<p>I'm going to be a sophomore this year, so I have a little bit of time to decide whether or not I want to do the IB program, but I'm strongly considering it. I know Columbia looks at IB HL scores the same way they look at AP scores (or, at least, I'm pretty sure they do). Should I go ahead and do the IB program? I know it's a lot of work and a huge commitment, but wouldn't Columbia think an IB Diploma holder accepts academic challenges more than someone who takes only AP/IB courses alone? I know some schools only offer AP classes, but I'm sure they'll compare me with other students at my school who could have done the program but didn't.</p>
<p>Here are the classes I've taken so far (and plan to take):</p>
<p>9th grade:
Algebra I
Physical Science
Journalism I/Cooking
Public Speaking/Ceramics
Honors English
Global History
French II
Choir</p>
<p>10th grade:
Honors Algebra II (I took Geometry over the summer)
Honors Chemistry
Journalism II/Sociology
Honors Sophomore English
AP US History
French III
Choir</p>
<p>11th grade (with IB):
Honors Advanced Math
IB Biology HL
IB Philosophy SL
IB World Literature HL
IB World History HL
Honors/Pre-IB French IV
Theory of Knowledge (Year One)
Choir</p>
<p>12th grade (with IB):
IB Math SL
IB Biology HL
IB World Literature HL
IB World History HL
IB French V SL
Theory of Knowledge (Year Two)
Choir</p>
<p>For those of you who aren't familiar with the IB Program, you have to take six courses in six different subjects; three one or two year courses and three two year courses. You also have to take Theory of Knowledge (TOK) classes, write an Extended Essay (EE), which is about 4,000 words if I'm not mistaken, and do a CAS (basically community service) requirement.</p>
<p>AP and IB classes are weighted the same in my school, and for the IB French SL class, I could take the AP test as well as the IB test to get college credit.</p>
<p>Is it a good idea? Will I be too bogged down with my schedule and risk a lower GPA, or will Columbia see it as a hard-working student's schedule who has decided to take advantage of the opportunities her school has to offer?</p>
<p>all schools prefer to see you have taken the hardest courseload available to you and did well. many people do the full IB diploma and get high grades and get into Columbia. I would recommend taking the IB, unless you have serious concerns about whether you can handle the work (in which case, you might have concerns about handling the Columbia workload too).</p>
<p>I know I can handle the coursework for the IB program, but since other students applying to Columbia might have the IB Diploma as well, what can I do to set myself apart if I do decide to take on the International Baccalaureate?</p>
<p>In terms of extracurriculars, I’m in two different writing clubs (one at school and one out-of-school), French Club, Book Club, a philosophy discussion group, and I’m also involved in two literary-arts magazines. </p>
<p>I forgot to add in the beginning that I’ll be taking AP Government in 12th grade along with the other classes listed.</p>
<p>While the IB is certainly a tough workload for most high school students, I don’t see the upside of it as opposed to AP. First of all, the IB has a higher chance of hurting you then helping you. If you do IB, you really need a score of 40/45 or higher (usually 42+) to be extremely competitive. However, it is not exactly easy to obtain those scores, as opposed to APs, where 5’s are relatively easy to obtain. Second of all, AP classes are very flexible, while the IB is an entire program which will give you many (sometimes unnecessary) time constraints, such as the service portion (any competitive student does this regardless of program) and the TOK and extended essay part. Finally, IB is more about breadth than depth. For example, in Chemistry, you’ll cover both inorganic and organic, while AP only covers inorganic, but at a level more intensive than the IB counterpart.</p>
<p>Basically, you shouldn’t try to use the IB to make yourself shine in the admissions process. There are many students all over the world who are more than capable of the workload, and score 42+/45 total, which is actually very difficult to achieve, so this will hurt you more than it will help you. There is also unquestionably a large number of exceptional students who take the AP and are admitted to colleges every year. </p>
<p>Also, while most top US universities recognize IB scores, you should note that all of them have clear and cut out AP policies, but few or none of clear IB policies, which means there’s still room for discussion there.</p>
Internationally, yes. In America, no. First of all, you don’t find out your scores until after you’ve graduated high school, therefore after you’ve been accepted into college. I know that schools like Cambridge, Oxford, and many schools in Europe will retract your acceptance if you do not score high enough, but it’s virtually unheard of in American Universities - even within the Ivy League.</p>
