IB EXPLAINED | everything you NEED TO KNOW about IB

TOK, CAS, EE, IAs, SL, HL??? It can get pretty confusing with so many letters flying around. In this video, I share how to SUCCEED in IB by understanding how the program works. I discuss the IB learner profile, the IB curriculum, differences between HL and SL, CAS, TOK, EE, exams and how to earn your IB diploma! Hint: it's not just about earning good grades. Learn everything you need to know about IB.

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Hi my name is Lilia. On Ivy Lilia, I post weekly and enjoy sharing about my experiences with college applications / admissions, the Ivy League, the International Baccalaureate programme, Cornell University / The Hotel School, and more!

[EricaMungin]

Im a senior in IB and as much as i say that i hate IB, Im glad that I went into this program. This program has taught me so many things, not only just the content we’re learning, but time management skills, how to write research papers, thinking critically, study habits, and so much more. Also, many of my friends who have graduated from Ib have told me that their first two years of college was much easier because of how IB trained them.

[rochellebasha]

I'm getting heart palpitations just watching this😳

[ashm]

Watching this instead of studying for my physics HL IB exam.

[thedairyofsomewimpyk]

You forgot to mention that if you fail CAS you also dont get your diploma

[brittneyjai]

watching after getting my diploma 🥳 if you’re in the program good luck! study to learn not to memorize

[amym]

For anyone who is scared to take Ib, I was too. I’m a year into IB and I have to say it’s one of the best decisions I made. It’s different for every school but the way they teach is much better than normal classes, the counselors are supportive, CAS is extremely rewarding, and they help a ton with college apps. It’s hard don’t get me wrong, but it’s not as bad as people make it seems. My biggest tip is to manage your time and try to stay on top of your work. All of this may seem like a lot, but it’s a step by step process. If you have any questions, please lmk! I know a lot of people talk bad about IB but don’t be scared I promise it’s not that bad ❤️


Update: I got my IB diploma and I’m officially done with high school! I still stand by my statement that I think joining the IB program was a great decision, but everyone’s different and there were definitely extremely stressful moments during my time in IB. Good luck to those who are in IB/joining IB and l’m still here if you got questions :)

[campbellm]

As a senior in the IB program during the COVID pandemic, I am honestly really frustrated. The workload is truly unforgiving and I frequently question why I’m even doing all of this. On the other hand, IB really does prepare you for higher education and i am grateful for having been able to be a part of it. It’s a love-hate relationship but you learn to work with it I guess

[nirmalas]

Your video should always come in the top whenever anyone enquires about "what is IB"?. this video is GREAT specially because it is just 7 min and thorough.

[rushiljohal]

As a sophomore, I am beginning the IB curriculum and this video is so helpful and informative. Thank you.

[polmak]

Oh god thank you this cleared up so much shit. I swear my school is incompetent and did a garbage job of explaining these things

[purplely]

that moment when your school makes you take English which is our second language as language A :)

[ashfall]

I'm scared lol. I'm starting IB courses starting from Freshmen year. If a 7 is equal to a 4.3 GPA and a 6 is equal to a 4.00 GPA, I'm starting to worry about how hard it will be just to get a 6.

[perseusgeorgiadis]

Honestly, as much as it sucks, I’m pretty grateful for the IB. It stands out as a high-school program and I would say it’s very good at preparing you for college. Some tips for students joining the IB tho:

1) Be open and transparent with your teachers about EVERYTHING from DAY 1. Don’t let your pride take over you. It’ll save you a ton of trouble down the road

2) If you don’t really like a lesson, I don’t care what your coordinator says, DO NOT TAKE IT! I just finished the November exams (I graduate may 23). I missed the 7 in math AA HL (one of the hardest IB courses) for 1% and got a 4 in italian ab initio because my coordinator thought my program was too tough and I needed an “easy lesson”, so he gave me italian (I hate learning languages but didn’t disagree at the time). On that note, do some research before choosing courses, and if you feel like you need to change a course, do it early on.

3) Don’t take computer science. Seriously, it’s the only course with an IA that makes the EE look easy. On a serious note, the IA is ridiculously hard and annoying, and I’ve never seen a course ask for CS. The lesson isn’t particularly fun either. You barely code and just regurgitate stuff from the text book

4)Just have fun! If you choose the right subjects, sure it’s gonna be a lot of work, but you’ll seriously enjoy it as well. My math course is my hardest course, but it’s also the only course (besides the mandatory ones, obv) in my program that I would keep if I could make it over

[serli]

Sometimes I'm confused if IB is hard or im just lazy to study or both...

[sanjalibimb]

I'm in grade 9, tryna decide if i want to do IB, and I really want to because I do think it will help me get into the universities that I want, but I'm not the most intelligent person that I know, have previously failed maths twice, procrastinate a lot and am not amazing at keeping to a schedule...

[shikutotatsugami]

Thank you so much for this helpful video. I got into IB and Ive been sitting in class for two days and stressing myself out because I didnt know what anyone was talking about (IA, CAS, etc). Now Ive got less things to worry about.

[joesphnolfo]

who else here is in 8th grade, going into IB next year and are loki scared by this video.

[enlighteningeducation]

*Dear Lilia, please be an IB Coordinator somewhere in the world. You can immensely help students.*

[kieracathrall]

yo I just moved to an IB school and, well I guess I'm in for a

[yonak]

OMW, this helped me so much. I'm going to a new school with the IB diploma and I have..well had no clue of what I was dealing with or what to expect, but thanks to you, now I do. Thank you so much for making this video. God bless you!!!