<p>Hello, I'm dealing with an issue regarding the diplomas and courses offered at my school. My school offers the IB and AP Diploma, however, the classes are limited. Example, for IB, the highest math offered is IBS Standard (with IBStudies being easiest). It is considered one of the most challenging math classes because of the workload and expectations. The thing is, quite a few of the teachers agree that if you are able to pursue either one of the diplomas you should go for it. However, I was wondering if it still looks good if you could take a mix of hard classes (considered most demanding/challenging) from both IB and AP. The reason everything is confusing is because at my school, the best english teacher, is the IBH English teacher. Every alumni whom revisits the school would return to thank her profusely for her help. And she really is a great teacher (I had her this year), and I want to improve my oratory skills through the IBH class (AP doesn't have orals here). I've also had the AP English teacher once in Freshman year, but I noticed I learn more from the more experienced teacher (IBH). However, I am leaning towards AP because of the wide variety of sciences offered. I've taken biology and chemistry so far and was hoping to take AP Chem and Honors AP Physics next year. But the AP Chem class was disbanded because there wasn't enough people and the school is broke. I'm unwilling to commit to IBH Biology or IBH Physics because of it being two year courses. My biology is kind of boggy right now and I don't know much about physics, so jumping into a two year honors course would be difficult. I do enjoy AP Chem. I've taken AP US History this year, and it was interesting. Would it affect my chances to enter an Ivy League or any other good universities? I'm aiming to apply for financial aid or get a scholarship since my mom is unable to pay for my (or brother's) tuition. My sister was able to go to Brown on a full scholarship so my mom is holding the same expectations to my brother and I, which I feel is increasingly impossible for the two of us...I try to do a lot of extracurricular activities I love, like science fairs, history day competitions, quiz bowl competitions (working on project for ISEF). So, I was just wondering if I would still be placed on equal footing with other students who are taking honors courses for their respective diplomas, if I do a mix of honor classes from both diplomas rather than pursue one type of diploma head-on. What I really want is the benefits of both diplomas, to be a student with the IB/AP learner profile. Another alternative I thought was to self-study for AP Lit., Chem, etc. so that I can at least pursue an AP diploma. But that is really difficult with the schedule and the troubles I might bump into and without having a teacher who can elaborate, I'm worried.</p>
<p>I think it will be fine if you take a mixture of courses since you’re still taking honours courses. The university will probably understand and won’t see it as a weakness. Having a diploma is obviously great, but would you rather miss out on the courses you want? </p>
<p>On the other hand, you might want to consider the IB diploma because it includes a philosophy essay and a research paper that are sort of like university standard papers. If you can handle the work, I would suggest self-studying for the AP and doing the IB diploma. You’ll find that a lot of the content overlaps, so after you self-study and take IB courses during the junior year, you’ll know the content for the AP exams, which you can do that year, and have less studying to do in your senior year if you’re taking the IB courses that you already took an AP exam for (I’m assuming that you’re in grade 10). And then you can use that time to work on your extended essay or dedicate to extracurriculars. I know a few people from my school who did this. Yes, I’m in IB too and I understand what you mean by dedicating oneself to two years of an honours course and how the choice is sort of limited (schools can’t possibly offer them all, especially when they have to fit the program into semesters), but it’s really not too bad!</p>
<p>Doing the first suggestion would be an acceptable course and doing the second suggestion would be going above and beyond. However, don’t try to take the IB and self study at the same time if you think that you aren’t confident in your academics; there’s nothing impressive in getting both diplomas if you only have 4s on APs and 5/6 on IBs.</p>
<p>Thanks for responding! I am definitely worried about the catching up I’d have to do for the IB science courses if I choose to pursue IB. I’m honestly contemplating just doing a mixture of honors courses from both AP and IB and self-studying for AP exams to at least earn one of either diplomas. However, when I mentioned this to a teacher, they asked me what was the point, I should just pursue the IB diploma. But there are some AP classes I would like to remain in.</p>
<p>Also, I’m confused about your last statement. I thought 4s and 5/6s were good scores? o_O</p>