If your school offers both AP and IB classes, do colleges want a mix?

Applying to College
1

the IB classes would be for the certificate because I have no interest in the entire diploma

2

Ask them. It probably doesn’t matter, so long as you’re taking the most rigorous classes.

3

If your school offers the diploma, then that is likely the most rigorous option, only take a mix if you love a class enough to take HL. HL in most classes is more rigorous than AP.

4

If you can take the full IB program and get an IB diploma do it. Otherwise the IB courses are not viewed mire favorably than AP classes.

5

IB Diploma can get you many college credits at some schools. For example, at SUNY Binghamton:

"Students in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program may receive up to 32 credits. To receive the full 32 credits, the following conditions must be met:

The IB Diploma must be completed with a score of 30 or more points; and
The student must complete at least three Higher Level exams with a score of 5 or higher.
Diploma holders who meet these conditions receive credit for their individual exam scores plus additional liberal arts elective credit to total 32 credits."