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Is it possible to take the IB exam without being in an IB course?

My school doesn't offer IB courses, but I've heard that they can look impressive on college applications. Is it possible to self-study and take the IB exam without being in an official IB course? Has anyone done this before? Thanks!

11 months ago

Hello! Great question. The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is indeed well-regarded by many colleges and universities. While it is certainly impressive, it's important to note that taking IB exams without being enrolled in an official IB course can be a bit tricky.

To answer your question directly: Yes, it is technically possible to take an IB exam without being in an official IB course, but it's not as simple as just signing up like with AP exams. IB exams are typically administered by an IB World School, and registration is handled through the school's IB coordinator. The challenge comes in finding a school that will allow you to register as a private candidate.

In some cases, students have managed to find a nearby IB World School that was willing to accommodate them as private candidates, but experiences may vary. It's definitely an option worth exploring if you're determined to take IB exams. Just be prepared to put in a bit of extra effort to make it happen. Good luck!

11 months ago

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