IB Tutoring
EPIC PREP, a leader in educational preparation since 2010, offers specialized tutoring for those aiming to excel in the International Baccalaureate program. Our approach combines in-depth theoretical understanding with practical application, guided by experienced native teachers. We tailor our services to meet the unique needs of each student, aiming to unlock access to prestigious universities. Connect with us for a results-oriented academic journey. Excellence in IB education is just a phone call away.
IB COURSES
EPIC PREP has been offering an excellent tutoring service for 14 years, including specialized courses for the IB. Our commitment to providing the best principles, resources, and strategies has always been a trademark of our preparations. Our mission to constantly improve and adapt to individual learning styles enables our students to reach their full potential.
Customize your experience based on your level, learning style, deadline, and availability. We are here to help you find the best option for you!
- Specialized IB tutors.
- Weekly sessions: 1, 2 or 3 sessions x week.
- Individual lessons.
- Immediate start.
- Duration: minimum 2 months.
- Content: specialized materials included.
- Itinerary adapted for each student.
- Access to the database of previous years' exams.
- Internal Assessments.
- Specialized IB tutors.
- Adaptable weekly sessions.
- Individual or group classes.
- Immediate start.
- Duration: according to deadlines.
- Content: specialized materials included.
- Itinerary adapted according to each exam.
- Access to the database of previous years' exams.
- Internal Assessments review option.
- Specialized IB tutors.
- Weekly sessions: 1, 2 or 3 sessions x week.
- Group lessons.
- Pre-define starting dates.
- Minimum duration 2 months.
- Content: specialized materials included.
- Predefined itinerary for the entire program.
- Access to the database of previous years' exams.
- Internal Assessments not included.
EPIC PREP Methodology
At EPIC PREP we have been preparing all our students since 2010 using a methodology based on four principles:
EXPERT TEACHERS
Our teachers are native speakers with degrees and years of experience in exam preparation. All our courses are taught live by specialized teachers.
EXCLUSIVE CONTENTS
The materials used are the result of the research of our specialists for each of the exams we prepare periodically, we review and adapt them according to the direction of the test.
PRACTICAL APPROACH
Our courses focus on the resolution of examination exercises. The objectives pursued are to consolidate the knowledge assessed and to ensure efficient management of exam times.
DATA ANALYTICS
At EPIC we analyze and monitor the performance KPIs of the preparations. Data analysis allows us to personalize the learner experience and improve the performance of our courses.
Testimonials
Since 2010, we have placed students at the heart of our preparation. Among the thousands of students we have supported, here is a selection of what they and their families have to say.
Where can we take you?
We have been helping our students access the most prestigious universities worlwide. Check out where our students have been accepted to
Frequently asked questions about IB
Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions that families and students often ask about the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the IB Diploma Programme. These frequently asked questions cover essential aspects such as the structure of the program, the blocks of subjects, the differences between intermediate and advanced levels, the evaluation system, the requirements to obtain the diploma and the pathways to university.
Whether you are considering taking the IB or are already part of the Diploma Programme and want to better understand how it works, knowing in detail how the International Baccalaureate is organized is an essential step in making informed academic decisions and planning wisely for university entrance in a competitive, international environment.
What is the International Baccalaureate (IB)?
The International Baccalaureate, known by its acronym IB (International Baccalaureate), is an international educational organization founded in 1968 in Geneva, Switzerland. It designs and oversees standardized academic programs taught in approved schools around the world that aim to provide a rigorous education with an international focus.
When asked what the International Baccalaureate is, it is important to understand that it is not a single diploma, but a complete educational system. The IB develops four programs aimed at different school stages: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP).
In the context of university entrance, the term “taking the IB” usually refers to the Diploma Programme, which is taken in the last two years of secondary school. This program follows a common international curriculum and an assessment system managed by the International Baccalaureate organization itself.
The IB is present in thousands of schools in more than 150 countries and its qualification is recognized by universities around the world, especially in international academic contexts.
How do I know if a school officially teaches the IB?
To offer any of the International Baccalaureate programs, a school must complete a formal authorization process with the International Baccalaureate organization and become an IB World School. Only these schools are authorized to officially offer the IB curriculum and present students for external examinations leading to the diploma.
The most reliable way to verify whether a school is authorized is to consult the official IB search engine, the IB World School Finderavailable on the organization’s website. In this tool you can filter by country, city and program (PYP, MYP, Diploma Programme or Career-related Programme). Only the schools that appear on this list have current authorization.
