As the course selection deadline for the 2026-2027 school year approaches, one question seems to be on every freshman or sophomore’s mind: Am I going to do the IB Diploma? The Diploma is a program offered to students at Sequoia that includes taking at least one IB course in six subject areas. It also involves taking a Theory of Knowledge (TOK) class, participating in activities related to Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) and writing an Extended Essay (EE): a 4000-word research paper on a passion or interest. It sounds daunting, but the Diploma program can offer a lot of benefits when applying to college, as well as important life skills. This leaves many students conflicted when choosing what classes to take next year.
When asked for advice related to the decision between the full IB Diploma Program or the DP Course Program (taking a few IB courses along with mainstream courses), many people emphasized considering their values and making the choice that best fits their goals and that also fits into their schedule.
Elisa Niño-Sears, the Sequoia IB Coordinator advises underclassmen to block out your calendar and see how much time they have for schoolwork. She said to consider anything that might take away from time to do homework such as sports, dinner, hobbies and sleep. She also emphasized including activities such as hanging out with friends and spending time with family.
“Whatever it is that’s important to you and that keeps you well and happy,” Niño-Sears said.
If this process is followed, and it is identified that one doesn’t have time for homework, then the full Diploma might not be the right choice for them. Many people feel pressured to do the full Diploma by the opinions of friends or families.
“My advice would be not to be pressured into it and take it because people tell you to. I think it is important to focus on your classes and get good grades, rather than just taking classes to fill the requirements for the diploma,” junior Diploma course student Eliana Wong said.
A common worry is that the Diploma is too large of a commitment for those with lives outside of school.
“The Diploma is not just for people who are extremely smart or who are geniuses; you don’t have to be at that level. You just have to be passionate and dedicated to what you do. As long as you know yourself, and you know your limits and how well you can do, I feel like that’s enough. You don’t need to compare yourself to other people. So, do the Diploma if you think it’s best for you,” IB Diploma recipient from Sequoia’s Class of 2023 and current Stanford University Undergraduate student Diego Cruz said.
Another point to consider is that one can always drop out of the Diploma program if it becomes too much.
“I think that if you’re on the edge about doing the diploma that you should try it at the beginning and see if you like it or not. Sometimes CAS may seem difficult or stressful, but the resources that the IB office provides are pretty helpful and nice,” junior Diploma student Laurelin Stroh said.
The most common piece of advice was to really consider how the Diploma would fit in with one’s goals, interests and schedule.
“I’d also recommend taking some time to consider what you’re already doing, and whether it’s worth it to have to take away efforts from that to complete the Diploma. I’d recommend weighing the importance of everything you’re doing,” junior Diploma student Mia Zoepf said.
As well as considering lifestyle accommodations, students should also consider who they are as a person and as a student.
“My advice to all students who are in the position to make that big choice, is reflect. Who are you as a person? Does IB suit your strengths? … Remember, it’s not your friends who will be doing this for you, so let your own decisions guide your future,” junior Diploma course student Lauryn Mencher said
The Diploma is a very rigorous academic program that has many benefits for college applications and future careers, as well as teaching important life skills. However, choosing the Diploma is a big decision that could impact the balance and variety of activities in your life. For students who are stressed about the decision, the biggest piece of advice was to examine their schedule and priorities and see how the Diploma would fit in. Ultimately, it is a decision that relies solely on what is right for the individual.