10 Great Things They Don't Tell You About IB

10 Great Things They Don't Tell You About IB

     When I first started out IB I was given an array of information about how wonderful the IB world is, then I created a blog on what the IB promoters don't tell you about it that you (future/current IB student/parent) might want to know, which was a very pessimistic blog, and now I'll discuss, in a more optimistic tone, the many blessings that the IB world provides to a student. Plus, I believe that I'm qualified to write about this because I am a current student who's about to graduate in a few months. And so, I was thinking of sharing my take on the positive aspects of the IB world. Here it goes.

1. The first thing that you will definitely notice in your first month of IB is that there are a lot of friendly people in the program. Some of them you'll share very sentimental memories with each other, with others you'll probably debate whether global warming exists with others you'll probably share how you're very tired. Nevertheless, in the future, you will probably still be close friends with the people that you're around with because everyone brings a unique quirk to them and everyone accepts each other. 
2. Secondly, you won't do repetitive projects. If you like novelty and a constant change of pace, consider undertaking the IB. The projects range from social experiments in Psychology to songs/raps about Spanish, to Cold War games in History Class. If learning creatively is your thing then you'll enjoy IB.
3. The IB teachers are arguably the best teachers that are available in your state. Not only are they the most qualified but they're also very passionate about teaching.
4. CAS- Creativity, Action, and Service is the best thing because you get to do nothing for one block every other day. However, you do have to participate in activities for 150 hours and write reflections but when you're done you can just use that time to catch up some sleep or catch up on homework.
5. There's a month at the end of the Senior year where everyone does nothing because the exams end early.

10 Worst Things They Don’t Tell You About IB

10 Worst Things They Don’t Tell You About IB

     As an IB student you learn to either love or hate the IB program, I learned to dislike it. Hate is such a strong word. You see there’re some things that people won’t tell you about the IB; they masquerade it as a holy grail, accessible to the few, but they (the people who convince you to join IB) won’t tell you the dark side of IB. Here’s where I come in and tell you the truth.

1. The first thing that I’d like to mention about the IB Program is that there’s a preconceived notion that IB gives you credit for college. Now, this is true, but not entirely. Yes, you can earn those college level courses if you pass the IB exams, just like AP, but it’s not going to give you enough credit for a two-year college level advancement. You’re going to take exams that are going to be harder than the AP exams for the same course. Plus, guess what, only 3-4 of those courses would be transferable. So.. Choose your poison wisely.
2. Secondly, if you like to sleep, don’t join the IB. The reason for why people lose sleep is due to poor time management. Not only do students poorly manage their time but teachers don’t know how to manage their time either. Almost all teachers manage to not post work for two weeks and then assign work at the end of the third week. This would continue until you’re exhausted from 2-3 all nighters within a given week.
3. People don’t usually know how to manage IB. For example, if your IB school is fairly new and/ or your school just fired a new staff. Be ready for some turbulence not only in your grades but also your sleep cycle. This is probably the worst possibility to have when attending an IB school, and I can attest because I’m experiencing it right now. Therefore, be warned.
4. You won’t feel smart. After months and months of sleep deprivation and chronic stress, your brain will end up feeling mindless and dumb. Of course, the first few months of the MYP (Middle Year Program) you feel really intelligent but wait until Sophomore year and/or DP (Diploma Program), your mind will feel groggy and tired from sleep deprivation. Plus, there will be some people who would actually be beaming in the morning on the day of the exams, all tidily dressed, with no eye bags and a coffee cup in their hands. They will pass the test no problem with great grades. Those are the non-human population, if you’re to like them, you will not enjoy IB. 
5. Guess what will happen to all of those holidays, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Years, Spring Break, your birthday. You won’t be able to participate because you’re too busy finishing up an IA.