Course Student.IB Course Student Information
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Frequently Asked Questions: IB Course Students.
At MHS we don't restrict IB classes only to students participating in one of our programs. Students can take one or more IB courses as stand-alone classes based on their individual interests and goals. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about taking stand-alone IB classes. If you have any additional questions, just contact us!
Can I take IB classes without being in the IB Diploma or IB Career-related Programme?
Yes! At MHS you can take just one or more IB courses without being in either program. Some students take a single IB course in their area of academic strength, while others take more than one and match it with other courses at MHS or with dual enrollment. In the end, the choice is yours. If you intend to take at least two IB courses, we do encourage you to take a look at our IB Career-related Programme--it might be a better fit for you!
If I want to be an IB Course student, how do I register to take IB classes?
Students who want to register for IB courses without enrolling in an IB program just need to talk with their counselor.
If I’m an IB Course student, can I still receive support from the IB Coordinator?
Absolutely! Although the IB Office is mostly used by IB program students, the IB Coordinator is there to support ALL IB students! Just stop by or email to make an appointment.
How can an IB class help me?
Even one IB class can help prepare you better for whatever you plan to do after high school. There are numerous studies which show that a student who completes even one upper level course in high school is more likely to be successful in college. IB classes also teach you the critical thinking and communication skills you’ll need after high school, whether you plan to attend college right away, attend technical school, go into the workforce, or join the military. In the end, IB can help prepare you for whatever your plans are for the future.
What is the difference between IB and AP?
The website below provides good information that helps you see the difference. Here at MHS, because we’re an IB World School, most of our upper level courses are IB, not AP; but we do have some AP classes on campus, and you also can register for AP classes through Georgia Virtual School. Many IB Course students mix and match IB and AP.
https://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/high-school-notes/2014/09/02/discover-the-difference-between-ap-and-ib-classes
If I’m an IB Course student, do I have to take the IB Exam for the class?
No. As an IB Course student, you do not have the requirement to take exams and score at a particular level because you are not applying the class towards an IB Diploma or Career-related Certificate. You still have to complete all the course requirements for grades in the class, which can include things like the Internal Assessment or the Internal Oral Exam, but you are not required to sit for the IB Exam at the end of the course.
If I do take the IB Exam, do I have to pay for it?
Yes. IB Course students have to pay for their IB Exams ($119 per subject as of May 2021). There are waivers available if you qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch, however. So if you plan to take IB Exams, and you qualify for FRL, you'll just need to provide the IB Office with a copy of your qualification letter. And keep in mind that FRL can also qualify you for waivers and/or discounts on SAT/ACT fees, as well as college application fees.
What is the benefit of taking the IB Exam?
IB Exams can earn you college credit--just like AP exams. Keep in mind, however, that all universities and colleges have different criteria for awarding credit. It is important to check the website of the colleges of your choice to see what scores they require in each subject, as well as how they will award the credit. If you have questions, contact the MHS College Counseling department.
If I’m an IB Course student, do I get IB graduation regalia?
IB graduation regalia is only provided for students who are IB Diploma or IB Career-related Programme candidates.
Can I take IB classes without being in the IB Diploma or IB Career-related Programme?
Yes! At MHS you can take just one or more IB courses without being in either program. Some students take a single IB course in their area of academic strength, while others take more than one and match it with other courses at MHS or with dual enrollment. In the end, the choice is yours. If you intend to take at least two IB courses, we do encourage you to take a look at our IB Career-related Programme--it might be a better fit for you!
If I want to be an IB Course student, how do I register to take IB classes?
Students who want to register for IB courses without enrolling in an IB program just need to talk with their counselor.
If I’m an IB Course student, can I still receive support from the IB Coordinator?
Absolutely! Although the IB Office is mostly used by IB program students, the IB Coordinator is there to support ALL IB students! Just stop by or email to make an appointment.
How can an IB class help me?
Even one IB class can help prepare you better for whatever you plan to do after high school. There are numerous studies which show that a student who completes even one upper level course in high school is more likely to be successful in college. IB classes also teach you the critical thinking and communication skills you’ll need after high school, whether you plan to attend college right away, attend technical school, go into the workforce, or join the military. In the end, IB can help prepare you for whatever your plans are for the future.
What is the difference between IB and AP?
The website below provides good information that helps you see the difference. Here at MHS, because we’re an IB World School, most of our upper level courses are IB, not AP; but we do have some AP classes on campus, and you also can register for AP classes through Georgia Virtual School. Many IB Course students mix and match IB and AP.
https://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/high-school-notes/2014/09/02/discover-the-difference-between-ap-and-ib-classes
If I’m an IB Course student, do I have to take the IB Exam for the class?
No. As an IB Course student, you do not have the requirement to take exams and score at a particular level because you are not applying the class towards an IB Diploma or Career-related Certificate. You still have to complete all the course requirements for grades in the class, which can include things like the Internal Assessment or the Internal Oral Exam, but you are not required to sit for the IB Exam at the end of the course.
If I do take the IB Exam, do I have to pay for it?
Yes. IB Course students have to pay for their IB Exams ($119 per subject as of May 2021). There are waivers available if you qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch, however. So if you plan to take IB Exams, and you qualify for FRL, you'll just need to provide the IB Office with a copy of your qualification letter. And keep in mind that FRL can also qualify you for waivers and/or discounts on SAT/ACT fees, as well as college application fees.
What is the benefit of taking the IB Exam?
IB Exams can earn you college credit--just like AP exams. Keep in mind, however, that all universities and colleges have different criteria for awarding credit. It is important to check the website of the colleges of your choice to see what scores they require in each subject, as well as how they will award the credit. If you have questions, contact the MHS College Counseling department.
If I’m an IB Course student, do I get IB graduation regalia?
IB graduation regalia is only provided for students who are IB Diploma or IB Career-related Programme candidates.