A Parents' Guide to the IB Diploma

AUGUST 2020

A PARENTS' GUIDE TO THE IB DIPLOMA More than just a qualification

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CONTENTS 03

Introduction

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What is the IB Diploma?

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The IB Certificate

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10 Reasons to Study the IB Diploma

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The IB Diploma Curriculum

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Assessment

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The Core

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CAS at TISB

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10 Reasons to Study at TISB

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IB Diploma Courses Studied at TISB

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Student Support at TISB

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The Benefits of Boarding

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Facilities at TISB

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Transition from CBSE/ICSE

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IB Diploma or A Levels?

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IB Diploma Results at TISB

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College Counselling at TISB

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University & College Destinations

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TISB - The Test Centre

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The Admissions Process

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INTRODUCTION Welcome to our Parents' Guide to the IB Diploma, which we hope will not only help you decide whether your son or daughter should study the IB Diploma Programme or not, but also give you an insight into how we have successfully managed the Programme at TISB for the last 20 years.

We strive to support our students to become the best versions of themselves, to develop their passions and global outlook, and support them in flourishing physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically.

If you still have questions about the IB Diploma Programme at TISB, then please contact marketing@tisb.ac.in and we will endeavour to respond to you as soon as possible.

Details regarding the admissions process at TISB can be found at the end of this Guide.

We look forward to welcoming you to TISB and supporting you through your IB Diploma journey.

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WHAT IS THE IB DIPLOMA? At TISB we encourage our students to Be The Start of Something, and certainly the IB Diploma encourages students towards this goal and beyond.

The purpose of the IB Diploma is to provide a rigorous and academically challenging two-year pre-university course giving students a wellrounded, internationally regarded programme of study.

Its rich curriculum offers scope for personal growth and development as well as encouraging a love of lifelong learning while challenging the intellectual, social, emotional and physical wellbeing of students.

The IB Diploma allows students to engage in personal and academic achievement by studying a wide range of subjects (with the choice of which subjects to study in more depth) providing a foundation for college or university and life beyond.

Established in 1968 and internationally recognised by highly regarded colleges and universities around the world, the IB Diploma is studied in approximately 5000 institutions in over 150 countries in the world.

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THE IB CERTIFICATE

An alternative path to college At TISB the majority of students in Grade 12 complete the IB Diploma. However, college success can also be achieved for a small number of students by following the IB Certificate programme.

There are a number of situations that may develop over the two year IB Diploma programme that could make the IB Certificate an attractive option, or may cause the school to recommend that a student transfers to the Certificate.

Examples may be: A student has had an extended period of absence A student knows exactly what their next step in life is and they do not need the IB Diploma A student is finding aspects of the IB Diploma challenging

what's the difference between the ib diploma and the ib certificate?

The IB Certificate allows students to continue with their six chosen IB subjects, but The Core of Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and CAS are not required, leaving additional time to focus on the chosen IB subjects.

There is no pass or fail when taking the IB Certificate. Internal Assessments (IAs), meeting deadlines and positive class participation, however, is still expected.

Consultation with the College Counselling department will highlight the college options which will be available to students, both in India and overseas.

Sathvik successfully completed the IB Certificate and is now studying Economics at University of Exeter

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10 REASONS TO STUDY THE IB DIPLOMA 1 ACADEMIC BREADTH & DEPTH

2 PROMOTES CRITICAL THINKING

The IB Diploma allows students to choose six subjects across a wide spectrum, and gives the option to study three in more depth at Higher Level.

Critical and creative thinking are encouraged throughout the IB Diploma, and in particular in TOK and Extended Essay, inspiring students to think independently and creatively.

3 RESEARCH SKILLS

4 GLOBAL CITIZENS

IB Diploma students learn to be self-directed learners able to find, analyse, interpret and evaluate relevant information.

IB Diploma students are encouraged to consider global and local contexts, allowing them to thrive in a global community,

07 5 TIME-MANAGEMENT

6 PERSONAL GROWTHÂ

Organisation and time management are vital life skills and certainly skills developed whilst completing the IB Diploma.

CAS offers IB Diploma students the opportunity to develop their teamwork, leadership and communication skills, leading to an overall personal growth.