It is important to distinguish between schools that officially deliver the program and other academic institutions that offer specialized support or reinforcement for IB students. Academies and preparation centers do not teach the official curriculum and are not authorized as IB World Schools, but may provide additional academic support to students enrolled in authorized schools.
Therefore, if the intention is to check whether a school offers the International Baccalaureate as an official program, the only valid reference is the list published by the IB organization itself.
What is the IB diploma?
The IB Diploma, officially called the Diploma Programme (DP) of the International Baccalaureate, is a two-year academic program for students between the ages of 16 and 19. It is normally taken in the last two years of secondary school and leads to an internationally recognized diploma.
The program is designed by the International Baccalaureate organization and is offered exclusively in schools authorized as IB World Schools. It is characterized by its demanding academic approach, its globally standardized structure and its focus on the development of critical thinking, research and international mindedness.
Unlike other national education systems, the IB Diploma does not depend on a specific state curriculum, but follows a common framework applicable in all countries where it is offered. The evaluation and issuance of the diploma is managed by the international organization itself.
At the university level, the IB Diploma is valued for its academic rigor and for the preparation it provides for further study, especially in international contexts.
What subject blocks are there in the IB?
The IB Diploma Programme of the International Baccalaureate is organized in an academic structure composed of six blocks or groups of subjects, designed to guarantee a balanced education in different areas of knowledge. This organization is an essential part of the official IB curriculum.
IB Diploma students must select one subject from each of the following groups:
Studies in Language and Literature
Includes language and literature courses, usually in the student’s native language, such as Language A: Literature or Language A: Language and Literature.Language Acquisition
Corresponds to foreign language acquisition courses, such as English B, Spanish B or ab initio.Individuals and Societies
Includes IB social science subjects such as History, Economics, Geography, Global Politics or Business Management.Sciences
Includes IB Diploma science subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Environmental Systems and Societies.Mathematics
Comprises the various IB mathematics options, such as Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.The Arts
Groups arts subjects such as Visual Arts, Music or Theatre. Alternatively, the student may substitute this subject with an additional subject from groups 1 to 4.
In addition to these six IB Diploma subject blocks, the program incorporates three mandatory core components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). These elements complement the academic curriculum and form an integral part of the diploma.
The IB’s cluster structure seeks to combine academic breadth with depth in specific subjects, allowing students to develop both analytical and interdisciplinary skills.
What are the differences between Standard Level and Higher Level in IB subjects?
In the IB Diploma Programme of the International Baccalaureate, each subject can be taken at two official levels: Standard Level (SL), known in many schools as the intermediate level, and Higher Level (HL), known as the higher level. This distinction forms an essential part of the academic structure of the IB Diploma and affects the depth of content, the course load and the level of demand of each subject.
The main difference between Intermediate Level and Higher Level in IB subjects lies in the depth with which the content is studied. Higher Level subjects include more topics and a more advanced treatment of concepts, while Standard Level subjects cover the essential fundamentals of the curriculum established by the International Baccalaureate organization.
There is also a difference in the IB recommended course load. Higher level courses involve approximately 240 teaching hours, while intermediate level courses involve approximately 150 hours. This difference in hours translates into greater conceptual development, greater complexity in certain content and, in general, greater academic demands in HL.
To obtain the IB Diploma, the student must take at least three subjects at Higher Level and may choose up to a maximum of four. The rest of the subjects are taken at Standard Level. This combination allows the student to delve deeper into specific areas of interest without losing the academic breadth characteristic of the International Baccalaureate.
The choice between intermediate and advanced level in the IB is a relevant decision from an academic point of view, since many international universities place special value on subjects taken at the advanced level when they are related to the university degree the student wishes to enter.
What is IB mathematics like?
Mathematics in the IB Diploma Programme of the International Baccalaureate is organized into two official pathways: Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (AA) and Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (AI). Both options can be taken at either Standard Level or Higher Level.
Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (AA) is geared toward students with an interest in theoretical mathematics and disciplines such as engineering, physics or quantitative economics. It has a strong emphasis on algebra, calculus and formal mathematical reasoning, especially at the higher level.
Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (AI) focuses on the practical application of mathematics in real-world contexts. It gives greater weight to statistics, probability, data interpretation and the use of technological tools. It is a common choice for students interested in social sciences, business or applied areas.
