<p>So, my school has AP and IB classes (2 year IB program). Actually they're the same class for each subject (They're titled as IB/AP Chem, IB/AP English, etc.)</p>
<p>I've already taken two IB SL tests, but day by day I find that the IB diploma doesn't really seem worth it. I've planned to take the AP tests anyways (so taking IB HL english and AP english lit) and I can't see a benefit to getting the diploma. (I will take two IB tests as certificate).</p>
<p>So, would it look bad in college admissions to stop trying to go for the IB diploma? Thanks</p>
<p>I don't know whether it would look bad, but with the extra stuff Ib requires (CAS, EE...) if it doesn't seem worth it, I would say just do AP with an equally hard courseload and not be miserable with your classes.</p>
<p>I agree with springawakening. I've heard adcoms from various colleges including Harvard, Duke, Johns Hopkins, and UNC respond to questions about which is better -- IB or an intensive AP program. All responded that they consider the programs equally rigorous.</p>
<p>My S transferred his senior year from an IB program to an AP-intensive one because in part, the way his IB program was structured, he couldn't take a math senior year and couldn't take AP physics (no IB physics was offered). He also wasn't interested in doing an extended essay, which would have taken lots of time away from an EC he was heavily involved in.</p>
<p>He enjoyed the AP program far more than the IB program. He wasn't a candidate for top colleges because he had sky high scores, mediocre grades, so he didn't apply to any. He did get merit aid from the LAC that was his first choice, and he was accepted to the other place he applied, a second tier public.</p>
<p>Don't do it! Stick with IB!
You'll get the prestigious IB Diploma, although here you say it's not that useful.
If you are plannning to take the AP exams anyway, you might as well stick it out.
Plus the things you do for CAS hours, in addition to making you more well-rounded, you can put on your college apps. (E.x. I did some volunteering that I'm using for both CAS and college apps.). Also, the extended essay is publishable if you write it well enough.</p>