<p>As an IB kid, I do think that being in IB makes you smarter but that is just like AP classes make you smarter too. I think IB definitely stretches your min and you end up with better skills than you have before. We do an immense amount of writing and you will definitely improve your writing skills. You are taught to analyze and criticize things more than if you were in non-IB classes. Personally, I feel like being in IB and taking classes like TOK have broadened my mind and I actually consider all different aspects of an issue. I know that sounds corny but its true. 
Also, being in IB helped me with the SAT essay because I am used to having to write in-class essays in 20 minutes. With IB, I have gotten use to writing longer essays too. When I was a freshman or sophomore, writing a 4,000 word essay scared me but now I feel like it will not be that hard. IB kids will complain about the stress and the general pointlessness of IB(because it’s harder to get college credit) but I think a lot of them would do the program anyway. In the long run, you will leave IB a lot smarter then when you entered but I think AP will do that to you too. IT just depends on which program you want.</p>