Is the IB Diploma Worth it?

Is the IB Certificate course easier than the IB Diploma?

• I'm thinking about doing the IB certificate course. But I heard that IB Diploma is EXTREMELY hard and if you take it up then you'll be working 24/7 and will always be sleep deprived. So I chose the IB Certificate. My question is, how much different is it from the IB Diploma? In terms of work, how easier is it? For example, how many hours does an IB Diploma student study after coming home, and how many hours does an IB certificate student study after coming home?

• Answer:

  Well, IB Certificate is not by any means harder, it just means that you are taking only a portion of the courses that the IB Diploma requires. So, you get certificates for each class that you take the IB exam for, somewhat similar to AP courses. IB Diploma just means that you are taking 7 AP Courses (not really, IB is much harder and analytical). However, the IB Diploma also requires CAS Projects (Community Service) and additional essays (EE). Yes, it is a challenging program, but it is truly rewarding. Personally, I was in the IBMYP program before coming into the IB Diploma program so I was somewhat prepared, but analytical skills are a must. I am currently a rising senior, going into my second year as an IB Diploma candidate so I would definitely say that I spend a majority of my school year time doing homework and studying. However, like most students, I need a break at some point and that is why having an IB family is so important. The certificate students don't have quite as much a hard time, but it all depends on how many IB subjects you take. If you are taking all the requirement classes for IB, but decide not to do CAS and the Extended Essay, you will essentially be doing the same amount of work, but without the credit. Now, as for the amount of hours, it really does depend on the student. I am a master as procrastination, but it is usually because school burns me out, but some of my friends in the full IB program are able to get to bed by 11. I, on the other hand, cannot work when I get home from school and end up staying up till 2-3 A.M. Some suggestions: if you are doing IB certificate courses I would NOT recommend taking math and science courses. Also, in the upcoming year TOK is becoming a certificate course, so I would strongly advise taking that if you are into philosophy. If you have any questions feel free to email me. Good Luck!