Rigor, made doable

IB Prep

Q: Is IB the same as college prep?

IB programs offer advanced coursework that prepares students for the more challenging demands of college classes.

One-on-one support built for the IB diploma’s rigor.

Rise to the challenge with IB Prep

International Baccalaureate (IB) programs are great for teens who are looking for a challenge and are motivated and passionate about learning.

Whether your teen is focused on earning an IB diploma, thriving in IB courses or excelling on IB exams, we can help them get ahead with this challenging curriculum.

Find IB Prep Near You →

What’s included

What Sylvan’s IB Prep support offers

With Sylvan’s IB Prep tutoring support, your teen will:

Feel challenged, yet engaged. We’ll set up a custom IB Prep (or IB Test Prep) program to fit your teen’s skillset and individual needs. Our teachers are experts at motivating and inspiring advanced students.

Learn in the best way for them. We tailor our one-on-one IB Prep sessions to the way your teen learns. This individualized tutoring approach means we teach to your teen’s needs, so concepts really click.

Achieve greater success. Our advanced tutoring support can make a significant impact in IB courses — from higher scores to learning how to be successful in class.

How to prepare for the IB test

IB programs are academically challenging and time-consuming. They require your child to show initiative and think in different ways. This makes them exciting, but they can be a little overwhelming too!

Think of Sylvan as your support system. We’ll craft an IB Prep program to fit your teen’s exact needs and goals, so they can rise to the challenges ahead.

YOUR TEEN WILL WORK ONE-ON-ONE WITH AN EXPERT IB TUTOR TO

Hone essential IB skills through our proven mix of instruction and practice
Build confidence on homework assignments
Improve scores with test-taking strategies
Become a more efficient and effective student with our advanced study skills

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About the test

What is the IB program?

The International Baccalaureate is a set of school programs, offered only by authorized IB World Schools, with rigorous coursework and a focus on independent learning. Its exams are graded internationally, not by your teen’s school.

Who takes it

Students at an authorized IB school — only certain schools offer IB programs

The Diploma Programme (DP) is for ages 16–19; the Middle Years and Primary Years programmes start earlier

Students can take a few IB courses or complete the full two-year diploma

Format

Diploma students study six subjects across six groups, three at higher level and three at standard level

Plus the core: Theory of Knowledge, an extended essay, and creativity, activity and service (CAS)

Coursework is assessed throughout, with final exams at the end of the programme

Sections

Studies in language and literature

Language acquisition

Individuals and societies

Sciences

Mathematics

The arts (or a second subject from another group)

Scoring

Each subject is graded 1–7

Up to 3 extra points for Theory of Knowledge and the extended essay, for a maximum of 45

A total of 24 or more, with the core requirements met, earns the IB diploma

Not all colleges award credit for IB coursework the way they do for AP — check the policies at schools your teen is interested in

Good questions!

IB Program FAQs

How is IB different from regular school?

Originally created for students in international schools, IB programs have rigorous coursework and encourage independent learning. The goal of an IB program is to develop well-rounded students who are active members of both their local and global communities. Students can either take a few IB courses or complete a two-year IB diploma program during high school. Only certain schools are authorized to offer IB programs.

Is IB the same as college prep?

What’s the difference between IB and AP courses?

Both IB and AP programs can set students up for success. The key differences: IB programs can begin in elementary, middle or high school, while AP courses are offered only in high school. IB is a whole programme with a core of its own, while AP is a set of individual courses and exams. And not all colleges award credit for IB coursework the way they do for AP, so students should check policies at the schools they’re interested in.

Hear it from Sylvan families

What families say about Sylvan test prep

“My experience at Sylvan has been very positive. I have always been supported and encouraged to try my hardest. The teachers always make sure you understand what they’re teaching. I have been here for a year for SAT and my score has gone up exponentially. I would recommend Sylvan for anyone, whether it’s for SAT, ACT, or regular school work.”

— Avery A. · Sylvan of Bel Air

“Both of our boys have been tutored by Sylvan Learning Sugar Land for over a year and we are very happy with their progress. The youngest is in elementary school and the oldest is now in advanced high school Algebra and Chemistry. The overall atmosphere and tutors are great!”

— Diondria H. · Sylvan of Sugar Land

“Amazing 1-on-1 tutoring and direct help for your specific needs. I was a senior needing some pre-calculus help before taking a math placement exam for my selected college. With the help of Matthew and Sylvan, I aced that exam and I've been able to smoothly continue my math programs!”

— Jericho K. · Sylvan of Brookfield

Get started today

Begin an IB Prep program today

IB Prep is available at select Sylvan centers. Give us a call at (888) 338-2283 or fill out the form to discuss your student’s learning goals.