IB Thursday’s Thoughts Newsletter | September 11, 2025

Thursday’s Thoughts – 9/11/2025
 
Upcoming Visits to Hillcrest from College Admissions Representatives 
All visits are held in the Presentation Room (across from the attendance office on the 1st floor) from 9:05 – 9:45 parents are welcome to attend.
Students are encouraged to come prepared with good questions for these admissions reps.
 
9/11/25 – Baylor University 
9/16/25 – Princeton University
9/23/25 – University of Chicago 
9/30/25 – Tufts University
10/1/25 – Colby College
10/7/25 – Rice University
10/10/25 – Vanderbilt University 
10/28/25 – Northeastern University
 
How are IB Diploma’s awarded?
This question can be somewhat daunting as IB students prepare for their exams in May. In addition to their Utah High School Diploma, IB Diploma (DP) Candidates will work towards an Internationally recognized high school diploma. Here’s how it’s earned…
 
• DP category candidates must study six subjects, plus the three core subjects—EE, TOK and CAS. They must accumulate no fewer than 24 points from assessments in these subjects, in addition to grade stipulations. 
• Candidates who successfully meet these conditions will be awarded the diploma. 
• The IB diploma is awarded based on performance across all parts of the DP. 
• Each subject is graded 1–7, with 7 being the highest grade. 
• These grades are also used as points (that is, 7 points for a grade 7, 6 points for a grade 6, and so on) in determining if the diploma can be awarded. 
• TOK (Theory of Knowledge) and the EE (Extended Essay) are graded A–E, with A being the highest grade. These two grades are then combined in the diploma points matrix to contribute between 0 and 3 “bonus” points to the total points awarded.
• The overall maximum points from subject grades, TOK and the EE is therefore 45: ((6 × 7) + 3). 
• The minimum threshold for the award of the diploma is 24 points. If a candidate scores less than 24 points, the diploma is not awarded. 
 
Additional requirements 

There are a number of additional requirements for the award of the diploma. 
• CAS requirements have been met. 
• There is no “N” (non-submission) awarded for TOK, the EE or for a contributing subject. 
• There is no grade E awarded for TOK and/or the EE. 
• There is no grade 1 awarded in a subject/level. 
• There are no more than two grade 2s awarded (SL or HL). 
• There are no more than three grade 3s or below awarded (SL or HL). 
• The candidate has gained 12 points or more on HL subjects. (For candidates who register for four HL subjects, the three highest grades count.) 
• The candidate has gained 9 points or more on SL subjects. (Candidates who register for two SL subjects must gain at least 5 points at SL.) 
• The candidate has not received a penalty for academic misconduct from the Final Award Committee. 
 
IB Core Points Matrix (Bonus points toward IB Diploma)
 

 
 
Writing in the IB?
As we prepare for several college visits from several universities around the country, students often ask among other things… “What makes a good college essay?” 
 
Over the years what we have consistently heard from our IB graduates is how prepared they felt their first year of college, regardless where they attend, especially when it comes to the type of writers they have become. Last year the Princeton admissions officer reiterated this with our IB students. He said, what he sees from IB students is an advanced level of preparation in writing. This is where many students struggle their first year of college. I would encourage all of our IB students to work hard on their writing while in high school, you’ll be that much further ahead when you get to college. Your students will complete several high-level research and writing assessments (Internal Assessments and the Extended essay) while pursuing their IB Diploma, these are some of the most valuable things they will do in the IB program.
 
Along these lines…a former Hillcrest IB Graduate expressed this…
“As a former Hillcrest High IB student, IB really gave me the skills I needed to succeed in college. Being trained to write quickly and well in many different subjects was one of the most useful things IB taught me, as this skill was extremely applicable in college. I have had several professors compliment my writing in different subjects, which I completely credit to IB’s rigorous writing requirements.  Additionally, some of the subject material covered by my IB courses aligned with my college classes and gave me a bit of a leg up. I remember questioning whether IB was “really worth it” as a high school student, but now as a college student at a prestigious university, I can confirm that it absolutely was. It really made the transition to college much smoother than it would have been otherwise, and gave me confidence in my ability to thrive in college academically.”
-Laura Wan IB Diploma Class of 2020
Vanderbilt University

Academic Integrity Reminders 

• Be Present: If you must miss an exam, communicate with your teacher as soon as possible for any alternatives. General rule, never miss the day of an exam!
• Do It Right: Avoid shortcuts, such as seeking unauthorized help. This compromises your integrity and future success.
• Be Honest: Trust your preparation and efforts, cheating only undermines your personal growth and academic journey.

Important Dates
Sept. 8 – Oct. 30 – 1:1 student meetings with Mr. Olsen to go over IB exam plans for the May 2026 IB exam session. 
Nov. 15th – IB exam fees due. Exam fees will be paid in the main office. If you’d like the fee to appear on skyward, your student can let the main office know, then you can pay from home. Students will bring home invoice of IB exams they are taking. IB exams are $123.00/exam.
 
Next Week
IB Mentor/Mentee program
 
Please reach out with any questions or concerns. Thank you!
 
John Olsen
Hillcrest IB Coordinator
john.olsen@canyonsdistrict.org
 
Cassidy Adams
CAS Coordinator
cassidy.adams@canyonsdistrict.org