<p>Hello. I'm writing from the midwest. Our town has two brand new high schools. One is a traditional, large, newly built hs, and offers a limited selection of AP classes. The other is a brand new all-IB school. This year's freshmen class will be the first and only class in the building. </p>
<p>Any thoughts for a student who is hoping for acceptance at one of the elite colleges in four years?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>I’d go with the one with the most challenging cirriculum. Sounds like the IB school wins that hands down. When you say limited selection of AP classes at the other school, just how limited?</p>
<p>Some people are temperamentally suited for the IB program, and some aren’t. If you sense that the IB is a bad match, don’t choose it just because you think it will help you get into a “better” college. Choose the HS program that is best for you overall. Remember, every year some people get into “better” colleges from “normal” HS programs, and every year there are people who have completed a full IB who don’t.</p>
<p>While I do think the IB is a better curriculum the AP, and would normally tell you to pick the all-IB school, the fact that this school is brand-new is concerning.</p>
<p>If you choose the IB school, be warned that the IB program is a difficult program to learn from the teaching end, too, so there will be many bumps and obstacles along the way with an IB program that isn’t yet established and is probably using lots of teachers new to the IB. The IB is extremely difficult, and first-time IB teachers may have a hard time preparing you for the IB. If you choose the IB school, it will be a difficult road.</p>
<p>That said, I think choosing IB was the best decision I made, both from an admissions perspective and from a consideration of what I got out of my high school experience.</p>
<p>thanks so much for your thoughts…all of them useful! i love the idea of the ib program, but the “newness” is worrisome. lots more thinking to do!</p>
<p>“i love the idea of the ib program”</p>
<p>This may be enough. Someone has to be in the first class. If you, your classmates, and your teachers are all enthusiastic and willing to accept the challenge of learning the IB system together, it can be a very good thing.</p>
<p>If you decide to do the IB program, I’d recommend looking at some of the IB-specific forums out there, as that can help get you some of the information that you’re missing out on because of the lack of experienced IB teacher.</p>
<p>As long as you’re dedicated and motivated, you’ll be able to succeed in a new IB program (assuming ability to succeed in an established IB program).</p>