International Baccalaureate Program - Is it Worth It?

When I walked into my first class as an International Baccalaureate student, my first instinct was a groan-I was in the group with the "nerdy kids." I had difficult classes, a special class called "Theory of Knowledge," and my mom could tell when it was a heavy homework night because I'd make a pot of coffee upon getting home from school. So was the International Baccalaureate Program worth it? Absolutely, and I'll explain why.

There are a variety of programs out there targeted to academically advanced students-this includes the International Baccalaureate Program, as well as its other well-known colleague, Advanced Placement (or AP). When I explain the International Baccalaureate program to those who are not familiar with it, I describe it as being like taking all AP classes (because you don't have a choice of which classes are advanced). The program is structured to be challenging in all subjects, and you take a standardized test at the end of the program in each subject. Needless to say, then, it is a lot of work to be an International Baccalaureate student.

This hard work, however, will pay off. I would argue that as an International Baccalaureate student I received a much better education than my non-IB companions. Because there is a rigorous standardized curriculum, we were pushed to our greatest potential-at the same time, however, the program stresses creativity and critical thinking. It certainly wasn't boring.

What I thought originally to be one of the biggest downfalls of the International Baccalaureate Program was something I found to be one of its greatest assets in the long run-you have classes with pretty much the same 40 people for about 3 years. It seemed incredibly obnoxious at first, but you begin to form a sort of community, and create close bonds with people in the program you may not have otherwise. Kind of like bonding together to get through the hardships, the International Baccalaureate Program instilled a feeling of community I don't think I would have had outside of it.

With the intense exams at the end of the International Baccalaureate Program there are also rewards. I started college with almost 40 credits under my belt, due to my scores on the tests. Though they were an incredible pain to study for, and proved to be stressful to boot, I saved a great amount of money and time by getting a leg up in my college career. The writing skill level I was trained to have also helped me throughout my entire college career. I'm sure the words "International Baccalaureate" didn't look to bad on those college applications, either.

As with all rigorous academic programs, there are definitely downsides. I could tell horror stories about mental breakdowns and hours of homework. But when it's all said and done, I have no regrets about joining the International Baccalaureate Program. It is certainly hard work, and requires patience. But if you've got it in you, it's an excellent opportunity, and a great experience.