2024–25 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 NameMinimum ScoreEquivalent Course Credits AwardedNotes
AnthropologyIB-54 in
Social Studies
Division
Not for major credit.
Visual ArtsIB-54 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.
BiologyIB-54 in
Science
Division
Not for major credit
ChemistryIB-54 as
CHM-129
For major credit.
ChineseIB-54 in
Humanities
Division
Not for major credit.
Computer ScienceIB-54 in
Science
Division
Not for major credit. Does not satisfy any prerequisite.
EconomicsIB-54 in Social
Studies
Division
Not for major credit.
EconomicsIB-6 or 74 as
ECN-111
Not for major credit. 
English A: LiteratureIB-54 in
Humanities
Division
Not for major credit.
English A: Language/LiteratureIB-54 in Humanities DivisionNot for major credit.
French LanguageIB-54 as
FRN-101
Not for major credit.
German LanguageIB-54 as
GRM-101
Not for major credit.
History - AfricanIB-54 in
Social Studies
Division
Not for major credit.
History - AmericanIB-54 in
Social Studies
Division
Not for major credit.
History - EuropeanIB-54 in
Social Studies
Division
Not for major credit.
Japanese A: Language/LiteratureIB-54 in Humanities DivisionNot for major credit.
Mathematics - Applications &
Interpretation
IB-54 as
MAT-124 or 131
Not for major credit.
Mathematics -
Analysis & Approaches
IB-54 as
MAT-124 or 131
Not for major credit.
MusicIB-54 in
Humanities
Division
Not for major credit.
PhilosophyIB-54 in
Humanities
Division
Not for major credit.
PhysicsIB-54 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.
Global PoliticsIB-54 in Social Studies DivisionFor major credit.
Spanish BIB-54 in
Humanities
Division
Not for major credit.
Spanish LanguageIB-54 in
Humanities
Division
Not for major credit.
Spanish LiteratureIB-54 in
Humanities
Division
Not for major credit.
TheatreIB-54 in
Humanities
Division
Not for major credit.

Revised August 2024 - Departmental policies regarding acceptance of credit are subject to change.

2024–25 Advanced Placement Policy

2024–25 British Advanced Level Policy

2024–25 Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination Policy

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