As high school students across Croatia get closer to graduation, many are starting to think seriously about university and careers. Students in the International Baccalaureate (IB) and XV. Gymnasium\u2019s math and science program (MIOC) are both preparing for life after high school \u2014 but in slightly different ways. We spoke with students from both programs to learn more about how they are planning their futures, what challenges they face, and how their education is shaping their goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
University Dreams: Home or Abroad?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Many IB students said they plan to study abroad. \u201cThe IB is internationally recognized, so it just makes sense to apply to places like the Netherlands or the UK,\u201d said one IB student. Another added, \u201cBecause we take subjects in English, write academic essays, and do presentations, I feel ready to study at a university outside Croatia.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n IB students also believe their program gives them a better chance of getting into top universities. \u201cWe write personal statements, take part in CAS, and do the Extended Essay \u2014 universities like that,\u201d one student said. Still, they admit it\u2019s not easy. \u201cThe application process is a lot of work. Writing motivational letters and preparing for tests like the SAT is stressful.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n MIOC students were more divided. Some are focused on studying at top Croatian faculties like FER (Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing) or PMF (Faculty of Science). \u201cMIOC really prepares us well for local universities, especially in STEM fields,\u201d said one 4th-year student. Others are thinking about going abroad, but feel unsure. \u201cStudying abroad sounds interesting, but it\u2019s complicated. The system is very different,\u201d one MIOC student shared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When asked what factors matter the most when choosing a university, both IB and MIOC students mentioned similar things: ranking, location, scholarship opportunities, and the language of instruction. Some students said they\u2019ve already decided on a faculty, while others are still exploring their options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Career Paths and Uncertainty<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to careers, students had mixed feelings. MIOC students were generally more sure of their path. \u201cI\u2019m going into computer science. Math and physics are our strong points, and the program really pushes you in that direction,\u201d one said. Others mentioned engineering, data science, and medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First and second graders were unsure, but also open to more options, while students from DP programme already know where to enroll. \u201cIB offers a lot of subjects and that\u2019s great because I have an opportunity to choose whichever I want.\u201d Another said, \u201cHonestly, I still don\u2019t know, but I think that\u2019s okay. IB gives us the flexibility to figure it out as we go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both groups said their programs influence their interests. IB students highlighted Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay as chances to explore ideas more deeply. MIOC students said math and science competitions helped them shape their goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How Well Do Our Schools Prepare Us?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Students from both programs said they feel academically prepared and only few felt that help with college and career preparation could be better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe learn how to write essays and do research,\u201d said one IB student, \u201cbut when it comes to things like applying to universities, we mostly figure it out ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n MIOC students agreed. \u201cWe\u2019re very strong in Math and Science, but we don\u2019t get much help with writing motivation letters or preparing for interviews,\u201d one student shared. Some students said they had started preparing for college applications \u2014 mostly by researching online, asking older students for advice, or attending university fairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the topic of standardized tests like the SAT or Croatian national exams (matura), opinions were mixed. Some felt the tests were useful for showing what students know, while others thought they added unnecessary pressure. \u201cIt\u2019s frustrating that one test can decide your future,\u201d a MIOC student said. \u201cEspecially when we already have to work so hard in school.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n IB vs MIOC: Different Strengths, Same Ambitions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When asked to compare the two programs, students recognized that each had its strengths. IB students said the program is broader and more focused on critical thinking, creativity, and independence. \u201cWe learn to analyze, question, and write academically. It\u2019s not just about memorizing facts,\u201d one student said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n MIOC students highlighted the strong focus on math, science, and problem-solving. \u201cOur program is perfect for students who know they want to go into STEM. We get a deep understanding of technical subjects,\u201d one student explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some MIOC students admitted that IB\u2019s international opportunities and variety sounded interesting. Meanwhile, some IB students said they admired MIOC\u2019s strong math and science foundation. \u201cTheir program is intense, and their knowledge is really deep,\u201d an IB student said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When asked if they would switch programs, most students said no. \u201cIB suits me because I like discussing ideas and sharing my opinion,\u201d said one student. A MIOC student said, \u201cI\u2019m happy where I am. I know MIOC is preparing me well for engineering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Final Thoughts: Pressure and Possibility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite differences in the curriculum and teaching style, both IB and MIOC students shared similar experiences: high pressure, big decisions, and a lot of uncertainty. However, they also said that their programs are preparing them for the future \u2014 even if the path isn\u2019t always clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes, the IB is stressful, but it teaches you how to manage your time and think independently,\u201d said one student. \u201cThese skills will help us at university and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n A MIOC student agreed: \u201cSometimes I feel overwhelmed, but I also feel prepared. I might not know exactly what I\u2019ll be doing in 10 years, but I know I\u2019m on the right track.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the end, whether students are in IB or MIOC, they are working hard, thinking deeply about their futures, and learning to face big challenges.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As high school students across Croatia get closer to graduation, many are starting to think seriously about university and careers. Students in the International Baccalaureate (IB) and XV. Gymnasium\u2019s math and science program (MIOC) are both preparing for life after high school \u2014 but in slightly different ways. We spoke with students from both programs […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":395,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17,16],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-394","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-editorials","category-opinion"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mioc.hr\/ibnewspaper\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/394","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mioc.hr\/ibnewspaper\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mioc.hr\/ibnewspaper\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mioc.hr\/ibnewspaper\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mioc.hr\/ibnewspaper\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=394"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.mioc.hr\/ibnewspaper\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/394\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":396,"href":"https:\/\/www.mioc.hr\/ibnewspaper\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/394\/revisions\/396"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mioc.hr\/ibnewspaper\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/395"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mioc.hr\/ibnewspaper\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=394"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mioc.hr\/ibnewspaper\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=394"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mioc.hr\/ibnewspaper\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=394"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}