what benefits does ib give you?

[6ix god]

What are the benefits if I do the IB diploma?

Because I'm having a hard time deciding between partial IB or the diploma. My subject selection is as follows:

English HL

Psychology HL

Chemistry HL

 

Math SL

Spanish Ab Initio SL

Sports, Exercise, and Health Sciences SL*

 

*I have a little dilemma. I have two choices I could do SEHS SL or Biology HL? If I do Biology HL I would be doing 4 HL's and from what I've heard I don't want to do 4 HL's. Should I do it?? I'm planning on doing medicine in the future (professional school). I would be receiving biology credits for SEHS, but I still want to do Biology. My school doesn't offer Biology SL or Psychology SL, so I was basically forced into these classes.

 

 

Does my course load seem doable? Anyone have any tips for these classes? And any benefits of doing the DP would be appreciated 

[Guest]

If you want to do medicine, it depends on where you want to apply. As far as I know, you can't do undergraduate medicine in USA/Canada, though I don't know whether a professional school is different, so I don't think there's much of a problem in that respect. If you want to go to the UK, however, I believe they want another science at HL alongside Chemistry HL.

 

Have you considered dropping English HL to SL? I know it seems a little silly since they're both basically the same, but it really depends on what you want to do, and more importantly, if you think you can handle doing two sciences at HL plus Psychology HL, which I have heard may be fairly difficult. 4 HLs isn't impossible (clearly from the number of people who take it and score well) but you are technically inflicting unnecessary suffering upon yourself. However, I believe some people recommend you take all four at HL first, and then see which three you'd rather keep, or if you're managing alright with four - but don't forget IAs!

 

From the first year of IB1, Maths SL isn't that bad, nor is Chemistry HL or Biology HL. The last one is mostly just understanding and memorisation, Maths is understanding and practice, and Chemistry is a bit of both. From what my year has concluded, English depends on your teacher - for bot Lit and LangLit - and the language really depends on the person. For me it's my worst nightmare, for others it's one of the easiest subjects out there. Apparently SEHS is really interesting - it mixes Chemistry, Biology, and Physics so you basically do a bit of each science, just in relation to the human body - which makes me wish I'd taken that up too.

 

Benefits of IB? Well, it depends how much work you put into it. If you try, it really does help with time management and can improve your work ethic, but basically, it's all about the amount of effort you're willing to put into it. As long as you keep yourself organised - which is something you do end up learning (in my busiest times I was super organised, but in my relaxed periods I'm still honestly horrible) - you should be fine. You also learn plenty of research skills along the way, as well as just, well (in my opinion) IB's system of (mostly) prioritising learning as opposed to passing exams is pretty great. As much as the new curriculum for the sciences irks me at times when it comes to studying, learning the content is actually lovely because it's not just full of facts, but also historical context and there are bits about new technology and it's just great in my opinion.

 

Also, milk up TOK because it's brilliant for understanding other people's opinions and the reasons for their beliefs. There's nothing I hate more than the bleating of the internet now about some issue when they haven't considered the alternatives and why they truly exist. If you're indecisive though, it's pretty bad because you'll probably always be on the fence about things afterwards.

 

Do I sound like an IB fanatic? I'm really not if it seems so.

Edited January 10, 2016 by Guest

[Andrew Noh]

In terms of benefits, I know this is kinda cliché, but I think that IB really does make you into a well-rounded and intelligent person.

 

I've also heard that some universities in the US view the IB Diploma more favorably than AP classes (I'm not completely sure about this, since no college admission officer will come out straight and say that). I'd suggest you contact some of the unis you're interested in to see if they make a huge distinction between the Diploma and the partial diploma. Usually, I think that doing the whole Diploma (which entails taking TOK and doing CAS) sorta gives you an advantage.

 

In terms of doing 4 HLs, I think it largely depends on how much work YOU are willing to put in, because trust me, it will be a lot of work. The 4 HLs you've chosen might be a little too much, but again, if you're willing to put in the work and if you have a good work ethic, you'll do OK. I'm also taking 4 HLs, but I chose two that are generally seen as "harder HLs" (Math and Chem), and two that are "easier HLs" (English A and Spanish B), so they sorta balance each other out. In summary, tread carefully with 4 HLs.

 

I can offer a little more detail on English and Chem HL. Chem HL is a pretty challenging course content-wise, but the workload is manageable. English has a light workload, and isn't too challenging content-wise, if you already have a good base in literary analysis. 

