The IB Diploma might not be worth the hype
February 27, 2018
The International Baccalaureate Diploma, aka the IB Diploma, is a two year program offered at Northern as well as other schools all around the world that offers a higher, more challenging education.
This program is quite popular at PN even considering how mentally and emotionally draining it seems to be. IB students tend to have absolutely no free time outside of school and homework, which causes them to lose the opportunity to have a normal high school experience. School is already stressful enough, but throwing in classes that take up your whole life just to figure out one problem is quite a waste of time. Taking the diploma also causes the student to not be able to choose their schedule. With the certain amount of higher level and standard level IB classes that need to be taken, it is almost impossible to take classes you actually want to take. The IB Diploma is a colossal waste of time and causes extreme unnecessary stress that disrupts your years as a teenager.
Senior Lexie Coon says, “I personally think the diploma isn’t worth what the school stresses it is. Sure, it has some good aspects like earning college credit and preparing yourself for college courses, but most schools don’t accept less than a 5 on an IB exam for credit, and with all the different components going into what the scores are composed of, it’s hard to get.” Coon was a full diploma candidate and decided to drop because she felt it wasn’t worth it. “By dropping, it freed up room in my schedule to dual enroll and take classes at KVCC, which basically gives me free college credit, that I don’t have to pay $100 to take tests for,” says Coon.
The diploma almost forces students to give up their social lives and stresses their mental health. “I wanted to be able to see my friends and maintain a healthy life without being overpowered by schoolwork and honestly I just didn’t want to do it”, says junior Megan Pryor. There has been plenty of research showing that the stress levels in IB student is significantly higher than those who don’t take the diploma. But even without the research it is obvious that these students are practicing an unhealthy way of life. Too many people believe that if you aren’t through the roof stressed out with school at all times then you’re not trying hard enough. This should not be the case. Students should be able to come to school and not feel like their whole future depends on their IB chemistry grade.
Some students do find the rigorous program to be very helpful. Senior Sarah Price says, “You learn discipline, work ethic and determination. Although it is definitely challenging and time consuming, it helps with managing your priorities and responsibilities. I see so many benefits and it has truly made me a better student.” For many, however, the alleged benefits will not be worth the time and stress knowing that they entail hours and hours of work put into something that you might not even end up being eligible for in the end.
Yes, high school is supposed to prepare you for college and for the real world, but high school is also supposed to be some of the most fun years of your life and a piece of paper shouldn’t be the thing that destroys that.
IB Senior • Oct 11, 2021 at 10:53 am
To anyone looking into IB right now, quit before it’s too late. I got lured in by their promises, but honestly everything supposedly positive about the program turns out to be a huge drawback when you look into it. Work ethic and time management skills? Look forward to mountains of pointless work and a lack of respect for your time outside of school. Sometimes it doesn’t come out to be this extreme, doesn’t matter because either way you’re not learning how to output anything useful. Critical thinking and depth of knowledge (as they often compare to the AP program’s “memorization” and shallow but comprehensive base of knowledge) are measured arbitrarily and really only serve as excuses for why the IB program is deficient in various areas. In STEM classes, which are already lacking in IB, we cover maybe a third of what would be covered in the corresponding AP classes, but who cares if you’re competent in chemistry as long as you have the IB growth mindset? In liberal arts classes it’s even worse, because EVERY SINGLE subject is full to the brim with relativistic drivel and propaganda. Unironically, that’s what forms the basis of IB curriculum. Except for those few who weren’t already disposed towards such ideas coming into the program, everyone comes out of IB with a strong foundation in critical theory and far-left worldviews. Now, granted, there may be some variation depending on teachers, since there’s not much transparency in the curriculum and they can basically do whatever they want within the few specific IB guidelines. However, if you really look into the core of the IB curriculum, this is how the program is meant to be implemented. As a final note, there’s basically no chance of you getting college credit for signing onto this, so save yourself the time, money, and psychic damage and sign up for AP.
Entering Ib • Sep 21, 2021 at 9:43 am
So I’m applying to IB but I’m still very much confused as to wether I enter or not. I get that it is rigorous and all that, and I procrastinate (not much but I still do) but for some reason I am still convinced to enter. Maybe because the thought of being place in a special curriculum and the perks of it. My parents also encourage me to enter as it is going to be a “fun experience” and I’ve seen a fair balance of negative and positive reviews on the internet but I am still unsure. Should I still apply for IB?
Maya Watkins • Oct 21, 2021 at 11:20 am
As a current IB student, I recommend the program for certain students. The program will help you manage your procrastination and really help you in areas like essay writing and balance. However, if you are terrible with writing and/or undedicated I would not recommend it. The program does have required community service outside of school too, so I would consider that. IB DP students live and breathe the program. It’s not monetarily worth it but it can be in self-growth.
David Sklow • Sep 16, 2021 at 11:30 pm
Being a current IB diploma candidate, I disagree with some of the things said in this article. Yes it is rigorous, but one still will have a life. It is incredibly limited but with my personal experiences, I can confidently say that my teachers were flexible and reasonable with the workload, while still providing a complex and unique IB experience.
Z.B. • Sep 12, 2021 at 6:13 pm
Hi I am a current 11th grade IB student. Although most information in the article is correct. It’s not entirely true that I can’t choose my own schedule. I admit IB does have a list of classes all IB students are required to take before graduating however I do take many elective classes and even some science classes that I chose myself.
Amen • Oct 18, 2021 at 9:48 pm
so was it worth it dude cuz im in grade 8 and im trynna apply so idk if it would be worth it to enter or not
Emma • Oct 23, 2021 at 11:38 pm
I could honestly write an essay on the issues with IB because its what i wish I could tell my 8th grade self lol. Im an IB junior rn and honestly it depends on the type of person you are. My school also had us apply in 8th grade rather than 10th which is shitty imo because middle schoolers should not be making such life changing decisions. IB counselors tend to glamorize the hell out of it bc theres a monetary incentive for them. The reality is IB comes at the cost of your mental and physical health. It may be worth it for some people but the workload is so insane and the environment is so competitive thats its been horrible for my mental health. I cant speak for everyone bc there r some insanely motivated and type A type people who it works for but for me its just become academic burn out and the main topic of discussion with my therapist. If you do IB and do well in your classes itll come at the expense of your mental health 90% of the time.
Trixie Rem • Aug 5, 2021 at 6:14 pm
As someone who has been in the program, I had a very different experience. Maybe it was the region I was in specifically but I never felt overloaded or very stressed. I mean, sometimes I did, but even through that I and the majority of the other students were quit able to have fun and be teens.
Maia Rhys-Davies • May 25, 2021 at 5:56 am
Hi 🙂
as a year 11 student about to make up my mind as too whether i want to do IB or not i found this very interesting. Thanks!1
malcolm gaynor • Mar 6, 2018 at 12:01 pm
I really enjoyed hearing your opinion and it was great to hear the other side of the IB issue. A lot of people only focus on why IB is good, and it was really interesting to hear your counter argument.