International Baccalaureate Programme

[Phantom2595]

Soon I have to choose whether or not I want to try my hand at the IB Diploma.
I searched it on the forums and found some people who were supposedly part of it. So I guess I have some questions to ask. I'm not much for people just going around and making threads asking for help when they can google it. But when I google it I get a bunch Wiki pages. Also, this will probably affect the rest of my life.

So I hear that the IBP is really hard. If I am unable to go through with it, will I still pass high school and get my regular diploma? Or will I have to retake a few grades?

Is it really much harder than normal high-school? Or is it just a bit more difficult.

Also, any other useful info/experiences would be greatly appreciate.

P.S. A link for those of you who are curious as to what the programme is.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Baccalaureate

 

[LewsTherin]

They are traps. Big, homework-filled traps.

 

[Rankao]

Whats the point in learning something like Spanish or French, why not learn something more interesting like Arabic, Japanese, Korean, or Chinese. (French would be good if you plan to go to Africa)

 

[Labyrinth]

I've been considering the IB programme just because I wish to supplement my UAI, as I'm likely to go internationally for uni. 'Course, it'll be a shit load of work and I'll probably hate much of it, but depending on the subjects I pick, it may pay off sooner than I'd expect.

 

[videonerd250]

Not sure what it's like in Canada, but in Minnesota it's the same as normal classes, but it moves much faster (probably added classes too, not entirely sure what it's all about). A lot of my friends were IB drop outs so yeah, if you start as an IB student, but it turns out to be too much, you can still switch get a normal diploma. The real pains are in the tests which determine whether or not you get to skip freshman year classes.
But this is based off what I've heard about the program in my high school, so take it with a grain of salt.

 

[Phantom2595]

Is there anyone here who actually finished the programme?
Was it worth it later on?

EDIT:Thanks for the responses.

 

[zirnitra]

I had the opportunity's to do it at the start of this year instead of doing 5/4 a2s. I decided on the later because I'd much rather have fun than spend all my time working doing courses which mostly I would not like.

 

[Uskis]

I don't know the program, but I'm all for going out and studying abroad, so full support from here xD

I'm going to Vilnius, Lithuania next year to study for 5 months on the Erasmus exchange programme. I think it's only for Europe though

 

[Phantom2595]

Wait, what are the classes that you HAVE to take?Theory of Knowledge is one I think.

Also, if anyone else has question to ask other people feel free to use my thread I guess.

 

[zirnitra]

Wait, what are the classes that you HAVE to take?Theory of Knowledge is one I think.

Also, if anyone else has question to ask other people feel free to use my thread I guess.

well this is for the one in England you have to take, theory of knowledge, critical thinking, philosophy, a language, two sciences with the option of a third instead of music/art, English language and literature, maths then I think there's the option of humanity's geography/history.

 

[latenightapplepie]

Wait, what are the classes that you HAVE to take?Theory of Knowledge is one I think.

Also, if anyone else has question to ask other people feel free to use my thread I guess.

HAHA, theory of knowledge is the aspect of IB that I heard so many complaints about. Is it harder than normal highschool? I'm presuming yes, although it depends where you live. Here in Victoria (state of Australia), the IB is harder than the normal thing (VCE). Whereas in France, where they have the normal Baccalaureate, there's probably not so a great difference. French highschool is tough.

 

[Phantom2595]

Wait, what are the classes that you HAVE to take?Theory of Knowledge is one I think.

Also, if anyone else has question to ask other people feel free to use my thread I guess.

well this is for the one in England you have to take, theory of knowledge, critical thinking, philosophy, a language, two sciences with the option of a third instead of music/art, English language and literature, maths then I think there's the option of humanity's geography/history.

Sounds interesting, I was thinking of taking philosophy anyway. But I think here in Canada you have to take 2 language courses(French and English , or English twice.)I also like that you don't have too take art/music. Doesn't sound too bad.

Now, what's this I hear about CAS service,do you have to do 150 hours of community service?

Also, is there anyone here who finished the program and got the Diploma? Was it worth it? Did it help you get into your university of choice?

 

[notyouraveragejoe]

Hey I've been on an international system for a while now (in Grade Ten doing IGCSE this year and IB next year) and I know a lot of people who do IB. IB commands a higher level of respect. It is recognized everywhere and considered the highest standard in education. If you manage to get this then you already are one up on the competition.

In terms of difficulty, yes. Dear god all mighty yes. Even a couple of HOLY SHIT yes. It is really hard. But it isn't hard in the insane sort of way. It is hard in that all work needs a higher standard. CAS is Creativity, Action, Service I think. It basically means that marks aren't everything. You also have to do service, help the community AND show your creativity. You must take at least 6 classes: 2 Sciences, Maths, English Language/Literature, Language 2, History or Geography. You can take a seventh, either an art or another science or at my school you can take prep for another exam. Also there are multiple levels of difficulty.

My IB Course Likely To Be:

English Language/Lit (highest level)
Chemistry (highest level)
Biology (highest level)
Maths (highest level)
History
French (IBENITIO....lowest level)
SAT Prep.



Slightly Irrelevant But Please Help:

I'm a sophomore and I just took my PSAT (before SATs).

I got

60 in Critical Reading
53 in Mathematics
66 in Critical Writing

All out of 80. Are they good?

