Value of IB in USMA Admissions?

[BubbaCool12]

I know USMA values and recognizes AP scores a lot, but I don't know if they know much about the IB diploma and especially the IB exam scores. Thoughts?

 

[Capt MJ]

I know USMA values and recognizes AP scores a lot, but I don't know if they know much about the IB diploma and especially the IB exam scores. Thoughts?

USMA is an accredited college which has been around since 1802, accustomed to packed resumes from high-performing students, with a professional and deeply experienced Admissions team. I suspect they know a thing or two about the IB diploma and the IB exam scores.

One of the foundational things to do as you start the application process is to read every page, drop-down and link at the inidivudual SA websites, your primary source.

 

[Academician]

From everything I have seen with my students and others, USMA uses validation testing for students that 'take' IB courses and exams. They do accept AP scores as noted here.

USAFA, on the other hand, accepts scores of 4 and 5 on some AP exams and scores of 5/6/7 on some IB exams in conjunction with core course placement exams that students will take during Basic Cadet Training. Noted on AFA website.

USNA also provides some credit for IB exam results. Details on the USNA site.

I hope this information helps.

 

[Charlie W]

Check the second to last question in the FAQ here for info on IB math. I recall reading somewhere on the USMA site that taking AP Calc BC is recommended over IB Math AA for doing Jedi Math.

 

[DrMom]

My IB Math HL child made it both into JEDI math and then also took the test to validate Statistics. He was also HL Physics and validated physics by taking a test. He loved Jedi Math. If you are at an IB school, take the IB HL classes and do the IB diploma, it will prepare you well for USMA.

 

[Gnarlygoat27]

I have an example for USNA so it might be slightly different for USMA but ya know, an example. My nephew and niece graduated in back to back years from the same high school (they are cousins not siblings), both in the IB program. This school was in one of the biggest Navy towns in the country and therefore extremely high number of applicants. Nephew started as a 10th grader and therefore couldn't get the IB diploma but did get the certificate. Graduated 7th in his class, decent test scores, captain of the soccer team, a few other things, great interviews. Niece got the IB diploma, #1 in her class (GPA was like 5.12 or something), better test scores, more APs, captain of the crew team, female (just saying), not as confident in her interviews (as was told to my dad by connections). They had the exact same nominations. Both had active duty navy officer fathers. Both cleared DoDMERB. Nephew got in, she didn't. SO the moral of this particular example is the IB diploma did not help overcome what came across in her interview and her desire to serve. She ended up with a 4yr academic scholarship, engineering degree and is a GS something on a Navy base, quite happy.