Does the diploma matter at all to OOS top 15 or 20 schools? Starting to get the feeling that APs would be much more impressive. When I see posted stats of students looking to get in to top schools, I never really see AICE mentioned.
D needs 3 more AICE classes to get the diploma next year. So she would take 3 AICE and 3 APs in 11th.
OR, could take 1 or 2 AICE classes and 4 or 5 APs and forget the AICE diploma.
Has so far taken 4 AICE and 1 AP.
I don’t know if anyone (outside of an AO at one of these schools) can say. I know the top AICE kids at our HS don’t have a problem getting into Vanderbilt, Duke, etc. As long as you’re taking the most “rigorous” courses available, I think it’s a wash…
Keep in mind that the AICE diploma does earn you the highest level of Bright Futures, will looks to be increasing (a proposal is in the state legislature now) to $6K a year, plus $300 for books.
You don’t see it mentioned because only Florida has this program with Cambridge as a state-wide program for public schools.
It’s impressive alright, carries credit, and is NOT seen as better than AP. In fact, some consider it closer to college classes (less busy work than AP).
Anyway, it doesn’t matter. Make sure you have one each of English, Math, Foreign Language, Science, Social Science, plus one personal pick, with a mix of Honors and AICE/AP for those, and you’re good to go.
An admissions counselor at a top school told my S that if your hs offers Cambridge, they expect you to complete the program bc it is considered the most rigorous program at your school. My S is doing the 7 AICE and the rest AP.