DePauw Junior Credits Program for Accelerated Success

September 5, 2004

September 5, 2004, Greencastle, Ind. - "Paddy McShane is starting her second year at DePauw University in Indiana -- as a junior," writes Tara McLain today in the Statesman Journal of Salem, Oregon. The story examines the success of the International Baccalaureate program, which South Salem High School began offering five years ago. McShane is a graduate of the IB program.

The article continues, "Her major is undeclared at the moment, but she’s leaning toward a double major in economics and philosophy and a minor in Spanish. She loves college. 'I wasn’t scared the first time I got a blue book and was told I had an hour to write a 10-page paper,' said McShane, a 2003 South graduate from West Salem."

The newspaper quotes McShane and other graduates who "say the program has several benefits: a tight academic social circle, supportive teachers and an emphasis on developing sophisticated writing and thinking skills... IB diploma holders say it not only helped them get into college, but helped them excel in it."

McLain adds, "John McShane, Paddy’s father, said a significant benefit of the program was the close friendships she developed with peers and teachers. 'It put her in contact daily with others whom I would refer to as serious students,' he said. 'Out of that, a camaraderie developed' ... Developing critical thinking, analysis, writing and discussion skills is a priority."