<p>I’m in grade 12 and I study in a CBSE school and it is just more of hard work than intelligence that helps you through. This is particularly true for chemistry, in which there are literally around 200 reactions to learn by heart. Chemistry is seriously a pain in CBSE. Physics and maths however tell a different story. I find myself giving physics the least amount of time – the last 2 days before the exam is more than enough – and i don’t lose more than 5 marks in the 70 mark paper. Maths is very vast too, but it still is possible to score well without spending time on it at all. But then again, it is also possible for a complete idiot to mug 365 days a year and get a 100 in maths and physics.
Everyone has an individual say in this matter. Except for maths, I really hate CBSE though.</p>
<p>@All - lots of good comments on here, but the underlying question should really be pointed at the student - WHERE do you plan on going to school? That will eventually dictate which exams you should take.</p>
<p>AP’s are generally accepted by most (all) U.S. institutions for College Credit and are highly regarded. Think of it as a very cheap way to score points on the college application AND get college credit for it once you do get admitted. From an application standpoint - if you are applying to U.S. schools - you really want to be on the side of “I took AP Whatever and scored a 4/5” versus “I took some international test, tell me if you accept it and/or give credit for it.” Most all high schools in the U.S. encourage the cream students to take AP English, Math, and some kind of History or Government; a lot of students take the Physics/Chemistry/Biology tests. As you can see, these credits can add up rather quickly: you could potentially start College with one (or in some rare cases, two) semesters already completed from Day 1 - that’s both time and money saved.</p>
<p>If you are applying to U.K. or other European schools, you should do your homework and find out what exams are preferred in those countries.</p>
<p>I disagree with the vast generalizations made by some folks regarding the value of one exam over the other. Again, it boils down to where you’re going, and what’s the norm in that country. Just as much as I wouldn’t put AP’s above the other exams if it wasn’t the norm in the other country to take/accept the AP’s. . . you get the point.</p>
<p>Good lively discussion on this board!</p>
<p>If you look at from the overall perspective, the IB Diploma Program is the toughest in my opinion. I know people doing AP, CBSE and IB. I am pretty sure IB requires the maximum work out of the 3. And definitely has more weight compared to the rest.</p>
<p>One more thing to everyone with the stereotype of CBSE is tough. If it is so, why don’t most of the colleges give you credit for it? Where as AP and IB do. Its not because its not recognized, top universities know more about all of this than any of us would ever do because thats their bread and butter. They all know CBSE is “often” filled with people who rote learn/mug up everything and vomit it out on paper. Which in IB is clearly not possible.</p>
<p>CBSE Chemistry>>>>>>>AP Chemistry
CBSE Physics(Mechanics)>AP Mechanics
CBSE Calculus~AP Calculus BC
CBSE Calculus >AP Calculus AB
CBSE Physics>>>AP Electricity and Magnetism
I WOULD LIKE TO SUGGEST TO HAVE AP COURSES DESPITE OF THE CBSE ONES ACCORDING TO THE ABOVE MENTIONED SCENARIO</p>
<p>Is the ap and cbse curriculum same for class 12 cbse ???
Thnks </p>
<p>Sent from my GT-S5360 using CC</p>
<p>I am Presently finishing up with my class 9th CBSE.
I was thinking of switching to IBDP after my 10 grade. I plan to study Physics and Engineering either in UK or US in the future.
I just wanted to know if it would be a good step for me to switch to IBDP for the last period of my schooling.</p>
<p>And also is there anything that is need to be done in prerequisite that is need to be done before switching.
Thanks!</p>
<p>@Balthazor If you are certain about going abroad, then take up the IBDP. If you don’t want to shut your doors on India though, consider the ISC and CBSE programs.</p>
<p>Sent from my HTC One X using CC</p>
<p>A lot of colleges in the US and UK offer credit for the IB courses. In the case of IB, its pretty neat if you could get credit for doing courses that are anyway required for you to clear the Std 12 exams 
So, IB is a good (maybe the best) option if you are certain on going abroad for UG. </p>
<p>Regarding the AP exams. Chem is of a pretty decent level, covering a vast number of topics. The same with Physics C Mechanics. Calculus BC, I feel, undermines the importance of Integral Calculus. I mean, it’s just skimmed through, with so many techniques untouched upon. Apart from that its a pretty good experience to study Calculus BC :D</p>
<p>CBSE I feel is wayyy too focused on Math and Science, neglecting other streams like arts, humanities, commerce etc. English too, is just like a subject where people study to pass. I mean, the syllabus is ridiculous. Making posters in an English paper is plain absurd 
And, from what I know, cramming can get you through the CBSE exams, which is the WORST part of it all. CBSE is EXTREMELY scoring though, and that might be an important factor Besides, CBSE prepares you for Engineering Entrances as well.</p>
<p>Hi friends,
I wana ask a Q. school marks are actually important for a person who is willing to go to MIT?
