Jared Peterson, senior
Q: What was hard about the Diploma?
A:“In my first semester of senior year getting all the [Internal Assessments] for every class together alongside college essays and applications stressed me out to the extent that I might have started developing depression of some sort. Although I haven’t been officially diagnosed, I think the stress [from] all the aspects of the IB Diploma adds up eventually.”
Carmen Vescia, 2016 graduate
Q: Do you think it was worth it?
A:“Yes, it was worth it. It was a nice sense of accomplishment. I felt like I learned a lot, gained a lot of skills. I think it taught me how to be a student who can manage a lot of different things at once. I don’t know this for sure yet, but [after my gap year,] when I start college, I hope that the experience [will have] prepared me to make the most of college and really enjoy it because I’ll have the skills I need.”
Ryan Reed, junior
Q: Would you recommend it so far?
A:“If you’re not ready to work really hard, then no. If you’re willing to work hard and just really push yourself to the limit, then it can give you a lot of rewards — not just in terms of GPA but [also from] doing the Extended Essay, too.”
Lauren Cresta, junior
Q: Do you think the IB Diploma is worth it?
A: “Honestly, no. I think IB classes matter, and you should try to work in as many IB classes [as] you can because that will show four-year colleges that you’re competitive. But for me, no, because I regret it [and] miss having a little more free time than I do now.”
Nell Owens, senior
Q: How would you describe IB life?
A: “IB life is a mess. The whole key is looking like you know what you’re doing. I started dressing better this year because I feel if I look like I know what I’m doing, then I feel more put together, and I feel more calm.”
Daniel Jude, 2012 graduate
Q: Do you have any advice for students taking the Diploma or thinking about taking it?
A: “My only piece of advice is to not look at the amount of work as a mountain, but to look at it piece by piece. Everything in life will give you more work and less time. It’s pretty rigorous for high school, [but] a lot of people get it done.”