We all have everyday pressures and hassles we go through that not only involve family and friends, but also school. School is a tremendous factor we cannot ignore, and teachers, parents, faculty and students alike pressure students into doing these programs. One of these programs is the International Baccalaureate program. Even if you are a student who is not participating in it, or have not reached that level yet, surely you have been told thoroughly about it, have been preparing for it, or have at least heard of it. Perhaps there isn’t pressure towards the IB program, but it cannot be denied that 60% to 75% of the juniors and seniors have participated in the program. 

"There are pressures for students to go into the IB program. Mostly it is peer pressure and many students don’t feel smart if they cannot go through with the challenges of the IB program. The IB program is not for students with smarts only, the main requirement is organization. If a student lacks organization, he is likely to fail," said IB Coordinator Brian Dickson. 

We are certainly very proud of being the second most challenging school in the United States, based on our percentage of graduating students and IB examinations, but is this all an excuse to get more students to follow through with the IB program? Not only do we have a successful IB program, but as we are told also one that will help us years later in college. The school explains that there are five main issues concerning colleges to consider when taking the IB program. Preparation is the only advantage guaranteed by the IB program. Students who take IB courses will not just gain experience with college level classes, but also will get educated from these. The TOK class, community service program, extended essay and tough classes make for good students. 

The IB program may also be recognized in admissions, making entering a certain university easier. But which colleges consider the IB program in admissions vary. There also exists the opportunity for scholarships, which also varies from university to university. There are also the two issues of credit and placement. Many universities accept some IB courses as college courses, and will grant credit to those students who have taken those specific courses. Finally, some colleges may place students into higher classes right away when they arrive at the college. These do not have to do with application, but have benefits of their own. 

"Not only do other students put pressures on students to follow the IB program, as do parents and some teachers who do not understand that the IB program is not for everyone," said Guidance Counselor Nancy Tucker. These benefits seem to draw students into the IB program, but is a strong influence on students to get them to go through with this program a problem? There are many students who go through and get the diploma, others who only get the certificate, and then others who feel it is just too much of a challenge and drop out. These benefits not only bring on pressures from parents, teachers and other students, but from oneself.

"I haven’t really been pressured into the IB program by others. I just know I have to do it so I can get into a good college. In a way, I’m pretty much pressuring myself," said sophomore Sara Kaplow. The only to solve this problem, if there even is a problem, is to become more aware of the alternatives to IB, and to make sure everyone knows that not everyone may be up for the task.