Too often the IB Diploma Program is regarded as “impossible,” called the “IB Cult,” or labelled with other negative connotations. The program requires you to take three higher level IB classes, an IB elective, a class to meet each subject of study, along with Theory of Knowledge. Yes, it is hard, but the advantages that it comes with outweigh the perceived stress. And yes, it is doable – I came from all general classes sophomore year and joining the IB Diploma Program has been great for me. As a first year dip can, I’m here to dispel the myths of the IB Diploma Program.

1. There seems to be this idea that you lose all of your friends when you join the IB Programme. This is false. After three quarters of the program, I can assure you that I haven’t lost complete touch with the outside world. I believe this rumor is a misinterpretation of IB kids becoming so close during the program, and many people find their friend group during this time. I have met plenty of people who think and learn in the same way that I do; it’s wonderful to have a group that you share such a great academic bond with. I enjoy the time I spend with my IB friends, but you will find me in the Commons talking to my non-IB friends before the start of every hour, eating lunch with my non-IB friends, and spending time outside of school with my non-IB friends. It’s completely doable to balance a social life with the program. While it is an opportunity to find a friend group if you want, it isn’t limiting in any way, nor does it cut you off from you’re current friend group.

2. Teachers. One of the biggest thing the IB programme has offered me is classes taught by some of the most amazing teachers in our building. They care about how you are doing, they understand that you are balancing a life along with academics, and they want you to do well. Of course, they will hold you to high expectations, but they have a large understanding of what we are doing in our lives outside of school. I can confidently say that I have some of the best teachers I’ve ever had in all of my academic career (not that I don’t love and appreciate other teachers).  Also, all teachers are well aware of what’s going on in other IB classes and do their best to schedule accordingly, so you really feel like you’re in a program of curriculum, not just six classes that pile every project on at the same time of the year with projects that don’t relate to each other at all.

3. Stress and workload. Whether you like it or not, you are going to have stress your junior year. Yes, the workload of an IB Diploma Candidate is going to be more rigorous than a student with general classes. There will be weeks when you are more stressed than others, but this is simply part of being a junior in highschool. Having an engaging and full academic plate helps your ability to time manage, and it is completely doable without “all-nighters”, which are a complete myth to me – a girl needs her beauty sleep.

4. Theory of Knowledge kids. All IB Diploma students get to take this junior year. This class is the most fascinating class you will take in your whole academic career (according to me). It is literally a class that explores the theory of knowledge. Every discussion is amazing. You will even read perspectives on how the education system is wrong – yes you heard me, wrong. This class makes you question everything you know, and who doesn’t enjoy a few existential crises every once in a while?

5. Last, but for sure not least is the opportunities that arise from joining the program. You are surrounded by people who want you to do well, and want you to be successful. Colleges highly regard the program, and classes can transfer into college credits. More than that, you are taking classes that will prepare you for the reading and writing styles of collegiate level classes while still high school; that kind of preparation is invaluable, and will make the transition from high school to college that much more manageable. IB opens your mind to a new way of thinking, and prepares you for college more than other classes can; having this opportunity at our school is huge.

Joining the IB Program was one of the best decisions I have made in my life. It completely transforms your time management, prepares you for college, makes you think differently, and, most importantly, you grow as both a student and a human being. If you’re looking for an amazing opportunity to strengthen your academic skills and engage yourself in your learning, IB is the place for you.