[A_Happy_Monkey]

Partial IB, I'm sorry, is not worth the hassle. Universities give far more recognition to students who have undertaken the full programme (and completed it with success), and some even allow them to skip to second year. 

 

You will struggle in Partial IB- IB courses are designed to challenge you. If you don't receive much recognition for such a commitment, what is the point of undergoing it? "I'm doing it for the learning experience" isn't much of an excuse when you consider the fact that post- secondary presents very similar opportunities... and there is definitely something wrong if you are academically inclined enough to pursue IB yet cut a maaaajor corner. This also presents itself on your uni application.

 

I know many of my friends who achieved high 90s in middle school, thought they were competent enough to take a partial IB programme primarily for bragging rights, and downgraded after two days of taking three regular courses! So consider your intention before applying- you can be in for one hell of a journey if your school keeps you glued to IB. 

 

If none of this makes sense, I've spent my 9th hour working and I am unable think without severe dizziness so please bear with me.

[Guest beyondtheimagine]

What are the benefits if I do the IB diploma?

Because I'm having a hard time deciding between partial IB or the diploma. My subject selection is as follows:

English HL

Psychology HL

Chemistry HL

 

Math SL

Spanish Ab Initio SL

Sports, Exercise, and Health Sciences SL*

 

*I have a little dilemma. I have two choices I could do SEHS SL or Biology HL? If I do Biology HL I would be doing 4 HL's and from what I've heard I don't want to do 4 HL's. Should I do it?? I'm planning on doing medicine in the future (professional school). I would be receiving biology credits for SEHS, but I still want to do Biology. My school doesn't offer Biology SL or Psychology SL, so I was basically forced into these classes.

 

 

Does my course load seem doable? Anyone have any tips for these classes? And any benefits of doing the DP would be appreciated 

 

 

Personally if I were you, I would become a Full IB Student. But, if you find the coarse load a bit too hard/stressful, stick with particle IB. I would SEHS SL, don't take 4 HL's, that would be bit too much..

 

As for benefits in Canada.. here is what I know:

 

You can be a partial or full IB student to get these benefits-

 

If you receive a higher score on your IB exam, it will replace your diploma (government exam).

Some universities have special programs for IB and AP students only.

 

Full IB Student Benefits:

 

Some universities allow you to register about two weeks earlier than other students.

Some universities accept your predicted grades, as your admission (depends on faculty). 

As well, time management is a big one. Being a Full IB Student will help you with the university coarse load, etc.

You will be more prepared to hand stress and tight deadlines, than other students. 

 

Good Luck

Edited January 24, 2016 by beyondtheimagine

[Rosalina]

 

What are the benefits if I do the IB diploma?

Because I'm having a hard time deciding between partial IB or the diploma. My subject selection is as follows:

English HL

Psychology HL

Chemistry HL

 

Math SL

Spanish Ab Initio SL

Sports, Exercise, and Health Sciences SL*

 

*I have a little dilemma. I have two choices I could do SEHS SL or Biology HL? If I do Biology HL I would be doing 4 HL's and from what I've heard I don't want to do 4 HL's. Should I do it?? I'm planning on doing medicine in the future (professional school). I would be receiving biology credits for SEHS, but I still want to do Biology. My school doesn't offer Biology SL or Psychology SL, so I was basically forced into these classes.

 

 

Does my course load seem doable? Anyone have any tips for these classes? And any benefits of doing the DP would be appreciated 

 

 

Personally if I were you, I would become a Full IB Student. But, if you find the coarse load a bit too hard/stressful, stick with particle IB. I would SEHS SL, don't take 4 HL's, that would be bit too much..

 

As for benefits in Canada.. here is what I know:

 

You can be a partial or full IB student to get these benefits-

 

If you receive a higher score on your IB exam, it will replace your diploma (government exam).

Some universities have special programs for IB and AP students only.

 

 

 

Keep in mind that only Quebec and Alberta have diploma exams. Also Nunavut and Northwest territories.

 

But what special programs in university are you talking about here?

[Guest beyondtheimagine]

Private university tours, and information sessions.

As well, some universities allow you to match a course that is equal or higher than the IB courses you took. So in other words, if you took chemistry HL, and it's the similar/the same as an university course, they will allow you to skip it. Technically you will be fast tracking your studies (some faculties allow this, some do not. Only some universities allow this). 

Also I think you can receive credits too. 

 

Don't take my word on this.