Students in the Diploma Programme also frequently take the highest level math courses at Millbrook, including AP Calculus AB/BC and AP Statistics.
Myth: Diploma Programme students never see friends and other students that are not in the programme.
Fact: Students are very much engaged in activities with students outside of the Diploma Programme through yearbook, theatre, student government, electives courses, athletics, and a variety of other options. On the contrary, the Diploma Programme offers the opportunity for students to develop new and rich relationships with a community of students in the Diploma Programme.