Are you a fan of the IB programme or not?

There seems to be a growing popularity in this programme....

Anyways...as an IB student, I believe that it is a great program in terms of preparing a well-balanced student - the six subject areas cover two languages, natural sciences, social sciences, and the arts. It also develops good work habits, critical thinking skills (through Theory of Knowledge, an epistemology course), and research skills (the Extended Essay).

However, this is not what some people believe to be an "elite program" for the smartest students. I still know people who are struggling, because the curriculum covers a lot of topics.

In terms of improving your chances of entering a good university...the diploma is only as useful as the courses that you have chosen, and it also depends on which continent. Some top schools require a minimum diploma score of the high 30's (e.g. 39) out of 45, and that is an equivalent of mid 90% average. Some programmes also look for specific HL courses - so if you haven't taken the required HL courses, your chances of acceptance decreases. Universities in Europe are more familiar with the IB programme, whereas I find North American universities don't spend the time looking at it that much.

Overall, I am not a current fan of the IB programme. It still requires time to be recognized internationally. The idea behind it is good...but rarely is it used to its full potential. Maybe when it becomes more recognized, then I will appreciate my diploma more...

I admire the IB program. It is designed to take bright students further and to prevent boredom with school. Frequently the best teachers are assigned to IB classes./

i am a very big fan of the IB curriculum.. it has a holistic perspective..

I was never in it, but I had the option of attending a VERY good high school under their IB program. I turned them down. Sure, it sounded nice, (spending less money on college is always cool in my book), but it also sounded horribly difficult. And when I started hearing (true) stories about kids taking crack just so that they could get their homework done, I decided the program was not for me, LOL.