<p>I did not read the entire thread but I will chime in…
DS is an IB senior in the oldest IB school in our state. He commutes to the school close to 40 miles each way just to be in this environment. He is a very good student (val) at a very demanding/competitive school.
Extended essay was nothing. The kids have been writing papers almost as long in their freshman English class . I have also heard that you only need a C on your extended essay and only do fair on the tests (4-5) to get a diploma. What is the value/prestige of doing a full diploma if one stays for college in the US - I am not sure. My second child however is thinking about studying abroad and for that student an IB diploma is rather a must .</p>