2023–24 International Baccalaureate Policy

This chart lists the credit and course equivalency awarded for International Baccalaureate (IB) exams taken prior to matriculation at Grinnell College.

Conditions:

  • First-year, first-time freshmen are limited to a maximum of 24 pre- and post-matriculation credits (AP, IB, A-level, CAPE, college credits).
  • All AP/IB/A-level/CAPE credits awarded are counted as divisional credits and are not subject to the 48-credit departmental limit.
  • AP/IB/A-level/CAPE credits awarded count toward the 124 credits required for the degree.
  • Where an equivalent course is listed below, the IB credits can be used to meet the prerequisite for another course.
  • IB credits count toward the 32 or 34 credits required for a major only if the Notes column indicates “For major credit.”
  • IB scores and corresponding credit will be canceled upon successful completion (“D” grade or better) of any equivalent Grinnell course as listed below.
  • Credit is awarded only from an official transcript received from International Baccalaureate. We accept only IBH scores (Higher Level Exam).
Credit and Course Equivalency for International Baccalaureate Exams
Exam Name Minimum Score Equivalent Course Credits Awarded Notes
Anthropology IB-5 4 in Social Studies Division Not for major credit.
Visual Arts IB-5 4 in Humanities Division Not for major credit.  The art department must review the portfolios of all students taking the exam.  Credits are awarded only upon approval from the art department.
Biology IB-5 4 in Science Division Not for major credit
Chemistry IB-5 4 as CHM-129 For major credit.
Chinese IB-5 4 in Humanities Division Not for major credit.
Computer Science IB-5 4 in Science Division Not for major credit. Does not satisfy any prerequisite.
Economics IB-5 4 in Social Studies Division Not for major credit.
Economics IB-6 or 7 4 as ECN-111 Not for major credit. 
English A: Literature IB-5 4 in Humanities Division Not for major credit.
English A: Language/Literature IB-5 4 in Humanities Division Not for major credit.
French Language IB-5 4 as FRN-101 Not for major credit.
German Language IB-5 4 as GRM-101 Not for major credit.
History - African IB-5 4 in Social Studies Division Not for major credit.
History - American IB-5 4 in Social Studies Division Not for major credit.
History - European IB-5 4 in Social Studies Division Not for major credit.
Mathematics - Applications & Interpretation IB-5 4 as MAT-124 or 131 Not for major credit.
Mathematics - Analysis & Approaches IB-5 4 as MAT-124 or 131 Not for major credit.
Music IB-5 4 in Humanities Division Not for major credit.
Philosophy IB-5 4 in Humanities Division Not for major credit.
Physics IB-5 4 in Science Division Not for major credit.  Does not satisfy any prerequisite.  Credit for Physics IB exam will be canceled if the student receives credit for AP Physics C-Mechanics, AP Physics 1, CAPE Physics I, A-Level Physics, or PHY-131.
Spanish B IB-5 4 in Humanities Division Not for major credit.
Spanish Language IB-5 4 in Humanities Division Not for major credit.
Spanish Literature IB-5 4 in Humanities Division Not for major credit.
Theatre IB-5 4 in Humanities Division Not for major credit.

Revised July 2023 - Departmental policies regarding acceptance of credit are subject to change.

2023–24 Advanced Placement Policy

2023–24 Cambridge Advanced Level Policy

2023–24 Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination Policy

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