The student must read, plan, and independently write their responses in 45 minutes. Trained readers make an overall judgment about the papers on such things as how well the writing focuses on the topic and how well the details are organized. The scores range from a low of zero to a high of 6. Shown here are the number of students tested and the average writing scores for the school, district, and state. This untimed multiple-choice test in communications and mathematics is administered to eleventh grade students each October.
Students have several chances to take the test.
Students earning grades of 3 or higher on the examinations may receive college credits. The scores of these students are compared with the scores of students throughout the United States. Students are identified by the National Merit Scholar program as Finalists or Commended Students based on their performance on the examination. To earn an I.B. diploma, students must complete a rigorous 24 credit curriculum, write an extended essay, complete 150 hours of structured extracurricular projects, and receive passing scores on international, externally scored examinations in the major curriculum areas. Candidates must complete all program requirements before sitting for their examinations at the end of their Senior year.