The Blueprint for Maryland's Future requires that all high school students enroll in a diploma pathway. The College Preparatory Pathway is for academically competitive students who wish to enroll in top universities or study abroad. There are four possible diploma options on the College Preparatory Diploma Pathway.
Benefits of earning an Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
- Earn college credit for course exams
- Improve your college admission and scholarship prospects
- Develop critical thinking and college readiness skills
- Reduce tuition costs
- Gain an internationally recognized credential
- Take steps toward a double major or early graduation
- Develop deep foundational knowledge
- Earn a weighted GPA
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College Preparatory Diploma Pathways
The IB Diploma requires students to complete coursework in 6 subject areas and:
- Theory of Knowledge
- Extended Essay and
- Creativity, Activity, and Service
- Minimum Score of 24 on IB Assessments
Learn more about how to earn the prestigious
IB Diploma
The AP Capstone requires students to complete 6 courses
- AP Seminar
- AP Research
- 4 Additional AP Courses
- Score 3 or higher on all exams
The APID is designed for students who may be interested in studying abroad. It requires students to complete 5 courses
- 2 AP Language Courses (must be across different areas)
- 1 Global Perspectives Course
- 1 Science or Math/Computer Science course
- 1 Additional Course (cannot be an AP language course)
- Score 3 or higher on all 5 exams
The Maryland AP Option requires students to complete 5 courses
- 2 Courses in the same Content Area
- AP Research
- 4 Additional AP Courses
- Score 3 or higher on all exams
For more information about the Maryland AP Option, see your counselor
Important Questions for Students and Families to Ask Counselors and Administrators
Which college preparatory option does my high school offer?
What courses are available as part of the pathway?
How soon can I begin taking advanced courses?
How will I be supported in the completion of the diploma pathway?
How can I learn more about how the AP/IB course credits will be applied and accepted at my chosen college or university?
What scholarship options are available to me as the result of earning a College Preparatory Diploma?
Contact:
Anthony Vargas
Director, Office of Teaching & Learning Instructional Programs & Services
Office: (410) 767-0182
anthony.vargas@maryland.gov
Kysha Egungbemi
Coordinator, Office of Teaching and Learning Instructional Programs and Services
Office: (410) 767-0322
kysha.egungbemi@maryland.gov