Quite simply, the IB Diploma Program is the finest college preparatory program available in Texas public schools. US News and World Report has referred to the IB Program as "a prep school education at the end of a yellow bus ride." The IB Diploma is an outstanding educational opportunity that teaches candidates the critical thinking, independent research, analytical writing, and time management skills necessary to be successful at the collegiate level. The balanced curriculum, linked with the Theory of Knowledge seminar, and with the Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) requirements provides students with a truly world class education.

In an effort to compete for IB students, many colleges and universities have implemented aggressive credit policies for students who have completed IB Certificates or the IB Diploma. Each college and university sets its own specific credit policy in regards to IB, so students should check university websites for specific information. In the summer of 2005, Senate Bill 111 became law here in Texas. Among other things, the legislation mandated that all state colleges and universities in Texas award a minimum of 24 hours of college credit to any student who earns the IB Diploma with a score of 4 or better on all exams. HHS IBDP graduates reap the benefits of this legislation with some students receiving in excess of 36 hours of credit prior to starting their first year in college.

The IB Diploma has become recognized by selective colleges and universities around the United States for producing students who are successful in the kind of demanding academic environment that exists on the nation's top college campuses. Both Diploma Candidates and students pursuing IB Certificates in individual subjects have found success in applying to selective colleges and universities. While there is no "magic bullet" for gaining admission to selective schools, recent HHS IBDP graduates have met with great success in the college admissions process. We feel that IB course work and especially the IB Diploma give our students an admissions advantage over students who do not have these opportunities.