Ah yes, the International Baccalaureate programme we’ve all fallen victim to one way or
another. The sleepless nights consist of studying for tests, doing homework, submitting last
minute CAS proposals, or even catching up on the Extended Essay (EE). While I speak from
experience that procrastination certainly doesn't help, the rigor of IB is still there. To put simply,
the IB program is far from peaceful. I often think about how many more tests teachers can cram
into the week or how many more emails will the College Board send me about the inevitable
SAT. As I sit in class, shaking my leg from anxiety, watching introductory biology lectures by
MIT professors, I begin to ponder this question: Is it all worth it? Is it worth the leg tapping, the
sleepless nights, the stress, the fear of failure, or even missing out on weekend plans because you
had too much homework? The short answer is yes. Aside from the academic validation, IB has a
variety of other benefits.
The International Baccalaureate programme curriculum is tailored to create students that
think critically, engage in classroom discussions, have a global perspective, and effective
communication. This harsh program that consists of ‘IB Gods’ we will never know is
respected on a global scale. This respect and honor also applies to high ranking American
universities. Whether it be the Ivy League, in-state universities, or even community colleges,
being a successful IB diploma-seeking student holds weight in the admissions process. Colleges
all across the nation often look at a student’s official academic transcript to get a feel for the type
of student they are. Through this transcript a university will learn a students ability to willingly
take on challenges and persevere through them, which in this case are the variety of AP and IB
courses we take. Being in the IB program, our transcripts reflect an intellectually curious student
that yearns for research and answers to life’s most complex questions. These attributes are most
appealing to colleges, especially highly selective ones, when formulating their new class of
students. Colleges seek students who will put to use the variety of research centers and other
resources available to them in an effort to formulate leaders across a multitude of industries. This
makes colleges look good in the public eye. With an IB education we are leaders of our class,
which is most appealing to colleges, hence IB students having higher rates and success of
university enrollment. Also, being in the IB program gives students the most opportunities to
earn college credits and scholarships. A prime example of this is being eligible for 100% of the
Florida Bright Futures scholarship program; something that has been waved over our heads since
the start of high school. Imagine having the opportunity to attend undergraduate school for free; this is a
benefit IB students have. And once those 4 years of high school filled will blood, sweat, and
tears are over, we receive our IB diploma post-graduation. Picture the relief and distinction you
will feel knowing that you’ve received a diploma that is recognized by over 100 countries that no
one can take from you. After receiving your diploma, you can move on to write ‘I survived IB’
stories like the other survivors.
All in all, while the International Baccalaureate program may have us sleep deprived and
constantly questioning our life choices, this is all with a purpose and an end goal. When
experiencing these stressful nights I highly recommend coffeeshop jazz music or even meditation
to sooth the nerves and calm the mind. While I could go on about my opinions on the IB
program, I must go finish my CAS proposal, from one IB kid to another.