Personally, I feel as though my transition from Sophomore year to Junior year was not as difficult as I expected. Although the workload and stress levels have most definitely increased, I felt prepared. There have been times where I’ve had trouble balancing school work, clubs, sports, a social life and sleep but I am learning to create time for each.The HL’s I picked during the end of sophomore year were HL French, English, and Biology. Each were topics I enjoyed then and luckily, continue to enjoy now as I get a more intensive education on each. I have even found myself enjoying TOK class, despite it robbing me of a study or two a week.
To Sophomores who are beginning to think about all these important decisions, my advice would be to pick HL classes that you find interesting and want to learn more about. I wouldn't base your decision off of what teachers you think you may have or what your friends are picking. It is never certain what teacher you will end up with or if you will be in the same class as those friends. Regarding choosing whether or not to take the “full IB” in the first place, it is a very personal choice and the teachers and counselors will allow you to pick classes and make your schedule for Junior year according to how you think you will strive most as a student.
By now I am more than half way through the school year and yet, I know it it just the beginning of my IB experience. Although the IB may seem daunting, I feel as though we are well prepared for what is expected of us by the start of Junior year.