 

[Phantom2595]

Hey I've been on an international system for a while now (in Grade Ten doing IGCSE this year and IB next year) and I know a lot of people who do IB. IB commands a higher level of respect. It is recognized everywhere and considered the highest standard in education. If you manage to get this then you already are one up on the competition.

In terms of difficulty, yes. Dear god all mighty yes. Even a couple of HOLY SHIT yes. It is really hard. But it isn't hard in the insane sort of way. It is hard in that all work needs a higher standard. CAS is Creativity, Action, Service I think. It basically means that marks aren't everything. You also have to do service, help the community AND show your creativity. You must take at least 6 classes: 2 Sciences, Maths, English Language/Literature, Language 2, History or Geography. You can take a seventh, either an art or another science or at my school you can take prep for another exam. Also there are multiple levels of difficulty.

My IB Course Likely To Be:

English Language/Lit (highest level)
Chemistry (highest level)
Biology (highest level)
Maths (highest level)
History
French (IBENITIO....lowest level)
SAT Prep.



Slightly Irrelevant But Please Help:

I'm a sophomore and I just took my PSAT (before SATs).

I got

60 in Critical Reading
53 in Mathematics
66 in Critical Writing

All out of 80. Are they good?

THANK YOU! Best answer yet.

About your marks, I'm guessing they would be like this:
Reading-75%
Math-66%
Writing-82%

Of course it could be more complicated than percents...

 

[notyouraveragejoe]

Hey I've been on an international system for a while now (in Grade Ten doing IGCSE this year and IB next year) and I know a lot of people who do IB. IB commands a higher level of respect. It is recognized everywhere and considered the highest standard in education. If you manage to get this then you already are one up on the competition.

In terms of difficulty, yes. Dear god all mighty yes. Even a couple of HOLY SHIT yes. It is really hard. But it isn't hard in the insane sort of way. It is hard in that all work needs a higher standard. CAS is Creativity, Action, Service I think. It basically means that marks aren't everything. You also have to do service, help the community AND show your creativity. You must take at least 6 classes: 2 Sciences, Maths, English Language/Literature, Language 2, History or Geography. You can take a seventh, either an art or another science or at my school you can take prep for another exam. Also there are multiple levels of difficulty.

My IB Course Likely To Be:

English Language/Lit (highest level)
Chemistry (highest level)
Biology (highest level)
Maths (highest level)
History
French (IBENITIO....lowest level)
SAT Prep.



Slightly Irrelevant But Please Help:

I'm a sophomore and I just took my PSAT (before SATs).

I got

60 in Critical Reading
53 in Mathematics
66 in Critical Writing

All out of 80. Are they good?

THANK YOU! Best answer yet.

About your marks, I'm guessing they would be like this:
Reading-75%
Math-66%
Writing-82%

Of course it could be more complicated than percents...

Well I got the percentages (like what percentage of people in my grade that has taken the test I scored higher then) and got

Reading - 90%
Math - 77%
Writing - 94%

I'm just wondering if I do approximately the same for my SATs will I be able to get into a big school, Ivy League (I think thats the name) school, since I want to go to Stamford.

Also an important part of IB is the extended essay. It is a major part of the IB, you don't pass if you don't do it. I can't remember the word count but I think it was at least 2000...probably more. If you, or anyone else is considering doing it, then make sure you read up on the extended essay.

 

[Phantom2595]

So people, looks like I have to write an Entrance Essay to get in.
Any entrance essay tips?

 

[Esdras]

Is there anyone here who actually finished the programme?
Was it worth it later on?

EDIT:Thanks for the responses.

I know a lot of people who went through the program in high school but couldn't cut it in university. A good friend of mine spent all of high school doing homework for all his classes and describes it as a complete waste.

 

[Phantom2595]

Is there anyone here who actually finished the programme?
Was it worth it later on?

EDIT:Thanks for the responses.

I know a lot of people who went through the program in high school but couldn't cut it in university. A good friend of mine spent all of high school doing homework for all his classes and describes it as a complete waste.

What were they're marks like?Did thy try skipping the first year of uni?

So, any entrance essay tips.

 

[Esdras]

Is there anyone here who actually finished the programme?
Was it worth it later on?

EDIT:Thanks for the responses.

I know a lot of people who went through the program in high school but couldn't cut it in university. A good friend of mine spent all of high school doing homework for all his classes and describes it as a complete waste.

What were they're marks like?Did thy try skipping the first year of uni?

So, any entrance essay tips.

don't know their exact marks, However they often bit off more than they could chew. I knew kids with 90% averages dropping out of university because they couldn't cut it.

 

[Phantom2595]

Is there anyone here who actually finished the programme?
Was it worth it later on?

EDIT:Thanks for the responses.

I know a lot of people who went through the program in high school but couldn't cut it in university. A good friend of mine spent all of high school doing homework for all his classes and describes it as a complete waste.

What were they're marks like?Did thy try skipping the first year of uni?

So, any entrance essay tips.

don't know their exact marks, However they often bit off more than they could chew. I knew kids with 90% averages dropping out of university because they couldn't cut it.

But did they start at second year _________(insert subject) or first year? Also, did they do the IB programme?

P.S.Back on topic please, tips for an entrance essay would be nice.