The difference between intermediate and advanced levels in IB mathematics affects both the depth of content and the teaching load, with the advanced level being more demanding and with a greater number of hours.
The choice of mathematics in the International Baccalaureate should be made taking into account the student’s academic profile and the specific requirements of the universities, since some degrees require certain combinations, especially Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches at the higher level.
For a more detailed analysis of the differences between AA and AI and which mathematics to choose in the IB, please see our dedicated article on the IB Mathematics subject on the blog.
What is IB physics like?
The IB Diploma Programme Physics is a subject in the IB Science group. It is designed to develop an understanding of the fundamental principles of physics, as well as the ability to apply scientific models to the analysis of natural phenomena.
IB Physics can be taken at either Standard Level or Higher Level. The difference between the two levels affects the depth of the content and the number of teaching hours, with the Higher Level being broader and conceptually more demanding.
The official Physics IB curriculum combines theoretical content with experimental work. Topics covered include areas such as mechanics, waves, electricity and magnetism, fields, energy and modern physics. At the higher level, some topics are studied in greater mathematical and conceptual depth.
A central element of the course is the development of scientific skills, including the design of experiments, analysis of data and interpretation of results. Physics in IB is not limited to numerical problem solving, but requires conceptual understanding and applied reasoning skills.
IB Physics is especially relevant for students planning to pursue undergraduate studies in engineering, physics, mathematics or related science disciplines.
For a more detailed analysis on the specific content and level of demand of Physics IB, please refer to our specialized article on the IB Physics subject on the blog.
What is the IB chemistry course like?
The IB Diploma Programme’s Chemistry subject is part of the IB Science group and is oriented towards the structured study of matter, its transformations and the principles governing chemical reactions.
IB Chemistry can be taken at Standard Level or Higher Level. The difference between the two levels lies in the conceptual depth and breadth of content, with the higher level being more demanding both in terms of course load and theoretical complexity.
The official Chemistry IB curriculum covers fundamental areas such as atomic structure, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, kinetics, chemical equilibrium and organic chemistry. At the higher level, certain contents are expanded and more advanced developments are incorporated that require greater capacity for chemical analysis and reasoning.
The course combines theoretical study with experimental work, since the International Baccalaureate gives special importance to the development of practical laboratory skills, data analysis and scientific research design.
IB Chemistry is especially relevant for students who wish to enter university studies in medicine, biotechnology, pharmacy, chemical engineering or any scientific discipline related to health sciences or the subject.
For a more detailed analysis on the specific content and level of demand of the IB Chemistry subject, please refer to our specialized blog article.
What is the IB biology course like?
The IB Diploma Programme’s Biology course belongs to the IB Science group and is oriented towards the study of biological systems from a conceptual, experimental and applied approach.
IB Biology can be taken at either Standard Level or Higher Level. The difference between the two levels affects both the depth of content and the number of teaching hours, with the Higher Level being broader in thematic breadth and analytical demands.
The official Biology IB curriculum addresses areas such as cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, human physiology and molecular biology. At Higher Level, certain content is expanded and additional developments are introduced that require greater conceptual integration and scientific analysis skills.
The course combines theory and practical work. The International Baccalaureate places significant importance on the development of experimental skills, including research design, data processing and interpretation of biological results. It is not only about memorizing content, but also about understanding processes and applying the scientific method.
IB Biology is especially relevant for students who wish to enter university studies in medicine, biomedicine, biotechnology, environmental sciences, pharmacy or disciplines related to the life sciences.
For a more detailed analysis on the specific content and level of demand of the IB Biology subject, please refer to our specialized blog post.
How do grades work in the IB?
The IB Diploma Programme grading system is based on a numerical scale from 1 to 7 for each subject. This scale is part of the official International Baccalaureate grading system and is applied in a standardized way in all countries where the program is taught.
Each of the six subjects that the student takes in the IB is evaluated on a maximum of 7 points, with 7 being the highest grade and 1 the lowest. Therefore, the subjects can contribute up to a maximum of 42 points in total.
In addition to the six subjects, the IB Diploma includes three core components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). TOK and the Extended Essay can together contribute up to a maximum of 3 additional points, depending on the grades obtained in both components. CAS does not contribute numerical points, but its fulfillment is mandatory to obtain the diploma.
Thus, the maximum score that can be obtained in the IB Diploma is 45 points.
Final grades are determined by the International Baccalaureate based on common evaluation criteria and grade thresholds established after each examination. This system seeks to ensure consistency and international comparability in International Baccalaureate grades.
