How to transfer IB credits to colleges?

I'm doing the IB program and hoping to use those credits for college. What do colleges look for in terms of IB credits, and how do I make sure they help me out once I get there?

Transferring International Baccalaureate (IB) credits to colleges varies greatly by institution, and it primarily hinges on the results of your Higher Level (HL) exams. Generally, colleges grant credit for HL exam scores of 5, 6, or 7, but the specifics depend on the university's policies.

First, you'll want to research the credit transfer policies of the colleges where you've been accepted or are interested in attending. Some institutions have this information readily available on their website, usually in the admissions or registrar section. If the information isn't readily available, try reaching out to the admissions office or the registrar's office directly.

Each college has its chart outlining what credit, if any, it awards for each IB course. Some colleges might give general elective credit, while others might count certain scores towards specific course equivalents.

Just like AP credits, these credits can help you fulfill general education requirements, skip introductory courses in your major, or even graduate early. However, you won't tailor your IB courses to a particular college's credit policies. You should carry on with your IB curriculum and choose your Better Level courses based on your strengths and interests.

Once you've taken your IB exams, you should send your scores to the college you'll be attending. Your IB coordinator can guide you on how to send these scores. After the school has received your scores, they will evaluate them based on their policies and apply any credits to your record.

One more thing to keep in mind: each college or university reserves the right to change its policies about credit for IB scores at any time, and some schools can be quite fickle in this aspect. Therefore, it's important to keep up to date with these policies and maintain an open dialogue with your college's registrar once you are admitted.

Ultimately, the IB program provides an excellent pre-university learning experience, irrespective of the potential college credits. So keep focusing on your coursework and aim for the highest scores possible. Your efforts will benefit you in the long run, with or without college credits.