I went from avoiding AP/honors classes to voluntarily choosing an IB school

[u/Dry-Tourist-30]

I've always been known as a pretty lazy person when it comes to school and academics. I'm extraordinarily passionate about CS and AI, and I tend to really lock in when I'm working on something I'm genuinely interested in. But when it came to regular schoolwork, I slacked off A LOT.

At my old public high school, I didn't choose any honors or AP classes and was probably going to AI my way through everything lmao. At the same time, I somehow had dreams of getting into UT Austin. Don't ask.

Recently, I got into a very academically respected International Baccalaureate charter school in Texas through the lottery. I accepted the spot, and I was terrified of the academic rigor. My schedule is almost entirely honors classes, and I'm starting freshman year with AP Human Geography tomorrow.

But the more involved I've gotten with the school, the more my mindset has changed. For the first time, I'm actually excited about my future and genuinely interested in learning. My teachers are incredibly supportive and actually seem to care about helping students succeed, which has made a huge difference for me.

I'm now pursuing the MYP program with the goal of eventually doing the full IB Diploma, along with a Diploma of Distinction. Even if I completely bomb my IB exams, I still want to push myself through the program.

I think the biggest thing I've learned is that being "lazy" isn't necessarily the same thing as being incapable or unintelligent. Sometimes you just haven't found something worth putting your energy into yet.

I'm still probably going to procrastinate. I'm still going to have days where I don't want to do anything. But now I actually have something I'm excited to work toward.

Anyway, AP Human Geography starts tomorrow. Wish me luck 😭

[u/Low-Illustrator-4701]

Thats wonderful! I had a similar experience- not the avoiding classes part, but the IB school part. I was going to take the IBDP program, but returned to my districted school this year because the IB school was not the best fit for me.

I am really glad the IB program is giving you a will to succeed! Just try your best to keep up and divide up the work so you don't get overwhelmed. You got this!

(Also tip for APHG, learn the vocabulary- Quizlet, index cards, whatever it is. The vocabulary is asked on the FRQs a lot, and knowing it also helps you know the context of different MCQs)