If I want to go to Harvard, should I take IB?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
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<p>I'm in 10th grade and I'm planning to take the full IB program next year, but I'm having second thoughts about it. I'm specifically aiming at Harvard as a school (it's my dream school, but other Ivies work too) and I've heard that IB does not appeal to them any more than AP does. In my school, a lot of the IB students say that it's terrible and not worth it, but I've also heard that the teachers are amazing and that the workload is interesting as long as you remain motivated and goal-oriented. I've also heard that your grades, GPA, and class rank drop, which is something that bothers me a lot. I'm in my school's top ten and my GPA is around 3.8, and I'm not sure if I'm willing to lose that. I also swim competitively and play piano outside of school, as well as write for the school newspaper. Those extracurriculars take up a lot of my time, and I'm wondering if I will be able to handle the homework load... </p>

<p>I know colleges look at IB and see that you are challenging yourself, which is what I want. I've heard a lot about how the program can make you into a better person and help you with future endeavors. I'm super excited to begin the program and I'm totally willing to work hard and aim for the diploma, honest. But I don't know if it's worth it, especially with where I'm trying to apply to. Like I said, I'm not too happy if my GPA and grade rank drop, but I'm the type of person who thinks that if that's what's going to happen, then "I'll just have to make sure that my grades in IB are superb too." But I need to be realistic here, and as of now I'm really confused as to whether or not I'm taking the right path to get into the schools like Harvard and such. I took a look at the acceptances rates for IB and apparently the only Ivy where IB makes a huge impact is UPenn (which is one of my goal schools, so that's cool.) But I don't know about Harvard...and I don't want to give up fighting for my dream school...</p>

<p>Sorry for the long message, but can anyone tell me if IB is a good choice if I'm aiming at Harvard?</p>

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<p>I’m wondering the same, I’ve already passed the placement tests for the IB program. I am definitely going (if it works out financially,touch wood) but I wonder if it will benefit me if I tried to get into Harvard.</p>

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<p>Definately do IB! If you want to show Harvard you can handle some hard stuff do IB!! If you don’t they will be wondering why you didn’t challenge yourself enough</p>

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<p>The top two students at my dd’s high school got an IB and AP with Distinction diploma and neither of them got into Harvard. One did get wait listed. One is at U of Penn and the other is at Georgetown. Both are very happy with the decisions. The point I am making is that you can do it all and still not get into Harvard. </p>

<p>Also, I wanted to add that the top 25 GPA kids at my dd’s school were all IB students with AP classes too. The kids taking AP only did not get into the top 25 at all. I am sure that is not always the case, but I find that AP only students, at her high school, were only good in certain subjects and that is why they didn’t make the top. </p>

<p>I will add doing all the busy work for IB will make you better prepared for college.</p>

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<p>The most selective colleges want to see you take the most challenging classes possible.</p>

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<p>In college admissions, you are always evaluated in the context of your high school. The easy answer is you should take whatever is considered the most challenging course load available at your school. Since you go there, you should have a pretty good idea of whether IB or AP is considered that track. What do the people considered the ‘top students’ at your school normally do? This matters when your guidance counselor writes your rec and gives colleges an idea of where you are in the class.</p>