The Beginning of My Academic Journey: IBDP

 IBDP

So, for those of you who go to Renaissance, you probably think I am INSANE (I'm worried I may actually be), and for those who don't, you probably have no idea what I'm talking about.

At Renaissance, the students are given a choice during the  spring of their sophomore year between three pathways, IBDP, IBCP, and AA. All three of these are great pathways, that are designed to give you the best shot at the future you want and envision. 

We're told that there is no program better than the other, which I am partial to believe seeing as I am friends with upperclassmen from each program, and they all express their love and hate for their programs.

But after some thought, and lots of hard, and deep conversations with family, I have decided that the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme would do it for me. Each of these programs have their ups and downs, but it was all up to what I wanted for myself. What hardships would come with the best outcomes that I knew I would appreciate no matter which direction my life went. And IBDP seemed to be the thing that would do exactly that for me.

I rocked back and forth from AA and IB since freshman year, they were both so enticing, and they each made individual promises I longed for. AA was essentially a little easier, all my friends would do it, and financially, it would give me a leg up. I mean, virtually, there was no reason NOT to do AA.

But, as sophomore year approached, and the introduction day got closer, I swear on my life IB was seducing me and whispering dirty promises in my ear. Everyone had told me that IB, especially DP, was heck, and the only reason people did was because they were insane (I told you).

This choice was about a lot more than bragging rights and a lanyard unfortunately. I thrive in challenging environments, and IBDP’s rigorous curriculum promises to push my academic boundaries and deepen my understanding of a variety of subjects. I'm particularly excited about the focus on critical thinking and research through the TOK and the EE, as these will help me develop the skills I need for college and beyond. 

Additionally, the CAS component truly resonates with my desire to engage with my community and explore my passions outside the classroom. I believe that education should go beyond textbooks, and IBDP's holistic approach aligns perfectly with my values of personal growth and social responsibility.

I have dreamed of getting out of Idaho since life after high school came into question, with AA only allowing so many credits based on where you go, and IBCP planned to throw me straight into the workforce (none of the classes were what I planned for myself), it was logical for me to choose IBDP.

When it comes to college credits, you receive the amount that your designated colleges allow based on your test scores. Which is terrifying, because I am not a good tester, I think I got an 800-900 on my PSATS (out of 1600, the odds are not in my favor). But I do know that testing is a skill, that needs time and practice, which is exactly why I believe the effort I put in will be paid off in pretty scores.

And with that the decision was made, after several hours of class choice crashing, I am officially an IBDP student, and I could never be more worried but excited for my future than I am now, and I hope you'll stay tuned for what's to come in this 2-year-long journey.