How is the IB approved?
To obtain the IB Diploma of the International Baccalaureate, the student must meet the official criteria established by the International Baccalaureate organization.
First, it is necessary to achieve a minimum of 24 points out of a maximum of 45 points:
Up to 42 points corresponding to the six subjects (each graded from 1 to 7).
Up to 3 additional points derived from the combination of Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay (EE).
The Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) component is mandatory, but does not contribute numerical points.
In addition to the 24-point minimum, the IB requires additional conditions to be met:
Not obtaining a 1 in any subject.
Obtain no more than two scores out of 2.
Obtain no more than three grades of 3 or lower.
Obtain at least 12 points in Higher Level if three HL subjects are taken (or 16 points if four are taken).
Obtain at least 9 points in Standard Level.
Not receiving an E grade on TOK or the Extended Essay.
Satisfactory completion of CAS.
Not to incur in academic misconduct.
Only when all these conditions are met is the diploma officially awarded.
What are Internal Assessments or internal evaluations?
Internal Assessments (IA), or IB Internal Assessments, are academic assignments that are part of the official IB Diploma Programme assessment system. They are carried out within the school, under the supervision of the subject teacher, but are part of the final grade established by the International Baccalaureate.
Each IB subject includes at least one internal assessment component. These assignments may take different forms depending on the subject: scientific investigations, analytical essays, case studies, oral presentations or mathematical projects, among others.
Although Internal Assessments are initially marked in-school, the IB applies a system of external moderation to ensure that assessment criteria are applied uniformly internationally. This means that a sample of papers is reviewed by external examiners appointed by the organization.
Internal assessments form part of the final grade for each subject and complement the external examinations. Their specific weight depends on the subject, but in all cases they are a compulsory component of the IB grading system.
What are IB External Assessments or final exams?
The External Assessments, or IB Final Examinations, are the official external assessments that form part of the IB Diploma Programme’s grading system. These exams take place at the end of the program and are corrected by examiners appointed by the International Baccalaureate organization, which guarantees a uniform international assessment criterion for all students.
Unlike Internal Assessments, which are conducted at the school itself, final exams are the basis for most grades in IB subjects.
The structure of the exams may vary according to the subject and level (intermediate level or higher level), but in most written subjects they are organized in multiple papers or exam parts, such as Paper 1, Paper 2 (and in some cases Paper 3). The number and format of these papers depends on the subject content and level (SL or HL). For example, language group subjects usually have two papers for Standard Level and two for Higher Level, while other science or mathematics subjects may include three parts at Higher Level.
The official IB final exams are usually held once a year in the spring (usually in May), which is the main sitting of the Diploma Programme. Most IB students sit for this session of the exam calendar, as it is designed to coincide with the end of the academic year.
What are mock exams in IB?
Mock exams (also known as IB mock exams) are internal practice assessments organized by the school to prepare IB Diploma Programme students for the official International Baccalaureate tests.
Although the mock exams are not part of the official IB external assessments and are not sent to the organization to be corrected by external examiners, their design is based on the format, length and criteria of the IB final exams.
The simulations are usually:
Reproduce the actual conditions of the official external exams ( paper structure, duration, instructions and type of questions).
Help students become familiar with the IB final exam format and time management under pressure.
Enable students and teachers to identify strengths and areas for improvement prior to official exams.
The results of the mock exams do not directly influence the official IB Diploma grades, but many schools use them to establish predicted grades that can form part of the documentation sent to universities in the admissions process.
In short, mock exams are an internal preparation tool for the final IB Diploma exams, designed to simulate the structure, content and pressure of the official external assessments.
How do re-takes work?
In the IB Diploma Programme of the International Baccalaureate, a student may retake one or more of the official IB examinations if he or she wishes to improve his or her scores or meet the requirements for the diploma. This is done by registering for a subsequent examination session at an authorized IB World School.
The IB organization offers two examination sessions per year:
The main session in May, which coincides with the end of the program.
The November session, which is available for retakes and special cases.
Students may retake one, several or all subject exams in subsequent sessions. There is no strict official limit on how many times an IB exam can be retaken: it can be retaken at any future session as long as the appropriate registration process is completed through an authorized school.
As for Internal Assessments, the IB does not establish a universal rule that they must be redone each time a retake is taken. If the curriculum regulations change for a subject, the student retaking that test may need to adjust to the new version of the syllabus. To find out if you must retake or update an internal assessment in a specific retake situation, you should consult with the IB coordinator at the school where the retake is to be recorded.
