Is the IB Diploma Worth it?

Will IB be worth it if I'm taking the certificate, and not the diploma?

• I'm a junior this year, the year everyone says is the toughest of IB, and I can see why. It's so stressful. I rarely have time for myself anymore. I know it's supposed to help prepare us for college work, but at this point, I think every student gets it already. Can't we spend the rest of our high school years while we still have it without working like dogs? I've thought about leaving so many times. And a few days ago, I read about someone who went through 4 years of IB, and the program didn't get recognized by the college he wanted. I know there could be a lot of underlying things behind that story, but I don't want to risk it happening to me. The only thing that's keeping me here is the thought that it'll all pay off. Will most colleges recognize the IB program? And if they do, will they recognize both certificate and diploma students? If they'll only recognize diplomas, then I don't want to waste another year here.

• Answer:

  I started doing the IB programme in high school, but ended up only doing certificates in English and History. My university gave me first year credits for having completed these courses, even though I didn't have the full diploma. I was totally happy with my decision. I took the courses I was interested in, and got fantastic grades in these and in the normal courses I took in high school. I don't ever regret not completing the full programme. It depends which college it is, but you should easily be able to find this information from the college registrar. Just go to their website and try to find an email or number to use. Good luck!!!!