What Our Alumni Say About Starting College After ISI

At the International School of Indiana (ISI), we equip students for the future, not just the next step. Our International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum and globally focused environment cultivate graduates with the academic rigor, confidence, and cultural fluency essential for success on any path they choose.

Don’t just take our word for it–hear from our alumni, who share how their ISI education shaped their transition to college and beyond.

Academic Rigor That Pays Off in College

ISI’s rigorous IB curriculum equips students with the tools to succeed in any college setting: writing effectively, thinking critically, and managing their time independently.

“When I graduated, I felt well-prepared going into college. As a Chemistry major, I found that my Chemistry skills were better than my peers who took AP courses through high school… Many of the projects through the IB, like the Extended Essay, prepared me for writing papers in college.”
– William Overhauser, ISI Class of 2012, Yale University, Chemical Engineering Major Class of 2016

For others, the challenge of the IB program became their greatest advantage once they entered university.

“When I was a senior in high school, I was jealous of my friends at other schools who weren’t constantly writing essays or studying for intensive exams. However, once I got to college, I learned how much of a blessing it was. I could write A+ essays without skipping a beat. Success in college was easy, and I have ISI to thank for that.”
– Dr. Kyle Kuzmic, ISI Class of 2011, Indiana University, Human Biology and French Majors, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Doctorate in Dental Surgery, and Texas A&M College of Dentistry, Certificate in Orthodontics and Master’s in Oral Biology

ISI graduates frequently share that the IB’s emphasis on writing, research, and independent thought gives them an edge in higher education and beyond.

“ISI and the IB program have immeasurably improved my writing, close-reading, reflection, and independent thinking skills—all of which are essential for a career in academia. Because of ISI, I never felt like I was ‘just’ from Indiana; it gave me the breadth of experience to feel at ease in a cosmopolitan environment.”
– Margaret Schnabel, ISI Class of 2017, Indiana University English and Cognitive Science Majors Class of 2021, University of Oxford Master's in World Literatures in English, current Harvard University PhD Candidate in English

A Global Perspective That Lasts a Lifetime

For many alumni, the most lasting takeaway from ISI is the international mindset gained through the school’s globally focused curriculum.

“It’s something you truly can’t get anywhere else. It’s also something I very much took for granted when I was there because once you leave ISI, you realize not everyone is so fortunate as to have learned that perspective. I can’t speak enough on how much it’s helped me throughout my college experience and now.”
– Grace Ybarra, ISI Class of 2018, Indiana University, Journalism Major, Class of 2022

Victor Ringeard echoed this sentiment, sharing how ISI’s diversity prepared him to thrive in collaborative, multicultural environments long before college or the workplace required it.

“Being at ISI was the first time in my life that I was out in a very diverse setting, working with kids and teachers from backgrounds all over the world. This kind of diverse setting is what workplaces and universities are actively trying to create. My time at ISI allowed me to gain skills and learn to work with people who differ from me early in life.”
– Victor Ringeard, ISI Class of 2015, UC Berkeley, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science Major Class of 2019

That same confidence in connecting across cultures stays with students long after graduation.

“ISI may be a small school, but I find myself often referencing things I’ve learned at ISI in my college life. It has definitely opened my mind to learning about different cultures and making friends with people from other backgrounds.”
– Philip Randolph, ISI Class of 2024, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Civil Engineering Major

Confidence to Tackle Any Challenge

From mastering time management to navigating graduate-level coursework, ISI graduates say the rigor of the IB program taught them resilience and self-assurance.

“To participate in the IB program, while certainly daunting, was another bonus. It gave me lots of college credits and time management skills, and really helped my confidence to know that I could take these advanced-level tests and do well. The IB experience is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it prepared me more than I could ever say.”
– Madelyn Neal, ISI Class of 2017, Miami of Ohio, French and English Literature Majors, Class of 2021, PhD Candidate in French, New York University

That preparation extends across all fields—from STEM to the arts.

“The IB program allowed me to dive deeper into subjects like Biology and Math, while also studying History and Theatre for fun. All of the academics, from STEM to writing, and the arts, allowed me to refine important skills, which made the academics at the University level significantly less daunting.”
– Anzie Wiseman, ISI Class of 2024, Marine Biology and Ecology Major, University of Miami

More Than College-Ready—World-Ready

The ISI experience doesn’t just prepare students to succeed in college—it shapes adaptable, curious, and globally minded individuals ready to thrive anywhere. Whether in laboratories, classrooms, or international workplaces, our alumni continue to demonstrate the lifelong value of an ISI education.

“The IB experience prepared me more than I could ever say for any academic and professional challenge.”
– Madelyn Neal

At ISI, we’re proud to see our graduates leading, learning, and connecting across the world - with confidence built right here in Indianapolis.

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To learn more about the IB and High School at ISI, schedule your personal tour or register for an Info Session today!