7 UNIVERSITY & COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

8 INTELLECTUALLY CURIOUS

Research has shown that the acceptance rate of IB Diploma students into Ivy League and Russell Group universities is up to 18% higher than the total population acceptance rate.

The IB Diploma programme encourages students to enquire, be curious and openminded, to think for themselves, and take an interest in things outside the classroom.

9 PERSONAL CHALLENGE

10 CONFIDENT INDEPENDENT LEARNERS

The IB Diploma challenges students to excel in both their academic studies and personal journeys, addressing the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical wellbeing of all students.

IB Diploma students are confident reflective thinkers who take ownership of their own research and learning.

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THE IB DIPLOMA CURRICULUM AGE: 16 - 19 COURSE LENGTH: 2 YEARS SCHOOL GRADES: 11 AND 12 In order to complete the IB Diploma programme, students are required to study six subjects from the six available groups: Language & Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals & Societies (Humanities), Sciences, Mathematics, and The Arts.

Three subjects will be chosen to study at Higher Level, and three subjects will be chosen to study at Standard Level. The subjects being studied at Higher Level students will delve deeper into the subjects and students will be expected to demonstrate a greater body of knowledge, understanding and skill.

The IB Diploma programme blocks do not allow for three sciences to be taken ordinarily. However, for those students wishing to to study Medicine in India, we make an exception and allow students to study three sciences. In this case students will be registered a non-regular Diploma candidates at the beginning of the programme.

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ASSESSMENT Students will be assessed in each of their six chosen subjects throughout the two years of their IB Diploma programme.

In addition, written examinations will also be sat in May of Grade 12, the final year of the course.

There are no external examinations taken in Grade 11.

The IB Diploma looks to assess the development of: analysing and presenting information evaluating and constructing arguments solving problems creatively retaining knowledge understanding key concepts applying standard methods

The Point system Each of the six subjects taken is marked out of 7 Points, with 1 being the lowest and 7 the highest, regardless of whether the subject is being studied at Standard Level or Higher Level. Students will receive a grade for each course attempted.

Students can be awarded up to 3 additional Points for their combined results on the Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay.

The IB Diploma is awarded to students who gain at least 24 Points, subject to certain minimum levels of performance across the whole programme. Satisfactory participation in the Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) element is also a requirement, although no specific grade is awarded.

For most courses, a combination of internal assessment and externally-marked written examinations at the end of the Diploma Programme will form the basis of the assessment.

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THE CORE At the heart of the IB Diploma programme is The Core consisting of the following three elements:

THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE TOK explores the central question "how do we know?" in a variety of differnt contexts and situations. It encourages students to be aware of their own perspectives and assumptions, critically examining knowledge, beliefs and opinions.

At TISB, Theory of Knowledge is taught by teachers from across the departments, allowing for unique and diverse perspective-driven discussions.

THE EXTENDED ESSAY Students are required to produce a 4000 word research paper based on 40 hours of in-depth, independent study. The topic can be based on any area of interest and guidance is given by our experienced Tutors.

CREATIVITY, ACTIVITY & SERVICE Students will take part in a range of initiatives and challenges to learn from real life experiences beyond the classroom.

The three strands of CAS encourage students to develop their cognitive, affective and social skills, developing them into global citizens with an international mind.

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CAS AT TISB

As a Core component of the IB Diploma, the CAS programme aims to develop students' cognitive, affective and social skills, taking students on a journey of self-discovery.

CREATIVITY

Creativity experiences help students to develop creative thinking. Students challenge themselves, exploring original ideas and forms of creative expression.

ACTIVITY

Activity experiences encourage students to find a healthy balance between physical and mental wellbeing.

SERVICE

Service experiences encourage students to become involved with their local community, encouraging collaborative and reciprocal engagement.

