IB vs. German Abitur

My sister-in-law just started at the JFK school in Berlin. Basically, the school has two paths. The IB path (12 years, more classes throughout the years from yr 7) or the Abitur (German Higher Education Entrance Qualification) (13 years and lots of German knowledge).

Does anyone here thing the Abitur path may be better for an American girl who may, most likely, not go to university in Germany?

I personally thing the IB path is the way to go, and her parents have opted for it as well, but after this semester, they need to put down a definite decision.

Just fishing for comments and opinions.

Reply 1

Sinuhe

8

If she does the IB, I think it's best to choose the subjects in such a way that it's considered equivalent to the German Abitur in Germany (ie, Maths HL, History/Geography, Chemistry/Biology/Physics, and any other group 3 and group 4 subjects only as the 6th subject).

The main problem with the Abitur, as far as I can see, is that it is internally examined. So some schools have higher grades for the same knowledge than others, but in the end only your result matters (numerus clausus at German unis) - so some are quite disadvantaged in this respect, and the IB is much better for it.
I'm afraid I don't know how the IB and the Abitur compare in terms of difficulty and work intensity - mostly it depends on the school in question, I'd say.

Also if she's planning on studying abroad, I think the IB has a wider spectrum of recognition than the Abitur. So provided she chooses appropriate IB subjects, I think the IB is certainly the way to go.

Reply 2

santogold

OP

15

I seriously doubt my in-laws will stay in Germany long enough for her to actually complete school there. We are moving back to the States at the end of the year, and they have already voiced plans to follow us at one point.

I personally believe in more universal systems, thus favor the IB. I have the Abitur myself and it is a hassle to explain to people what it is.

Reply 3

Sinuhe

8

In that case the IB is certainly better.
Although if she's intending to move house during the 2-year programme, it's important to note that:
- she should choose subjects and levels which are available in both her current school and the one she intends to enrol at once she moves
- if possible she should ask them in advance, before starting in Germany, whether they'll accept her (some schools only admit pupils into the FIRST year of the IB and not at any later stage)
- schools cover the syllabus in various orders and she may end up hearing certain topics twice and some not at all, so she should make sure she has a copy of the syllabus for every subject and ensure she's done everything that's required

I'm surprised though that people wouldn't know what the Abitur is. :confused:

I'm not German and I'm familiar with it ...

Reply 4

santogold

OP

15

Well, they know what it is but a few people just can't interpret it.
Also, she is just in 7th grade now :wink:

Reply 5

sereture

I would go for IB! I did IB this may and returned to Germany for university: they have a neat little formula with which they convert IB grades into Abitur grades :smile:

So its definitely accepted here in Germany and there's no need to do the abitur, which I don't think is as well-respected abroad. But she has to be careful to choose the right combination of subjects: for ex. in order to get your diploma recognized in Germany you must have at least one of either math, bio, chem or physics at HL, etc. I'd check out the IBO website for more info on IB requirements in Germany!
Good luck choosing! :smile:

Edit: oh, I just read that she most likely will NOT go to unversity in Germany. Then DEFINITELY go for the IB, because I think the program is more rigorous and objective (not as much internal assessment), and it's a better choice if she wants to study abroad/in the States.

Reply 6

emilo

I've done the IB as well but i know from a former classmate, who went to study in the US, that is would have been easier for her to follow the american high school program and not the IB... i know this wasnt the question.. but in case she is considering to study in the states :wink:

Reply 7

santogold

OP

15

I think they may go back to the States at one point anyway. Like, as soon as we move back there :wink:

So, thanks a lot emilo!

IB vs. German Abitur

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