The IB Diploma is renowned for it’s rigorous curriculum that is designed to challenge students academically while fostering critical thinking, time management, and a global perspective.
Many students at AHS pursue the IB Diploma for a variety of reasons.
Some pursue it because they want something that looks good on their college applications, others do it because they want to push themselves academically.
Throughout the two years that you will be completing the IB Diploma, there will be many times when you just want to give up. From late nights writing the HL Essay, the sudden realization that you haven’t completed CAS in a couple months, or trying to cram your math IA at the last minute, the work that is required of an IB Diploma candidate can seem overwhelming.
Here is a list of tips for 11th grad-ens currently completing the IB Diploma, and 10th graders thinking of joining, on how you can make the process manageable.
1. DON’T IGNORE CAS
It takes only 5-10 minutes.
Don’t keep pushing it off for later, because it will just never got done.
2. DON’T REINVENT THE WHEEL
There will be a time when you will have a very cool idea for an IA.
Unless you know for sure that you will be 100% committed to executing this idea and taking the time to make it good, just stick to the teacher’s recommendations.
Also, use IB’s resources. Look at past papers, mark schemes, and online resources to familiarize yourself with what IB wants to see. It can help give you ideas.
3. CHOOSE YOUR CLASSES WISELY
For the juniors choosing classes for senior year, you are required to take 3 HL classes, however you do have the option of taking 4. While any IB class is defined by its rigorous curriculum, HL classes go above and beyond.
Unless you’re 100% certain that you can handle the stresses of multiple HL classes, it’s recommended that you take only 3 HL courses.
4. MASTER TIME MANAGEMENT
One of the biggest hurdles of the IB Diploma is that there will be a lot to do in very little time. There will be some weeks that you look at what you have to complete, and think there is no humanly possible way to get everything done. Trust me, you will. You have no choice. Half of what the IB Diploma teaches you is time management. From completing CAS, EE drafts, lAs for every single class, managing your time is an essential skill. To succeed you will need some sort of planner. Whether that be Google Calendar, Todolist.com, the Reminders app on your phone, or a physical planner, having a tangible list of what you need to accomplish will hold you accountable and help you keep track of what you need to get done.
5. WORK ON THE EXTENDED ESSAY
The EE is a 4,000 word research essay that all IB diploma candidates are required to write in order to receive the diploma. Since it is not attached to any specific class, students get a lot of flexibility in developing, researching, and eventually writing their paper. During your junior and senior year, IB coordinators Mary Johnson and Linda Bradshaw organize a day dedicated towards working on your EE. They help you find sources, formulate outlines, and offer general tips on how to make this process easier. Take advantage of these days. Lastly, it will be very tempting, but don’t neglect completing your EE. Try to get some work done whenever you have time, even if that means working on it over the summer.
