How helpful is it to take IB classes if you're not taking the full diploma?

Question

First of all, I'm not sure how many people know about this because it's new in the last few years, but I think it's at least a national thing, so...

I'm in 3 IB classes (math, social studies, english) and the only one I'm not in is science. You also have to take some sort of art class or something if you want the full diploma, and I'm not in that either. Basically, there's no way I can get the full diploma (regardless of my year, which is Junior). Is it even useful for me to be taking these classes right now, besides just being more difficult and letting me gain more knowledge? Like, do colleges look at it and think it's more impressive than another route (either way I'd still be taking challenging classes, but I'm just wondering if IB is the way to go if I'm not doing the full diploma) I would ask this at school, but it's way too complicated when they talk about it; I ask one question and they answer it with 3 more. Thanks :)

Answer 1

For any college, it looks better if you're challenging yourself, so it is good that you are taking IB classes. However, they might question why you didn't try to get the diploma because honestly it is a huge difference from getting the diploma and taking the classes and colleges know that. Basically, you're doing the right thing by challenging yourself, but if your school has a better AP program instead of IB (like at my school) you should consider switching to AP classes instead of IB. If you feel like IB is a better program, then stick with it. Show colleges the effort you made this year with IB tests in May, and it'll be fine.

Hope this helps.