IB (International Baccalaureate) is an internationally recognized secondary curriculum offered by the IBO, implemented across 5,900 schools in 160+ countries. The IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a full two-year diploma requiring 6 subjects (3 HL + 3 SL) plus three core components: TOK, CAS, and EE. IB Certificate is single-subject certification, suitable for students who want specific subjects without pursuing the full diploma. Most universities recognize the IB Diploma.

The maximum IB score is 45 points: 6 subjects × 7 points each (42 total) + up to 3 bonus points from the TOK/EE combined matrix. A score of 30+ earns the IB Diploma (with additional conditions), 38+ is considered excellent, and 42+ places students in the global top 5% — competitive for Ivy League admissions.

General benchmarks: 30-34 (acceptable), 35-38 (strong), 39-42 (top-tier), 43-45 (world-class). Score thresholds for top universities: Ivy League and Oxbridge typically require 40+ (with HL 776 or 777); US Top 30 schools ~38+; UK Russell Group mostly 35+. At the subject level, HL 6-7 often earns college credit.

IB exams run twice yearly: the May session (Northern Hemisphere, corresponding to June graduation) and the November session (Southern Hemisphere, December graduation). Results are released in early July (May session) or early January (November session). Schools in Taiwan and most of Asia use the May session. Retake candidates can choose a different session with school coordination.

HL (Higher Level) = ~240 teaching hours; SL (Standard Level) = ~150 hours. HL content is deeper with harder, broader exams. Students must take 3-4 HL and 2-3 SL subjects. Choose HL subjects: (1) directly relevant to your target major (CS applicants should pick Math HL + Physics HL), (2) your strongest subjects (a 6-7 at HL is more valuable than a 7 at SL for admissions). US universities especially weigh HL grades; UK universities often specify required HL subjects and scores.

TOK (Theory of Knowledge) is an interdisciplinary course examining the nature of knowledge — students submit a 1,600-word essay and an oral presentation. EE (Extended Essay) is a 4,000-word independent research paper on a chosen subject. The two are combined via a bonus matrix: A/A = 3 pts, A/B = 2 pts, A/C or B/B = 1 pt; an E in either prevents diploma award. These 3 points are significant in the 45-point total and often decisive for reaching 40+.

In total workload, the IB Diploma is usually heavier than taking 8-10 APs because IB requires breadth across 6 subject groups plus TOK, CAS, and EE. For US admissions: IB Diploma has a slight edge at Ivy League and Top 20 schools (clear proof of rigor and breadth); AP's advantage is flexibility (freely choose subject count; single-subject depth rivals IB HL). Dr. G. Academy recommends: if both are offered and the student can handle the load, choose IBDP; otherwise 6-8 APs achieve a comparable profile.

A Predicted Grade is the score IB teachers forecast based on G11 through G12 Q1 performance, and it appears in the school report sent to universities. Its weight varies: UK and Canadian universities rely on Predicted for conditional offers; US universities use it alongside IB coursework grades and the Midyear Report. If Predicted is below actual ability, it can hurt admissions — the IB simulator helps students accurately benchmark themselves and negotiate Predicted revisions with teachers.

At application time, schools send the Predicted Grade. Official IB results are released in early July (May session) or January (November session) and sent via the IBO portal to chosen universities. US schools require official results at the conditional/final confirmation stage; UK schools require meeting conditional-offer thresholds to formally enroll. Each official transcript costs ~US$17 — only send to admitted or committed schools.

IBDP-offering schools in Taiwan include: Taipei European School (TES), Taipei American School (TAS, which offers both IB and AP), Kaohsiung American School (KAS), American School in Taichung (AST), Kang Chiao International School (Xiugang campus), and I-Shou International School. Most are international schools admitting foreign or dual-national students; some accept local applicants but with limited seats and higher tuition (NT$700K-1M/year).

Reasons a student may not be awarded the diploma include: total below 24, failing a core subject, an E in TOK or EE, or incomplete CAS. Students still receive IB Course Certificates (single-subject recognition), but admissions impact is serious: UK universities generally withdraw conditional offers; US universities vary — some accept Course Results but may require supplementary SAT/ACT. Dr. G. Academy's advice: if risk appears in G12 Q1, discuss contingency plans with a counselor immediately.

Professional support is strongly recommended when: (1) choosing IB subjects at the end of G10, especially matching HL combinations to your target major; (2) the Predicted Grade diverges from actual ability and needs strategic discussion; (3) targeting UK Russell Group or US Top 20 schools with precise list-building and conditional-offer management; (4) the total sits near a threshold and time must be allocated to key IAs and the EE; (5) TOK/EE topic selection is blocking the bonus points. Dr. G. Academy offers a free initial consultation to assess whether deeper support is needed.