Palisade High School offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program which is highly honored and valued for its ability to create success for students. Each year eighth graders from around the Grand Valley apply with aspirations to make it into the program.
In the past two years, the interview process has evolved into a new multi-step process. In past years, eighth grade applicants would answer a questionnaire and fill out an essay portion from their homes. Now, the application process became an in person experience. There are now two rounds, the first being a timed-write essay here at Palisade. The second round consists of interview questions with teachers and students in the program currently. IB Director Mrs. Popick asked her Seniors and Juniors to assist with this process.
Junior Siena Miller says, “I think the new process is better because you get to know the kids and see who is a fast thinker. This process is more applicable to the IB program.”
“Being able to interview and meet the new generation of Bulldogs was a great experience,” Junior Mallory Brownell explains. “Having been in the program for almost a year now it was interesting to see how eighth graders react to the new experience.”The process consists of 28 total kids, the kids are then split into two groups of 14. One group completed an in person timed write, similar to the timed writings currently enrolled students complete on a regular basis. The second group will do in person interviews, this process includes 12 tables with two interviewees per table, each table having at least one current IB diploma program student. Applicants are given three minutes to adequately respond to two questions. Miller said she could tell the students were very nervous although they really demonstrated maturity and performed during the interviews very well. Miller says, “It was honestly really impressive.” Miller’s favorite part of the interviews was meeting the kids. Now the young applicants anxiously wait for their results. We can’t wait to meet the IB class of 2029!
