Are IB classes worth it?

The international baccalaureate is a system of education offered in different schools globally and is designed to ensure students that go through it meet university admission requirements not just for their native country but also give them a better chance as international student applicants. Here we will see about Are IB classes worth it?

The system is divided into 4 programs, taken between the ages of 3-19 to ease the pressure of university by challenging students through its rigorous coursework right from a young age.

Compared to AP classes that are focused on passing standardized tests and assessments, IB classes is worth due to its more rigorous coursework that not only involves hands-on evaluation but also includes research and writing.

Are IB classes worth it?

Trying to answer whether IB classes are worth it or not depends on your educational needs, the school you hope to join after high school and finally the commitment you’re willing to put in.

Students who want to join either Ivy League or tier I schools are encouraged to take IB classes, the extensive coursework under the IB system shows admissions committees that the applicant is not afraid of challenging themselves and can already handle college-level coursework.

If you struggle with creating healthy study habits, and time management and want to keep your social life then IB classes might not the best for you this is because to get your IB diploma you’ll be required not only to excel in exams but also class work, projects, research and essays this workload can leave you feeling overwhelmed.

Why you should take IB classes?

1. The main aim of establishing the IB system of education was to ensure children whose parents dealt with diplomatic relations and constantly moved around had access to a standardized education system that still ensured they’d make it to college and university. Currently, the IB system can be taken by high school students in 159 countries in over 5500 schools. This global recognition of the system is beneficial if you plan on applying to schools outside your country or even continent.
2. One of the best benefits of taking and excelling in IB classes is the boost to your college or university application. Students who have taken IB classes have an estimated 3-13% chance of getting accepted into Ivy League schools or tier I. These schools not only guarantee you’ll be receiving the best education but also give you valuable opportunities in the form of research, alumni network and finally a chance to be part of century-old schools endowed with resources.
3. The practical experiences you’ll gain while under the IB system will still be beneficial even at the college level. IB classes not only focus on standardized testing but also include an extended essay of 4000 words and a theory of knowledge essay of between 1200-1600 words. This is crucial in building the writing skills that’ll be needed for compiling college essays on research and projects.
4. Although you can never create a work-life balance you do create systems and routines that help you achieve this or rather try to. Work in a high school student’s life is studying for exams, and keeping up with classes, assignments and projects leaving you with little or no time to socialize or have fun. Creating healthy study habits such as working your day’s assignments with planners, To-do lists and timers can help you navigate and know what you should be doing at a particular time. This gives you time to spend with your friends, family and even hobbies.

IB classes compared to AP classes

IB and AP are both advanced classes with college-level coursework that aims to give students who’ve demonstrated that they can handle a more rigorous and challenging curriculum. 

Both programs are recognized by institutions of higher learning with the admission committee taking into consideration the grades earned when deciding whether to accept or deny an application.

Although not all institutions allow students to transfer credits from these programs, you will find the transition to college a lot easier and manage the workload present.

There are however significant differences that include:

1. For you to take an IB exam you should be enrolled in an IB class in a school that offers this system. AP classes are more flexible with students who decide to take the exam not necessarily mandated to enrol in an AP class; you can simply self-study or learn virtually and register for the final exam.
2. The IB system aims to primarily prepare students not only for college but also for life by cultivating life skills such as critical thinking that will be tested while also promoting extracurricular requirements. AP classes simply focus on how well a student performs in their exams by teaching specific content in class.
3. When taking exams for both programs you’ll incur a cost depending on the number of classes. For the IB system, you’ll be charged $119 per exam while for APcostss4 per exam. Schools have come up with financial aid to support students taking AP classes by either paying part of the cost or waiving the entire fee. This makes IB more expensive and can discourage students from financially challenged backgrounds from taking exams or even enrolling.
4. For you to earn a passing grade in AP you’ll need to have a score of above 3 on a range of 1-5. Students with scores of 4 or 5 can get exempted from college for courses in subjects they passed. IB test scores are graded on a scale of 1-7 with students who score 6-7 getting a passing grade. The significant difference in standardized test scores demonstrates the level of difficulty of each program.
5. Students taking IB classes are mandated to have six subjects from the different subject groups, AP students can take subjects depending on the courses they wish to take in college and are not limited to taking a specific number of classes at a time. There are also more subjects on the IB system 57, as compared to the AP program with 36.

Why IB is more difficult?

The IB system has advanced coursework that can be challenging and stressful for students. It is estimated that 7 out of every 15 students enrolled in the system drop out in their first year. The dropout rate out of IB classes is estimated to be about 50% when students opt for the standard secondary diploma or AP classes.

1. Students under the IB system are required to take six subjects, three or four should be higher level and require research and more time reading to understand the subjects.
2. Apart from the subject requirements, you’re also expected to participate in the creative activity and service, complete an extended essay and finally take the theory of knowledge course. These courses are all interlinked and you are mandated to take all of them by the end of the program.
3. During your first year, you’ll most likely be guided by teachers especially because of the transition period into IB, in your second year you’ll be expected to have already found a system or routine that will ensure you have ample time to work on your final exams, complete your CAS reflection and submit your essay.

As explained the workload when taking IB classes is intense you might find yourself missing out on a lot or even mentally breaking down deciding to drop out of IB is always an option. You might find it easier to excel in the standard courses or even AP classes.

Why IB might not be right for you?

1. You find it hard to create a routine, especially those that help you with studying. Having a timetable helps you manage your time workload and ensures you’re not caught up and eventually get overwhelmed. Without the discipline to follow any system you create you will lag.
2. You’re not willing to commit hours to study or even doing projects. Everyone wants to have fun in high school, especially in your final year and you know you’ll be separated from your friends soon. If you want more time for extracurriculars or social activities then IB is not for you.
3. Your main goal in enrolling is to get transferable college credit that gives you exceptions. Universities such as Harvard never give exemptions no matter how many advanced classes are taken. This is to ensure that all students enrolled received the same quality of education. You’ll therefore be disappointed to get accepted and have to take the same coursework you did especially in your first year.
4. Some universities give more college credits to students from AP classes compared to those from the IB. This is because AP is popular in the US and more students are enrolled compared to the IB system which is more popular in Europe. Make sure to always research the credits and exemptions you’ll receive when scouting for potential colleges you’d like to attend.

Bottom line

As highlighted, the IB classes has its pros and cons and it’s up to you to decide whether taking the class is worth it. Talk to a school counsellor or teacher who’s well-informed about the IB classes before deciding to join only for you to drop out.