The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is known for its rigorous learning process, loads of schoolwork, and tight deadlines. How is one supposed to handle all the homework, stress, and still have a life all at the same time?
Katherine Yuan, a finance major who graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, is here to answer all your questions! Over a presentation, Yuan gave three tips on how to make your IB life easier, + bonus university application advice!
IB Tips
Collaboration
Due to IB’s heavy workload and fast-paced nature, some individuals mistake their classmates for competitors. However, collaboration is the very thing that has a student go from passing to thriving.
Benefits of collaboration include
-
- Sharing workload
- Have a study partner to help you understand the material better
- Deepen connection and expand social network
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Social network
Did you know?
80% of job opportunities are possible through networking, and only 20% through application.
Networking is crucial to finding people in your “interest circle” who share the same goals and passions as you. With an ulterior motive in mind, a group of people can often create something better together than alone, such as;
- Non-profits
- School clubs
- Volunteering
Yuan heavily emphasized the importance of growing a strong friendship with your teachers, as they tend to write more personalized and specific recommendation letters when applying to universities. Especially in American universities, schools weigh recommendations around 10-15% depending on the school. The letter is so heavily considered because it reveals character growth and personality that grades cannot.
How do you grow a connection with a teacher?
- Follow up with the tid-bits about themselves they mentioned in class
- Go to tutorials, ask questions, converse if it’s natural
Enjoy your high school years
Many people fall into the rabbit hole of studying a major for years, but discover their distaste for the field of work when they actually get the job. University can be a great time for finding what your passions really are, but the burden of paying tuition and the societal expectation to find and stick to a career will lean over your shoulder.
That’s what makes high school the prime self-discovery era. So many various interesting clubs, classes and people are available, and it’s a wise decision to savour as much as you can before the ball of responsibility grows heavier.
University Application Tips
Scholarships
In grade 12, apply for as many scholarships as possible! They don’t necessarily have to be academic-based, but also
- Sports
- Art
- Music, and many more!
Some scholarships may provide small portions of money, but the process of applying for as many as possible adds up.
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Interviews
In American schools, university interviews are often given little attention. However, it’s good to come prepared; Some universities offer the list of questions asked at interviews, which you can take to your advantage by predetermining answers.
Contrary to European schools, interviews are extremely important and can determine your admission even despite a phenomenal university essay.
University Essays
The key to an engaging essay is a good topic. Too complex and it’ll drag out, too simple and you won’t have enough to write. Choose a topic that reflects your personality and what’s important to you.
If the experience in mind is common and not “unique,” try to focus on how this specific thing impacts you personally. For example, many people debate, but their effects vary person to person. Some may find that debate helped their confidence, which got them more friends; others may say it helped their critical thinking, further helping them academically.
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TL;DR
IB is a program meant for collaboration and meeting new like-minded people.
Finding a teacher you’re comfortable and can talk to as a friend is extremely beneficial, especially when it comes to recommendation letters.
Enjoy your high school years and find your passions.
Choose a good university essay topic.
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