What's the deal with HL exams?

Can someone explain what HL exams are and how they are different from regular high school exams or AP exams? Are they beneficial for college applications? Any insight would be super helpful.

HL exams, or Higher Level exams, are part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program. The IB Diploma Program is an internationally recognized curriculum that offers a rigorous and comprehensive education for high school students. It's designed to prepare students for success in college and beyond by fostering critical thinking, global awareness, and a deep understanding of subject areas.

HL exams specifically refer to the assessments given for Higher Level courses within the IB program. These courses, along with Standard Level (SL) courses, make up the Diploma Program's curriculum. Higher Level courses are more in-depth and require additional hours of study compared to Standard Level courses. Students in the program typically take three HL and three SL courses.

In comparison to AP exams, both types of exams are designed to measure students' understanding of college-level material, but there are key differences. While AP exams tend to focus on specific subject areas and can be taken individually, the IB program is a holistic curriculum that requires students to study a range of subjects, complete an extended essay, and participate in a Theory of Knowledge course and Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) projects.

Colleges and universities value the rigor of the IB program, including HL courses and exams. Earning high scores on HL exams can potentially earn you college credits, similar to receiving high scores on AP exams, although credit policies may differ by institution. It's important to note that simply taking HL courses and performing well on exams is not enough; colleges also emphasize the importance of a well-rounded application, which includes extracurricular activities, a strong personal essay, and recommendation letters.

To learn more about HL exams, read the following blog posts: https://www.collegevine.com/blog/search/hl%20exam

In summary, the main difference between HL exams and regular high school or AP exams is that they are part of the broader International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. The program is highly regarded and can benefit students in college applications, as it demonstrates that they've tackled a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum. Although these exams can potentially earn college credits, students should focus on building strong overall applications to showcase their strengths and accomplishments.