EXAMPLES OF CAS EXPERIENCES Photography

Aerobics

Tournament organisation

Badminton

Event management

Basketball

Website development

Personal gym programme

Trinity examinations

Triathlon

Drama production

Trekking

Participate in assembly

Swimming

Learn an instrument

Tennis

Create a community environmental group Organise a sports tournament at a community centre Get involved in a beach clean-up Assist in fundraising for community garden Implement a recycling programme Work in an orphanage with regularity Take an active role in VIVUM, Sports Day, MUN, Xavage Provide peer-tutoring for junior students

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10 REASONS TO STUDY AT TISB 1 UNIQUE FAMILIARISATION PROGRAMME Our tried and tested Familiarisation Programme for students at the start of Grade 11 introduces them to their subject areas and encourages them to follow their passions and interests.

3 SMALL CLASS SIZES At TISB we ensure that our IB Diploma class sizes remain small to ensure students receive individualised and tailored attention in every lesson.

2 A BALANCE FOR WELLBEING TISB ensures a perfect balance of academic studies with cocurricular activities and sports.

Our students are encouraged to start their own clubs, which not only fulfills their CAS and college requirements, but also promotes individual enterprise and initiative.

4 DEDICATED AND EXPERIENCED STAFF TISB students benefit from skilled, experienced and knowledgeable staff from around the world, who bring a unique skill set to the teaching and learning process.

5 BROAD SPECTRUM OF SUBJECTS TISB offers a wide variety of academic subjects including five modern languages, Theatre, Visual Art and Music at both Higher and Standard Levels.

13 6 PERSONALISED COLLEGE COUNSELLING

7 DIFFERENTIATED MATHEMATICS

Each IB Diploma student will be allocated a member of our team of experienced College Counsellors who are on hand to guide our students with personalised attention through their college application process.

All students sit a Mathematics baseline test to assess ability at the start of Grade 11. This allows us to ensure the required specific differentiation in class.

8 INDIVIDUAL MONITORING

9 EXCEPTIONAL RESOURCES

TISB students are overseen by their Grade Co-ordinator and Form Tutor who work with small groups to ensure the clear timetabled deadlines are met throughout the programme.

Both students and teachers have access to a vast range of resources, both from our wellstocked Library and through numerous online subscriptions.

10 CONSISTENTLY EXCELLENT ACADEMIC RESULTS TISB's reputation for academic excellence is renowned and something of which we are particularly proud, but, resting on our laurels is far from our thoughts.

We continually monitor and adapt our teaching and learning processes to ensure our students gain from the very best pedagogical practices.

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IB COURSES STUDIED AT TISB LANGUAGE & LITERATURE

INDIVIDUALS & SOCIETIES

Higher Level English A: Literature English A: Language & Literature

Higher Level Business Management Economics History Psychology

Standard Level English A: Literature English A: Language & Literature

LANGUAGE ACQUISITION Higher Level French B Hindi B Spanish B German B Mandarin B Standard Level French ab initio German ab initio Spanish ab initio Mandarin ab initio French B Hindi B Spanish B German B Mandarin B

Standard Level Business Management Economics History Psychology *Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS)

VIVUM VIVUM is an annual tradition completely organised by Grade 12 students to fundamentally raise as much money as possible for chosen charities in India.

Typically, around 25 external schools are invited to take part in the events which include sports tournaments, poetry slams, fashion shows and music, dance and photography competitions. External speakers are invited to take part in INSPIRIT (TISB's very own TED Talks) which is a highlight event.

VIVUM is an event that students dream about being a part of when they arrive at TISB and allows our most senior students to utilise and nurture their leadership, negotiation, teamwork and event organising skills.

The valuable skills learnt along the VIVUM journey are often mentioned by students in their college applications as a unique leadership experierence that will remain with them forever.

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IB COURSES STUDIED AT TISB MATHEMATICS Higher Level Mathematics - Analysis & Approaches Mathematics - Applications & Interpretation Standard Level Mathematics - Analysis & Approaches Mathematics - Applications & Interpretation

THE ARTS Higher Level Music Theatre Visual Arts Standard Level Music Theatre Visual Arts

SCIENCES

Higher Level Biology Chemistry Physics Computer Science Standard Level Biology Chemistry Physics Computer Science *Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS)

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STUDENT SUPPORT AT TISB Throughout the two-year IB Diploma programme students will be guided and supported by a team of experienced and qualified teachers. Each Grade is overseen by a Grade Co-ordinator, who will remain with them until the IB Diploma programme is completed.

