The International Baccalaureate: Why LCIS Chooses the IB Diploma for College-Ready Success

More than 8,000 International Baccalaureate programmes are now taught in over 5,900 schools across 160 countries.

LCIS are proud to have chosen the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for our upper secondary curriculum. This was the first programme offered by the IB and is taught to students aged 16-19. It aims “to develop students who flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically.” (ibo.org)

As a preparation for university, research shows that the IBDP gives a foundation of knowledge, learning skills, confidence and invaluable soft skills unrivalled by other university entrance qualifications. The curriculum is made up of six subject groups and the DP core, which comprises theory of knowledge (TOK), creativity, activity, service (CAS) and the extended essay.

The IBDP is accepted as a university entrance qualification in 110 countries. Here in Switzerland all universities have formal recognition policies for the IBDP. At LCIS our students are supported in planning their course selection with their goal universities and points requirements in mind. Public universities such as University of Lausanne and University of Geneva require 32 points, excluding the IBDP core subjects. Note that TOK and EE combined can contribute up to 3 additional points while CAS does not have a points value, but authenticated participation is a requirement for the award of the diploma. Swiss technical universities such as EPFL require 38 points, excluding the core subjects.

• Research indicates that, particularly due to the IB core study, IB students have significantly higher levels of critical thinking than their non-IB peers (www.ibo.org), which sets them up well to succeed at university.
• University admissions officers questioned agreed that the IBDP is particularly helpful in “encouraging a global outlook” and “nurturing an open mind”.
• In a student study, participants believed that CAS helped students to become better at “taking on new challenges”, “learning to persevere” and “developing better interpersonal skills”. Moreover, alumni and current DP students felt that CAS had helped them to become more “communicative”, “willing to accept new challenges” and “collaborative” (Hayden et al 2017)
• Students learn time management, self-motivation skills, strong research and writing skills and an international outlook among other foundational competences.
• Research suggests that IB students are more likely than their peers to complete their undergraduate degrees and pursue graduate work; and that they are more likely to be engaged in various aspects of university life.
• Worldwide data indicates that the dropout rate after the first year of study is significantly lower for students who have completed the IBDP than for students with almost all other qualifications.
• Overall, studies show that the DP is considered the best educational qualification for providing students with the necessary skills to succeed at university.

As an international school with a student community from more than 40 different countries, the opportunity to gain a bilingual Diploma is another attractive opportunity. Every year around 30% of LCIS students graduate with a bilingual diploma.We are always impressed by the diverse institutions our students apply to, and their success. In 2023 at LCIS 95% of students who applied for a place at university received at least one offer at universities in countries including UK, Switzerland, France, Spain, Italy and Canada.

"At LCIS, we support our students with highly personalised university guidance to ensure they can access the very best universities suited to their needs, talents and aspirations. While we have had LCIS students achieve places at the most prestigious universities in the UK, USA, Canada, the Netherlands, and elsewhere in Europe, the IBDP is also excellent preparation for Swiss universities, as they recognise the rigour of the content, the demanding methods of assessments, and the skills students must develop over the two years," said Mr Andrew McLoughlin, Head of Secondary at LCIS.