Should you do the IB Program?
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (more affectionately known as the IB Program) is a program that is the most rigorous most schools have to offer. I get asked often “Should I do IB?’ or “Is IB hard?” etc. I’m here to answer those questions as an almost senior in the program. (Of course, this is solely based on my experience. Also this is not about CP, I know nothing about that.)
- I’ve never been closer with my classmates. I can tell you that you will make some of the best friends and some of the longest friendships of your life in this program. I honest to God could not make it through without them. You can cry with them too.
- Academically Challenging. I entered this program to learn and be challenged and that’s what I got. I love the knowledge I’m obtaining.
- You will be with people that share your interests/career goals/study goals. I had never talked about stationary in medical school with a person for an hour straight. That has changed.
- Some of my favorite teachers are IB teachers. They share my sense of humor and I feel very accepted by them.
- The EE in some way is a blessing because you can write it on anything which includes exploring controversial interests that Honors or AP teachers may feel uncomfortable with.
- You will most likely not talk as much with people not in the IB program. This is not the case for everyone, but for me, I was already friends with people going into the program, so it was fine. As for the ones that weren’t entering it- we are a lot less in touch.
- It is a lot of work. This is a true statement. I have never been so stressed/so overwhelmed ever. But you’re going through it together so you can complain and people understand.
- That being said, when you complain to non-IB kids, they will tell you that it was your choice and to stop complaining.
- If you choose to do Lit HL, you will annotate 100% of your free time (not that you have any).
- CAS. No explanation needed. (no, I'm not getting CAS for this, though I should)
At the end of the day, I am happy with my IB decision and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’ve made so many new connections- and built on old ones, and I thoroughly enjoy being challenged every day. The program is not for everyone, that’s a given, but if you’re prepared to work every second you have and sometimes have breakdowns in the middle of making coffee, then I think that you’ll enjoy it like I have.
amandla
titsay
vaporwave
