IB Exams Canceled Around the World

Wondering if the IB exams would be on for this year, albeit in a modified, take-from-home way? Wonder no more. The IB exams, which were to be held between April 30 and May 22, 2020, have been officially canceled. But unlike with the AP exams which will be modified to 45-minute tests that students will take from their homes, the IB exams will neither be modified nor offered to students at home. The exams are simply canceled.

As the International Baccalaureate organization announced on its website, “As an organization, it is critical for us to ensure that the options we provide our global community of IB World schools are based on compassion for our students and teachers and, fairness for the difficult circumstances our students and educators are experiencing…As a result, the IB with considerable advisement from stakeholders across the globe including schools, students, universities and official bodies has determined the most responsible and ethical way forward. The IB will be taking the following actions for the 2020 May Examination session: The May 2020 examinations as scheduled between 30 April and 22 May for Diploma Programme and Career-related Programme candidates will no longer be held. Depending on what they registered for, the student will be awarded a Diploma or a Course Certificate which reflects their standard of work. This is based on student’s coursework and the established assessment expertise, rigor and quality control already built into the programmes.”

But if you’re an IB student anxious that these changes will adversely impact your case for admission to highly selective colleges, don’t worry so much. This impacts students across the board. America’s elite colleges are going to be well aware why you weren’t able to take your IB exams this year. So do relax and focus on things that matter.