IB vs AP/CC

Applying to College
1

<p>Hello!
I currently have a situation where I basically have to choose between several choices, all seem pretty attractive to me so I can choose on "rigorousity" (if that word even exists) of them.</p>

<p>What looks more attractive to college: composition of AP classes and CC-extensions with high level math (Dif. Eqs at least in Senior) or IB diploma program with not-quite-high-level-math (IB Math Studies 3&4 - Calc BC)? Yeah, and considering that I am running for Physics major since first grade.</p>

<p>I am quite on the edge right now, as a rising sophomore. I can choose to go to IB school in my junior year, then I will have less problems with everything and worked in some sort of "stable" way. The other way is to do very cool mathematics (which I love) but then different problems arise, as I will take a lot of classes at community college (only class at high school) and I don't think it will be a pleasure in terms of society.</p>

<p>So, what is considered more rigorous?</p>

2

<p>I think generally the IB diploma program is considered more difficult, because it involves more than just advanced classes and exams. In the diploma program, as I'm sure you know, you need to complete the Extended Essay, TOK, and CAS (and possibly some other things; I don't enter the IB program until next year)</p>

3

<p>I believe that's it for Diploma.
IB program looks like more interesting thing to me except for not-having-so-much of math.</p>

4

<p>Take the AP route. Taking diffy q is gonna help a ton more than being super duper well rounded when you want to be a physics major.</p>

5

<p>Which looks better is a tough question since colleges value the IB and AP equally. I would go for the AP route because of the choices but its your call.</p>

6

<p>personally, i took the IB diploma. I have a 6 in ibh math .. which is equivalent to about a 5 in bc calc. </p>

<p>depends if you're more concerned about getting into college or how you do in college. ib DEFINITELY prepares you more for college ... but for applying to american colleges, the less known schools prefer ap whereas the top tier schools judge them the same.</p>

7

<p>So, I took the IB program, and here's what I have to say:</p>

<p>First off, let me admit, yes, IB does seem to do a better job preparing you mentally and work-ethically (this is a new word forum) than AP. I feel smarter than my AP counterparts just by talking to them. In IB you think about a lot more stuff, you research a lot more, and do things a lot deeper ... generally more critical thinking stuff. The reason I say this is because it seems like AP is much more into memorizing than thinking, whereas IB is a lot of readthinkcompareanalyze modgepodge. However, AP definitely does a better job with physics (IB doesn't even offer calc based physics) and the SL level physics is nothing compared to AP Physics B. Also, like someone else said, CAS, EE, TOK, those can really kick your ass ... but in a way that makes you smarter. Harder, but better for it. Yeahhhh....</p>

<p>What really SUCKS though is how it's compared with AP. IB is clearly more difficult when comparing course for course with AP, especially with the internal assessments (major projects) and junk. However, AP gets more credits in colleges, and AP can start as early as 9th grade - a luxury IB students do not have when it comes to cumulative rigorousness. Also, compared to the Math HL, the Calc BC exam is like eating delicious chocolate cake (for the series and differential equations options of the HL exam in particular). </p>

<p>SO, in conclusion, AP is easier, recognized the same, gives a lot of advantages when it comes to college apps, BUT ... IB will challenge you more and probably make you into a smarter person. Which one are you in for, intrinsic or merit benefits? The choice is yours.</p>

<p>*Note: I see your school doesn't offer math up to Math HL. Attempt to do it self study, or something. I took Math HL, then took the AP Calc BC exam, and got a 5, so you can do both, but you definitely cannot take the AP Calc class and get a good grade on the Math HL exam (just not enough breadth OR depth).</p>

8

<p>oh god don't even tell me about internal assessments, our teachers piled them on, each of our 6 were due in the same month,.</p>

<p>anyways i kinda despise ib but i will also concur that it prepares you for college alot more, I have many ib friends who got into UF,UM, UCLA etc who say that college is very reminscent of ib and at times even easier. Thanks to requirements such as the extended essay or your TOK prescribed essays you leave high school already knowing how to write long research papers.they also tell me most people who struggle are those who took few ap classes /regular classes because they were never really tested much or had many committments in terms assignments being due on the same day.
lastly i most say i would take ib over ap anyday, mainly because ap classes at my school are b.s. compared to ib classes.</p>

