International Baccalaureate (ie. "IB" www.ibo.org I think) is this awesome program. You learn the basics (math, a science, english, history, a language, etc.) but there's more freedom to what you learn, and your curriculum is a bit different than your usual curriculum. At the end, you get a high school diploma and an IB diploma. Esp. with English, Theatre Arts and History, it's awesome because you learn to read and analyze art and history in a more in-depth light. And since the class is only like, 60 people, you get to know your classmates really well and everyone's a great support for each other. I went through a lot of crap up to and including grade 10, but grades 11 and 12 were fantastic.
I mean, you have to take an entrance exam (but a lot of public schools offer it internationally) and I've always said that academic smarts does not make someone "smart". The only real drawback to IB is you get the psychotic ruthlessly amibitious freaks who betray other people to get to the top of the class. As well, because the curriculum is so vigorous and challenging, a lot of people start to base their self-worth on their grades, which is hardly a reflection of how well-rounded and intelligent you are. I have a friend who quit IB after the first year, didn't go to college, but travelled around the world and worked a lot, and I think he's one of the smartest people that I know. in the same vein, I had a close friend who got top marks in IB but never worked, travelled, ate out, went to the movies/theatre or anything. Even though I got lowr marks than her, I'd say I'm smarter than her.
So, uh, yeah, sorry to ramble, but it's very worth while as:
a) a prep for college (in terms of workload and quality of writing and analysis)
b) a way to make friends to at least be surrounded by people with similar interests
c) an extra bonus on your university application - If you get a top grade for your courses, you get first year credit in that subject, so because of that I'm getting my undergraduate degree in 3 years instead of 4.
Oh yeah, it is similar to AP. I think AP you also can get first year credit. The only difference is IB focusses on international perspectives/work, so yoy study a lot of european, south american, asian etc. pieces.
Edit: Yeah it is sort of like college courses. You essentially cram grades 11 and 12 into grade 11 and do first-year-equivalent stuff in grade 12. Dont' get me wrong - the work load is quite a bit more than "regular" school, but it's candy compared to college, and a very good prep. I went back to visit my high school the year after I graduated and wrote a letter to the history class saying, "Mr. [gruff teddy bear History teacher] is a prick. However, he's also right. He gives a damn about what you do and how well you do in this class. Your university teachers won't. So appreciate [mean history teacher] while you have him, even when he assigns you extra work and yells at you for sleeping through class. To your university professor, you're 1 face in hundreds, and they're there for the paycheque. Mr. [name] is an Asshole, but you'll thank him some day."
My prof posted the letter at the front of his class.
"It's not always about you!!!" (But if you think I'm referring to you anyway, then I probably am.)
"Good luck returning my ass!" - Wilhemina Slater
"This is my breakfast, lunch and f***ing dinner right here. I'm not even f***in' joking." - Colin Farrell
Updated On: 11/30/04 at 09:27 PM
Glad to know Im not alone! lol
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