Words from an IB student

Maritsa Negrete being forced to pose academically.

Attention all underclassmen! The following post was written with you in mind.

After months of preparing for the challenging International Baccalaureate exams, IB students are now being filled with relief as their near endless days of studying are coming to an end. Each student who spent their time wisely in and out of class to ready themselves for these tests had their own unique experience, one of those students being Maritsa. As a full diploma candidate, she has had her fair share of grueling work.

Why did you join the IB Programme?
"Going into high school and thinking about college, I knew that I had to take the most rigorous courses available to me. I've always liked challenges and I felt that I needed to challenge myself, and the IB program was a perfect way to do that."

What drove you into doing the full diploma for IB?
"Full diploma is definitely a lot more different than doing just the certificates because I have to take tests in six IB subjects as well as do the Extended Essay, and, I mean, I don't think I would have felt satisfied with myself if I did not go for the full diploma program."

How do you balance the time between all the work, friends, and family?
"I've always really valued school work and have always looked at college as my goal, so I always feel like I have to put my best into everything, and I always make sure that no matter what I do, if I go out with my friends, I make sure I get my work done, but I do find time for friends."

After actually experiencing the two years of the IB Programme, do you think it’s worth it?
"I think it's definitely worth it. Even though MIT doesn't accept credit from most of the test I'm taking, I definitely felt that the IB program was a great way to challenge myself. There was a lot of work, especially for full diploma; so many stressful nights and so many hours of sleep that I missed on, but ultimately the whole challenge, the self-discipline that was required in order to do the full diploma that goes with all these tests, was really rewarding for the fact that I'm pushing myself to do this."

Do you recommend the underclassmen to join it as well? What is some advice that you would give to future IB students?
 "Definitely. If you think you have what it takes, like if you have always been a really strong student and you have a lot of self-discipline, definitely try it. It's hard, especially with Senioritis, but it's very rewarding. If you actually get the full diploma, then high-five to you; that would be awesome. Advice? Start on your stuff early. Yeah, you will slack off - I slack off. It's hard, especially your senior year, so the more you get done your junior year, the better. Make sure you always know your deadlines because a lot of stuff piles up and it gets crazy."