9

<p>I finished IB this year and still waiting for my scores, but overall I'm glad I took the program. Yes, the internal assessments and the HL Math exam are gruesome, but I definetly feel smarter for completing the program and feel ready for college.</p>

10

<p>i also think IB... you can self-study AP if you really want that recignition, but most colleges reallly respect IB diploma. you cant self study IB because it is based much more on the connections between different ideas and teaching you HOW as opposed to WHAT to think.</p>

11

<p>yea, i never thought a class like hl psych or theory of knowledge would change so many of my viewpoints but it has, unlike ap which just teaches str8 out of a book.</p>

12

<p>I'm unsure how you plan to complete differential equations by the end of your senior year if you go the AP route. You plan to study basic calculus, multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and ordinary/partial differential equations in three years? That seems a bit much unless you already have a calc background. </p>

<p>My advice would be to go the IB route. There is no guarantee your CC classes would transfer credit, and your college may require specific math courses for the physics major. Many math departments have different tracks for certain majors. The IB program will give you a sense of cohesion, and it prepares you better overall. In high school I took IB Biology HL, IB Chemistry HL, AP Physics C, IB Math Methods SL, and AP Calculus BC as my science/math classes, and I've been quite prepared for all of my advanced science/math classes thus far. </p>

<p>I would advise you, however, to take AP Physics C. You need to have calculus-based physics in high school if you plan to go that route, and IB Physics HL does not incorporate calculus.</p>

13

<p>I'd say do IB. If you are interested in the credits, and don't mind working your butt off, you could ask permission ( at least thats the way it works at my school) from the administration to be able to take upto 5 HLs.</p>

14

<p>IB.</p>

<p>It's a *****, but well worth it. The math HL isn't a piece of cake either when your teacher forgets to give you enough time to learn the Calc BC portion so you go through it in 8 WEEKS! It would've been fine, but there were several students struggling so he slowed the pace and then suddenly realized we had 8 weeks to learn taylor, mcclaurin, etc.</p>

15

<p>Thank you all guys! Your responses are extremely helpful and I feel like doing IB.</p>

<p>I am going to find out if that school really has Mathematics HL, and if it does -- question is almost solved :) Also, I am from Europe myself so maybe I'll find it easier.</p>

16

<p>
[quote]
I'm unsure how you plan to complete differential equations by the end of your senior year if you go the AP route. You plan to study basic calculus, multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and ordinary/partial differential equations in three years?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I'll probably take Calculus AB and BC during my Junior year (block schedule) and Calculus 4, Interm. Analysis (multivar) and Diff. Eqs during my senior year. </p>

<p>Also, I might be (very thin chances) able to take Calculus AB/BC in 10th grade (pre-calc summer) and then I will get Linear Algebra during Senior.</p>

<p>
[quote]
If you are interested in the credits, and don't mind working your butt off, you could ask permission ( at least thats the way it works at my school) from the administration to be able to take upto 5 HLs.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I'm more interested in working my butt off :) I'll ask though, didnt know its possible -- thank you!</p>

17

<p>Which is a better exam to take between A-level and AP?And how does IB,AP,A-level exams compare?</p>

18

<p>If you are interested in going to America take the AP, most colleges don't know the A-levels very well or at all. </p>

<p>In terms of just the exams themselves, I'd say IB, AP, A-Levels.</p>

19

<p>I finished the IB Diploma program this year (still awaiting scores) and I have to say that many of the graduates I've talked to say that it prepares you much better for college than AP, especially with all of the components. I liked how there were loose connections between everything, as well as having both the internal and external assessments. It's a shame IB isn't weighted more heavily. The only downside I found was that the SAT and SAT II's are geared more towards AP (especially the subject tests), which means you have to do more self-study. I still did well enough.</p>

20

<p>The subject tests are VERY AP oriented. Good thing I took AP Chem before I went into IB and was able to remember enough to get a 780 w/o prep. Otherwise, you cram the SAT II books.</p>