Mobile phones At TISB we do not allow our students to have their mobile phones during the school day.

Boarders have access to their mobiles to contact home at certain times after school.

Students are split into smaller Forms, with a Form Tutor there to support them on a daily basis, ensuring that deadlines are met and that students are progressing towards the end goal.

Continual support and guidance is also given to ensure The Core elements are on track and being achieved.

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THE BENEFITS OF BOARDING Senior boarders are housed in either BIH (Boys' International House) or GIH (Girls' International House).

Boys have two-man study bedrooms with ample space for academic study alongside common room areas for socialising. A Housemaster and Houseparents staff the boarding house and ensure there is the right balance between academic work, meeting deadlines, and much-needed downtime.

Senior girls share their living quarters with younger girls in a quiet and leafy area of the campus. Girls share two-bed study areas and have large common room areas in which to socialise. A Housemistress and Houseparents oversee the wellbeing of all the girls in GIH. Residential campus staff are on hand to assist with academic studies when required, and supervised homework sessions take place daily.

In both houses there is an emphasis on independent learning and leadership, which allows students the opportunity to prepare for life beyond TISB.

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FACILITIES AT TISB The school has excellent Wi-Fi coverage, with over 200 wireless access points spread across the campus.

computer suite Our Computer Suite is equipped with 26 all-in-one Windows desktops with high-end technical specifications, advanced manageability and security features. High-speed internet connection is available on all machines. All internet traffic is routed through an enterprise-grade UTM firewall that prevents access to any restricted content or websites.

library and additional study areas The Senior Library at TISB is stocked with over 60,000 titles across a wide range of subjects, both fiction and non-fiction. In addition, students have access to various newspapers and magazines to support academic learning.

TISB subscribes to numerous online platforms for IB students including 'Kognity', which combines technology with textbooks to give an elevated learning experience. Sessions are held by the Librarian to specifically assist IB students with research and referencing.

The Library also houses a further 8 computers and a high-end multifunction printer which is linked to a student's smart ID card.

modern foreign language laboratory The MFL lab is equipped with a 55-inch interactive screen for teaching and presentations. Students have access to noise cancelling headphones for listening and speaking practice and examinations.

science laboratories The digital science labs and their apparatus assist inquiry-led science education, with Pasco wireless sensors bringing real-world technology to the students, enabling data collection with high precision. SparkVue software is used to assist with remote, real-time data collection.

Numerous laboratory probes, high resolution microscopy, precision instruments and experimental kits are available to students to complement and support them during the IB Diploma science curriculum.

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FACILITIES AT TISB We're so lucky to have so much space and still be in the city of Bangalore!

140 Acres of Campus TISB is set in stunning grounds located on the outskirts of Bangalore, India's 'Garden City'. Our extensive sports fields, astro areas, basketball and tennis courts get the students outside and exercising whilst the orchard area houses fun camping nights.

Main Auditorium & Galleria The 'Main Audi' as it is known, is an impressive theatre that seats around 1200 people, allowing ample space for parents and guests to attend the many productions, concerts and events put on by students each year.

The Galleria area is the perfect space to showcase the IB Visual Art Exhibition and other receptions.

Small Auditorium The 'Small Audi' is an additional theatre for an audience of up to 400 people, creating a more intimate ambience and an alternative creative space for drama lessons and smaller events.

Outdoor Amphitheatre The renowned Bangalore weather allows us to use our extensive outdoor space for teaching and performances, and the Outdoor Amphitheatre has seating for 150 audience members and a fabulous grass stage.

CLICK HERE to view our virtual TISB campus tour

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TRANSITION FROM CBSE/ICSE Many students join TISB from international curriculums, and in particular from India's CBSE and ICSE curriculums.

At TISB we offer students a smooth transition to the IB Diploma with tried and tested strategies to introduce them to the the IB Learner Profile, their specific IB subjects, and the format of teaching and learning.

All students will take a Maths baseline test to assess ability and ensure the correct level of differentiation.

