types of classes Options

[sprezzatura]

I just wonder what type of classes you all take...

I am in pre-IB but I am still deciding whether I'm going for the IB diploma or not. My school doesn't have much choices for IB classes, but AP allows me to choose classes that I can do well in instead of forcing me to take classes that show my weaknesses.

Should I go for the diploma?

My school doesn't offer much IB classes and most of them are mandatory* too.
IB Spanish/French/Chinese (SL*)
IB English*
IB 20th Century World History (HL*)
IB Biology (SL*)
IB Physics (SL/HL*)
IB Math (SL*/HL)
IB Theatre (HL*)/IB Art (HL*)/IB Music (SL/HL*) w/ advanced band or choir
150 CAS hours*
Theory of Knowledge (TOK*)
Extended Essay (EE*)

I really want to avoid IB history (the teacher is REALLY harsh), physics, art, TOK, and EE. But I am really fine with English, Spanish, biology, and math because those are my academic strengths.

[innovation]

If you want to grow intellectually and are not afraid of a challenge, do the Diploma. Why?

To address your concerns:

A. Regarding science: The IB diploma only requires one science course. Why does your school require two? You can always take SL Physics if you feel that HL is too demanding.

B. Regarding history: Even though your history teacher may be tough, you need that challenge to prepare you for college. You're going to meet professors that pressure you and take classes that stress you out. Avoiding the IB Diploma because of a teacher would be ridiculous--surely, you're a stronger character than that!

C. Regarding TOK: I can honestly say that Theory of Knowledge is the best class I have ever taken. There is no final test, but you discuss so many interesting topics. Essentially, the class encourages you to think for yourself, through logic, emotion, perception, etc. As a result of TOK, I'm a more dynamic, more confident, and more insightful person.

D. Regarding the EE: Through the Extended Essay, IB encourages you to seek your passions. You can write about practically anything intellectual. My friends have written EEs on a wide variety of topics: the chaos theory, the Jewish draft, the science of love, the influence of culture on religion, the effect of the media on eating disorders, and changes in language throughout time. Often, we get so caught up in our GPAs and SAT scores that we forget to explore our own curiosities and passions! The EE provides you with the opportunity to do so. Besides, if you really love your topic, wouldn't you want to learn more about it?

I'm not going to lie. IB is hard. But if you're smart and you think you can handle the pressure, go for the Diploma. If you're afraid of "showing your weaknesses", then perhaps IB isn't for you. IB students are bold and dynamic; they're not afraid to take risks and explore areas of knowledge that they might not excel in, as long as they challenge themselves and learn something. If you do choose to pursue the Diploma, I guarantee you that you'll become a better communicator, thinker, and leader.