because seriously telling u my school grades are not up to the expectations… :/… plz</p>
<p>@ApoorvPandey…I have got advise brother…don’t apply to MIT unless you get an International phy/chem/math olympiad…I mean the official ones…else you are directly heading to rejection…Oh and school does not matter for MIT( as long as they are Ok)</p>
<p>@quiverfox…thankx for the advice… & bro I’ve heard that mit only considers the certificates of the exams those are given 4 months b4 the sat ppr is that true???.. What is the avrage that mit is looking for in international olyampiads?.. plz tell me bother its very important …
=-O</p>
<p>@ApoorvPandey- I don’t know if my advice means a lot but try to widen your horizon. Don’t think of “what is MIT looking for”, try “what are the colleges I’m applying to looking for”, or even better “what will enrich my learning experience?” Try qualifying into the national rounds of any international olympiad (IMO/IPhO/IChO etc). They’re both fun exams to give and definitely help in your apps.</p>
<p>And about the topic, I’m definitely in support of IB. While I do think the CBSE course matter in itself trumps both AP and IB, the pattern of exams is just not good enough. IB has a better reputation in many non-Indian colleges for the simple reason that their evaluation system is better. I don’t honestly think IB shuts the doors on any Indian college either. Engineering entrances, at least, have very little to do with CBSE or ISC class XII course work. You’d have to do a substantial amount of self-study regardless of whether you’re in IB/ISC/CBSE.</p>
<p>Listen to firefliesdance…She speaks the truth:) and already has been accepted at the ivies…ain’t that right…
These exams definitely help you and you just have to work towards them…find someplace where you can learn something interesting…at least It’ll help in your long run…</p>
<p>I studied in a CBSE school for my entire career. However , i did take a couple of APs so i have some reference point for comparison . My two cents: </p>
<ol>
<li>Math : A lot of people compare CBSE by looking at the papers which we get. Make no mistake CBSE papers are considered very easy and the actual preparation /coursework is much much tougher. If you study properly for the AP Calc BC exam from a good introductory calculus college text - Stewart,Thomas,Hughes-Hallet what have you , you will realize it’s more about understanding the mechanics of Calculus rather than being able to solve n different types of integrals. CBSE math or for that matter math you learn during JEE prep falls down in terms of application math. Having said that , it is certainly way more rigorous than the AP course is. More abstract. Simply put : if you take CBSE , you will be able to solve a huge number of questions but won’t be able use Calculus to save your life. On the other hand , if you take an AP course (not the exam , which you can do from a test prep book ) you should be able to see very clearly how Calculus works and will be able to set up integrals if not solve them. The best thing to do is study CBSE but use a college Calc text as an extra reference.</li>
</ol>
<p>Physics: CBSE probably has the best physics course hands down. ITs rigorous , extensive, the book is well written and is kind of a best hits collection of college physics books. Especially the Additional Excercises parts. The examinations themselves turn out to be far easier than what you study , again. It’s probably the only pre -college physics course that covers wave optics,thermodynamics,semi conductors, communication systems (basically modern physics ) in as much detail. I compared it with the ISC books/exams and even though ISC peeps tend to take shelter behind the " it’s so deep or there’s so much breadth" , the reality is ISC physics is way easier.</p>
<ol>
<li>Chemistry : CBSE should call it death chem. 
Far too much ratta. And horrible horrible horrible textbooks. Did I mention … It’s tough ?</li>
</ol>
<p>I second sam:)</p>
<p>I agree with ALL of Sam’s points. It honestly kind of surprises me that colleges don’t give credit for CBSE. Its course matter deserves some credit, imo.</p>