IB Schools

CBSE/ISC Schools

Academic Focus

Critical thinking and practical based learning

Rote learning

Approach

Includes discussion, understanding, research, analysis, evaluation application and reflection

Includes discussion, understanding, learning and recall of concepts

Rigorous

Less rigorous

Rigour extra-curricular

High level on offer to support the curriculum

Internationally recognised

Yes, and a valid precursor to top universities and colleges

Not a big emphasis

CBSE is India's most recognised Board and well thought of by India's prestigious engineering and medical institutes.

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IB DIPLOMA OR A LEVELS? The IB Diploma programme is widely regarded as providing students with a global outlook and holistic approach to learning.

The main difference between the IB Diploma and A Levels is that IB students are given the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects, whereas A Levels offer a narrower choice of subjects with more in-depth study.

age of students Length of course Number of subjects studied

IB Diploma

A Levels

16 - 19

16 - 19

2 Years 6 3 at Standard Level 3 at Higher Level plus The Core

Grading

Point system with subjects graded individually from 1 - 7 Maximum total of 45 Points

Advantages

Holistic approach to learning studying a broad range of subjects. Internationally recognised and respected

disAdvantages

Multiple deadlines and rigorous workload can be challenging

2 Years 3 or 4 discrete subjects

Subjects graded individually A* - E

Students study fewer subjects but in more depth

Students have to narrow their choices at an early stage in their academic career

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IB DIPLOMA RESULTS AT TISB TISB is highly regarded as one of the best schools in India due to its consistently high academic results and our results for the Class of 2020 have broken all school records with an incredible 10 students achieving a perfect 45 Points.

Students who achieve a 'perfect 45' are awarded a Chairman's Scholarship of 5 Lakh Rupees.

Further details on historical results can be viewed on our website's Academic Results page.

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COLLEGE COUNSELLING AT TISB Your passport to Be the Start of Something

The IB Diploma enjoys a high level of respect and recognition among the world’s higher education institutions. For students, success in the IB Diploma often results in advanced standing, course credit, scholarships, and other admissions related benefits at many universities.

The TISB College Counselling Department is well-established and incorporates worldwide best practice, overseen by the Head of College Counselling & Higher Education Program.

The focus of the five dedicated Counsellors is to help students explore their interests and aptitude and discover the higher education opportunities available to them across the globe. The College Counselling program begins for students in Grade 8 with a thorough a well-developed Higher Education Program and culminates with world-class placements at some of the best universities and colleges in the world.

Year on year TISB students are awarded various merit-based scholarships from universities and colleges in the USA, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Europe and the UK. Traditionally, Grade 12 cohorts secure around $9 million USD, and the Class of 2020 received a total of $11.2 million USD. Students are also invited to join prestigious programs such as Columbia University Egleston Scholars Program, University of Pennsylvania Benjamin Franklin Scholars Program and University of North Carolina Honors Caroline Program to name a few.

CLICK HERE to hear an interview with our Head of College Counselling and Higher Education Programme

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TISB UNIVERSITY & COLLEGE DESTINATIONS 2020 USA (National Universities) Abilene Christian University Arizona State University Baylor University Bentley University Boston College Boston University Brandeis University Brown University Bryant University California College of the Arts California Lutheran University California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo Carnegie Mellon University California State University, Long Beach Case Western Reserve University Cornell University Chapman University Clarkson University Columbia University Cornish College of the Arts Denison University Drake University Drexel University Duke University Emory University Fordham University George Washington University Georgia Institute of Technology Georgetown University Hult International Business School Illinois Institute of Technology Indiana University Bloomington Iowa State University Johns Hopkins University

USA (National Universities) Lehigh University Loyola Marymount University Michigan State University New York University North Carolina State University Northeastern University Northwestern University Ohio Wesleyan University Parsons School of Design - The New School Pennsylvania State University Pepperdine University Purdue University Quinnipiac University Rice University Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Rutgers University Saint Louis University Santa Clara University School of the Art Institute of Chicago Seattle University Southern Methodist University St. Lawrence University Syracuse University Temple University Texas A&M University Texas Tech University Texas State University The College of Wooster The George Washington University The Ohio State University The State University of New York at Albany The State University of New York at Binghampton The State University of New York at Buffalo The State University of New York at Stony Brook The University of Arizona