In summary, retakes in the IB allow resubmission of external exams in future sessions to improve results, and conditions on specific internal assessments depend on current guidelines and center coordination.
What is the IB extended essay or monograph?
The Extended Essay (EE), also known as the IB monograph, is an independent research paper that forms a compulsory part of the core IB Diploma Programme of the International Baccalaureate.
It consists of an academic essay of up to 4,000 words, focused on a specific research question related to one of the subjects offered by the IB. The student develops the work under the supervision of a school teacher, but the research and writing are the student’s own responsibility.
The purpose of the Extended Essay is for the student to demonstrate research skills, critical analysis, academic structuring and proper use of sources. It is a direct preparation for the type of written work that will be required later in college.
The IB Extended Essay is externally assessed by examiners appointed by the International Baccalaureate. The grade obtained in the Extended Essay, combined with the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) grade, can contribute up to 3 additional points to the final IB Diploma score.
The Extended Essay is, therefore, one of the most characteristic academic components of the International Baccalaureate and a central element in its formative approach.
What is Theory of Knowledge (TOK) in the IB?
Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is one of the three compulsory core components of the IB Diploma Programme of the International Baccalaureate. Its purpose is to develop critical reflection on the nature of knowledge and how we know what we claim to know.
TOK is not a traditional subject focused on specific content, but a cross-disciplinary course that invites students to analyze how knowledge is constructed in different academic areas, such as science, mathematics, history or the arts. The program is structured around the exploration of fundamental questions about knowledge, its methods, its limits and its reliability.
According to the official IB framework, the course combines the study of knowledge areas and topics related to knowledge, promoting reflection, critical thinking and analysis of diverse perspectives.
The Theory of Knowledge evaluation includes two components:
An internal exhibition, which takes place at the school and is evaluated by the teacher, with external moderation by the IB.
An external test, which is directly evaluated by examiners appointed by the International Baccalaureate organization.
The TOK score, combined with the Extended Essay score, can contribute up to 3 additional points to the final IB Diploma score.
Theory of Knowledge constitutes, together with the Extended Essay and CAS, one of the distinctive elements of the International Baccalaureate, by integrating philosophical reflection on knowledge within a structured academic program.
What is Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)?
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) is one of the three compulsory core components of the IB Diploma Programme of the International Baccalaureate, along with Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay.
CAS is not a traditional academic subject, nor is it graded with a numerical grade. It is an educational program that requires student participation in meaningful experiences outside the classroom, with the objective of fostering personal development, responsibility and commitment to the community.
The CAS component is organized into three areas:
Creativity, which includes creative activities such as arts, design or innovative projects.
Activity, related to physical activity and well-being.
Service, focused on community service initiatives.
Throughout the Diploma Programme, the student must continuously participate in CAS experiences and develop a larger CAS project that integrates collaboration and planning. The program also requires written reflection on the experiences and learning gained.
Although CAS does not contribute points to the final IB Diploma score, its satisfactory completion is mandatory for obtaining the diploma. If a student does not complete the CAS requirements according to the criteria established by the International Baccalaureate, he/she cannot receive the IB Diploma, even if he/she has achieved the necessary academic score.
CAS is part of the integral approach of the International Baccalaureate, which seeks to combine academic excellence with personal development and social commitment.
How do you apply to universities as an IB student?
The process of applying to university as an IB Diploma Programme student depends on the country and the institution, but the International Baccalaureate is a widely recognized qualification by prestigious universities internationally.
In many university systems, IB students apply during the second year of the Diploma Programme, before their final results are known. At that time, universities evaluate candidacy based on predicted grades issued by the school, along with academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal essays and other institution-specific requirements.
Predicted grades play an important role in international admissions, especially at highly competitive universities. Once the official IB results are published, the university can confirm admission definitively if the student meets the conditions set out in its offer.
In certain international admissions processes, especially at selective universities, some IB students supplement their application with additional standardized tests, such as the SAT, when permitted or recommended by the institution. Although not always mandatory, in certain contexts it can serve to strengthen the candidate’s academic profile, particularly when it comes to international applications.
The IB Diploma is valued for its academic rigor, standardized assessment and combination of depth in higher level subjects with cross-curricular training. The choice of subjects and levels within the program can directly influence admission options, especially at universities that set specific score requirements or specific subject requirements at Higher Level.
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