IB recruits fall

One of AHS’s defining characteristics is its utilization of the IB program in favor of a more ubiquitous AP curriculum. IB’s all encompassing approach to learning alongside its international emphasis commends it to the highly diverse student population present here at Annandale. IB courses offer quality instruction and curriculums in a large variety of subject areas.


 At the beginning of last year there were approximately 40 juniors who expressed a serious interest in completing the IB diploma, but this year there are less than half that many seniors who are on the track to complete its requirements. According to Erin Albright, IB coordinator at AHS, one major impetus in this decline are misconceptions about IB acceptance to college.


 “There is still this misconception that IB doesn’t help with college admissions” said Albright. “Students who complete the IB program have some of the highest college acceptance rates in the country.”


She also noted that the list compiled of juniors is one merely of those who express interest in the program. If students were required to make a definitive choice then and there it would scare many away, as they would have no real information upon which to make a choice. The program is, instead, designed to let students try out IB in their junior year before making a solid commitment. “I always recommend that students try out a class and then if it doesn’t work, drop down to a non IB class.” said Albright.


Despite the decline in IB participation, many students decided to continue in the endeavor. One such student is Jane Rabinovitz who has weathered schedule conflicts, hard classes and afterschool activities as she progresses through senior year. “I just couldn’t see myself not doing it” she said as an explanation.
When asked for her thoughts on the reason behind the decline she said “most people are scared of the extended essay” noting that “the majority of people who drop out still take the same classes.” Jane has a positive view on the program as a whole, noting that “it teaches time management, which will be good for college.”