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TISB UNIVERSITY & COLLEGE DESTINATIONS 2020 USA (National Universities) The University of Iowa The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill The University of Texas at Austin Tufts University Tulane University University of California, Berkeley University of California, Davis University of California, Irvine University of California, Los Angeles University of California, Merced University of California, Riverside University of California, San Diego University of California, Santa Barbara University of California, Santa Cruz University of Chicago University of Connecticut University of Colorado Boulder University of Delaware University of Florida University of Illinois at Chicago University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of Maryland University of Massachusetts Amherst University of Massachusetts Boston University of Massachusetts Dartmouth University of Miami University of Michigan University of Michigan Ann Arbor University of Minnesota, Twin Cities University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of Pennsylvania University of Pittsburgh University of Rhode Island

USA (National Universities) University of Richmond University of Rochester University of San Diego University of San Francisco University of Southern California University of Texas at Dallas University of Virginia University of Washington University of Wisconsin-Madison Vanderbilt University Washington University in St. Louis Worcester Polytechnic Institute Yale University USA (Liberal Arts Colleges) Babson College Franklin & Marshall College Grinnell College Harvey Mudd College Haverford College Ithaca College Lafayette College Marist College Muhlenberg College Occidental College Pratt Institute Oberlin College Ringling College of Art and Design Rollins College The College of Wooster Vassar College Wheaton College

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TISB UNIVERSITY & COLLEGE DESTINATIONS 2020 India Ashoka University Christ University FLAME University Jain University Krea University NMIMS University United Kingdom City, University of London Coventry University Durham University Imperial College London King's College London Lancaster University London School of Economics and Political Science Manchester Metropolitan University Newcastle University Oxford Brookes University Queen's College London Queen Mary University of London Queen’s University Belfast Royal Holloway, University of London The University of Sheffield University College London University of Bath University of Birmingham University of Bristol University of Cambridge University of Dundee University of East Anglia University of Edinburgh University of Essex

United Kingdom University of Exeter University of Kent University of Leeds University of Manchester University of Nottingham University of Oxford University of Sheffield University of St Andrews University of Sussex University of Surrey University of the Arts London University of Warwick Rest of the World Belgium University College West Flanders HOWEST Canada Brock University Carleton University McGill University McMaster University Queen's University Ryerson University University of Alberta University of British Columbia University of Ottawa University of Toronto University of Waterloo Western University Windsor University York University

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TISB UNIVERSITY & COLLEGE DESTINATIONS 2020 Germany Carl Benz School of Engineering – KIT

Netherlands University of Amsterdam

Hong Kong Hong Kong University of Science and Technology The Chinese University of Hong Kong University of Hong Kong

Singapore Yale-NUS College

Ireland National University of Ireland Galway Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Trinity College Dublin University College Dublin

Spain E University, Madrid Campus Sweden Stockholm Business School United Arab Emirates Meriot-Watt University Dubai

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TISB - THE TEST CENTRE PSAT, SAT, NMSQT, Cambridge

TISB is a fully accredited testing centre used to hold tests for Preliminary SAT (PSAT and NMSQT) and SAT examinations for TISB students and external students.

For those students looking to apply for the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge and for Medicine in the UK, we are able to hold the Cambridge Assessments in Grade 12.

Assessments for LNAT, ENGAA, TSA, STEP, BMAT, MAT and PAT are a few examples of the examinations tested for.

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THE ADMISSION PROCESS To apply for a place at TISB please complete our Enquiry Form Once we have received your details via the Enquiry Form we will send you details of the step-by-step process for admission which can also be seen on our website HERE We advise applicants to attend an Open Morning where you will be able to gain inside knowledge of the school, meet key members of staff and ask any questions you may have. This is also the time when the Entrance Test will be held.

The Grade 11 Entrance Test consists of 30 minute tests in English, Maths, a choice of two sciences (from Biology, Chemistry and Physics), and Non-Verbal Reasoning.

Successful candidates will be invited for an interview. Following a successful interview, an offer of a place will be given.

For more information about admission into the tisb IB diploma programme please contact Admissions Department admission@tisb.ac.in www.tisb.org