<p>I am a sophomore at a small public high school in a competitive area. My school doesn't offer AP, but does offer IB. If I did the full IB diploma, I wouldn't be able to participate in the orchestra or in the Science Research program. Science research would allow me to enter an Intel Science Search or something, and to work in a lab during the summers. When applying to Ivy League colleges, would it be better to have the IB diploma and no orchestra/less or no Science Research, or 10 IB classes, science research, and orchestra? Also, if I do not do the diploma, I can take 4 years of math and science, instead of 3.</p>
<p>go with your passion. THAT is what colleges are most interested in-who are YOU? is the science more important to you or is the IB?</p>
<p>I like science research better because I have chosen a topic of interest and can pursue it as I like, instead of other classes where there is a set curriculum.</p>
<p>Which is more appealing to a college? Science research or IB Diploma? I am more interested in science & math than humanities.</p>
<p>Go for what you want to do then.</p>
<p>In most cases, I’d say the diploma, since certificate doesn’t have the same amount of CAS requirements or the EE. However, certificate allows you to pursue your interests at a high level. If you are heavily involved in orchestra and science (and it seems like you’re especially involved in science–if you really go after Intel, that’s quite impressive), it makes sense. </p>
<p>However, I’d recommend completing the EE and the 150 CAS hours (instead of the 75 that certificate requires). Basically, do the whole diploma minus a few classes, but don’t skimp on the extra requirements. Those are what really set IB apart in the admissions process.</p>
<p>the IB Diploma Programme makes you work very hard in all areas. You cannot pick and choose what you want to go advanced in, only what you want to go very advanced in. At my school, taking HLs in english and history is required.</p>
<p>You seem to be quite keen on science. I advise you to spend your time taking as many advanced courses you can in subjects and levels you deem appropriate, but not to do the Diploma Programme. Save your time for something you are very interested in and hope to take very far. Especially don’t waste your time on IB english, as I seriously doubt it will be of any utility to you.</p>
<p>CAS (which no longer requires ‘hours,’ per se) and EE are not viewed as particularly special. CAS amounts to little more than your usual ECs and community service, and EE is rarely taken very seriously and is not really graded on the quality of the scholarship, but the meeting of various IB requirements. Moreover, it is only this year that IB started requiring you to pass the EE, which gives you an idea of how seriously it’s taken.</p>
<p>IB is very hard work, yes. It’s not for everyone, and I seriously mean it. If you drop out of IB, it’s not because others are better than you; you may even be making a smarter choice than those who decided to stay in.</p>
<p>I think I would be able to handle the workload of IB, but am not sure if it is worth it.</p>
<p>My personal opinion of going through IB:</p>
<p>NOT WORTH IT. Period. Biggest mistake I’ve ever made.</p>
<p>I would be taking:</p>
<p>Junior year:
IB Physics HL
IB English SL
IB Math SL
IB History SL
IB Spanish SL
Orchestra
Science Research</p>
<p>Senior year:
IB Chemistry or IB Biology
IB English HL
AP Calculus
IB History HL
IB Spanish HL
Orchestra
Science Research</p>