<p>If you think you can handle the workload, I say go for it. Taking the highest level of rigor is very important to many colleges, and will help you in college itself. I’m a current senior in IB, so if you have any questions or anything PM me.</p>
<p>this is true, but you need to demonstrate that you are a 40+/45 student. Even if there are no results in stone, your teachers must all think that you are a 6/7 or 7/7 student.</p>
<p>I am an ED applican to the college this year and I am predicted 40 for the November session. confidentialcollege is right. In our school we only have the IB program and no grades in between. Our teachers evaluate our academic performance for the past 4 yrs in our teachers’ and councellor report and it reflects on our predicted scores transcript as well ;)</p>
<p>You set yourself apart by doing very well on what you’re interested in. This can be anything under the sun. </p>
<p>The above poster (themerlion), for example, is an ED applicant from my country. His IB scores are pretty good but more importantly, he has a demonstrated devotion to several ECs including MUN and flying. </p>
<p>As a fellow writer, I have a word of advice: Since you so clearly have an extracurricular inclination towards literature and writing, try to get published. It will reflect well upon your commitment to the craft.</p>
<p>You really shouldn’t consider your courses based on what your college would think, but how you would do. The college picks the student who performs well, not the one that picks the right program (that is, between similarly rigorous choices). Pick the program that YOU would do well in.
If you are a flexible, active thinker who is skilled in multiple areas, want to be enlightened and get paradigm shifts all over the place and…feels like there’s no need to have a social life, take the IB. ;)</p>
<p>If you’re a person who will really commit themselves to their work and not blow it off for something less important (like a social life), then do it. I mentioned the social life part because I’m an IB Senior, and I know plenty of people who have either dropped out, or are struggling a lot because they aren’t taking this seriously; I don’t know how some peope are even still in to be honest. The courseload can be tough and sometimes it seems like a lot, but in the end it’s rewarding and it will definitely prepare you for college. All the IB graduates I know say that college is easy after IB, so I’m definitely looking forward to that. Haha :)</p>
<p>Im an IB senior, and I would say do IB. Plot AP and IB on Blooms Taxonomy, and that says why I say do IB.
(Basically, IB requires you to think at a much higher level consistently, which aids you because that is what college requires. Lastly, you will become an excellent writer.)</p>
<p>I think that it is really a question of personal ability and knowing where your strengths lie. As it was aptly stated by 000ace000 above, your curriculum selection should not soley be based on what you think college admins “like”. It’s really important to consider your options and choose the one that a) you feel you will be most comfortable undertaking and b) you believe you can excel at.</p>
<p>Having that said and being an IB senior myself, the IB has proven to be the most rigorous secondary school curriculum out there. You’ve got tons of extra requirements (such as the TOK essay, the Extended Essay, and Community Action and Service hour requirements) as well as an incredibly challenging course load. Is it difficult? For many students, yes. Is it impossible? Absolutely not.</p>
<p>To make a long story short, if you’re the type of person whose good at time management and is not willing to “coast” through classes, then there’s no reason you shouldn’t at least try the IB; if only for the college preperatory benefit. It really developes your time management, independant study, and writing skills… skills that (especially at a school like Columbia) are indispensible.</p>
<p>coolbeans phrased it well. Do keep in mind, however, that IB is a program, whereas AP is a smattering of courses you choose to take. If you’re well-rounded subject-wise, IB shouldn’t be an issue, but if you have a strong slant towards particular subjects and noticeable weaknesses in others, it might be better for you to take AP classes pertaining to your strengths and not stretch yourself over all six disciples. Just keep that in mind (and also that I’m an IB junior with a strong humanities slant who is glad she’s in IB).</p>
<p>I’ve heard that IB is certainly the most rigorous course around (from articles and everything). I do the IB myself and its killer and its definitely harder than A-levels. I’m not sure about IB vs AP though. And even a 38-40 is really hard to get. Anything 40+ is already incredible so if you think you’re going to be in that bracket, I suggest you do IB! Plus the CAS requirement gets you a whole load of ECs coz its compulsory. If you’re an all-rounder, IB’s going to definitely emphasize that.</p>