IB Student Testimonies

"With my time thus far in college, I can undoubtedly vouch for the IB program and it's benefit for students going into college. Not only is it a way students can display their ability to succeed in difficult coursework, but it also develops many skills beyond what a normal classroom teaches. I remember taking chemistry my Freshman year at NYU and never having an issue with a lab report, while my peers were receiving low grades for errors with their structure/organization. I realized that to me what felt like second nature was actually just familiar because of all the practice I got with laboratory and technical writing during my time as an IB Student. This example does not stand alone in my experience at NYU and the University of Texas where I have realized I am ahead of the curve. As a senior, I am taking a biology class to fulfill a stem elective and I am almost frustrated with how simple it seems as my biology classes with Ms. Gardner, Mrs. Albertus and Mrs. Conover covered topics in much more depth than my current class does. Ultimately, I will forever be grateful for the experiences I was allowed in the IB program as it was a way to access rigorous coursework that has prepared me for my time in college and beyond."

Ethan Coutts Diploma Programme 2020

Karyn Davy Career Programme 2016

I definitely think that the IB Program prepared me for my current position - even more so in my earlier years as a junior staffer. Because of the IB program, I went into university with an understanding of how I like to work and how I can best work with others. And while that seems like such a simple idea, it was a differentiator from my peers. I have a better understanding of my strengths and short comings than most of the people around me - even now as a manager working with the most senior leadership of my agency. So many people only start to hear about themselves as part of a team when they officially enter the workface - the IB program gave me a giant head start.

"...I remember writing the extended essay over the course of the year and how big of a deal that was. For finals this year, I wrote over 50 pages of papers in four days, and that is something I would have never been able to wrap my mind around back in HS. I was thinking about how thankful I am for the IB program because of how well it set me up for writing, research, and critical thinking in college. The program, especially with all of the writing and the specific approach it took to learning, really set me on the path that I'm on now. I knew when I finished the extended essay that I wanted to write a thesis in college. Now, I'm actually writing this thesis that I knew I wanted to do because of the IB program...it's crazy to see how it's all coming full circle.”

Olivia Christmann Diploma Programme 2016

Catie Colucci Career Programme 2019

I just graduated and thought I would send out a little life update & a massive thank you. Throughout my entire time in undergrad I felt so incredibly prepared, maybe even overly prepared at times, and I truly think it was primarily due to my IB work and my comfort in completing assignments that felt considerably over my head. The constant support and belief I received taught me that there is no such thing as above my head. While the IB program definitely felt impossible at times, I am so happy to have done it and learned that nothing is truly impossible. Even though I haven't done anything theater-related since high school (outside of badly belting show tunes in my car), I've realized how incredibly valuable and transferrable my experience in IB theater was. The creative thinking required of me has certainly applied to future projects across fields. If anything, completing those assignments gave me an unwavering confidence in myself.

"Doing the IB DP program was easily one of the most challenging things I’ve ever had to do. There were many times when I wanted to quit, but I honestly wouldn’t do my last two years any differently. I'm attending my dream school in another country because of the program and it prepared me more than I ever expected. It is hard, but it is so worthwhile."

Frances Miller Diploma Programme 2023

George Kaparis Career Programme 2023

There are various similarities between the concepts covered in PPS and those covered in my Business Ethics course at Boston College (this course, titled Portico, is required for all freshman in the Carroll School of Management). We discussed at length the applications of utilitarianism and corporate social responsibility which was covered during our philanthropy unit and service learning projects. We also examine what it looks like to give a good presentation which is very similar to the professionalism unit we did in PPS. To be honest, Portico has felt like an extension of PPS and the ideas we discussed in PPS are constantly resurfacing in Portico. My RP analyzed the impact of ethnic diversity on the workplace so I pulled many of the same sources used for my RP for this Business Law project. PPS and the units covered not only prepared me for high intensity college level courses, but it also allowed me the opportunity to make a positive change in my community. This is something that Boston College and many other prestigious universities around the country highly value.”

"The IB Program prepared me with the skill set to succeed in college. Most notably, my IB experience equipped me with college-level writing skills and the ability to manage a challenging academic course load. Overall, the IB Program shaped me into a disciplined student capable of success in college and beyond."

Abby Simon Diploma Programme 2023

Nick Niemczyk Career Programme 2021

West Morris Mendham’s IB program helped me to work on my writing and research capabilities that I have brought with me into college. As a political science major, I am constantly applying these skills whether that be through large essays for my classes, or on Capitol Hill when conducting research for legislation. I would recommend this program to any student that wants to build up numerous attributes that will be crucial to excel in college and beyond.

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