<p>URGENT, huh!? Well let’s see! If you want a rigid schedule dominated by rigorous testing and tons of essays, sure thing. As someone who went the AP path, so to speak, I have no regrets. I can say that IB probably encourages better study habits, but that could be entirely subjective. Also, IB credits are accepted at less colleges than APs, and I can’t say what benefits to admissions Ib provides. I am really glad I did AP - I had a much more relaxed schedule, many fewer exams, a wicked fun senior year, and got into a great school. My IB friends also got into good schools, but at the price of long hours of studying and testing and doing mandatory projects for IB. Again, this is my admittedly biased view. But I ahd a great time in HS, and I think that’s due to inherent personality traits that were just compatible with AP. Your call bro</p>
<p>The colleges and universities that you would apply to in the US are familiar with various types of national educational systems. It is OK for you to follow your national program if you want to.</p>
<p>You also need to know that there is absolutely nothing that you can do that will guarantee admission to a college or university in the US. You need to do what is necessary to maximize your chances of admission to a college or university in your own country. If that also means that you might be able to get into a college or university in another country that is fine. But be sure to have good options for yourself at home.</p>
<p>US Universities are aware of the various national boards and educational systems and thus you won’t be put at a severe disadvantage for sticking to it. However, if you feel the need to follow the IB or AP programs then it is completely up to you. Personally, I like the AP program better but again thats incredibly subjective. Otherwise, go with what you want, but make sure you take some time to really mull this over.</p>
<p>Otherwise, I know this isn’t the time or the place but I feel the urge to tell you. No offense, but don’t “plan” on going to universities like Stanford or MIT. Make them your goals, not your plans. They’re both incredibly hard-to-get-into universities that reject even the most qualified applicants. Don’t set yourself up for disappointment if it doesn’t work out.</p>
<p>Either way, the best of luck to you in figuring out your “urgent” dilemma.</p>
<p>I am an IB student who has done IGCSE in the past so I can’t compare with AP but since there are already AP students giving their view, I’ll toss in mine.</p>
<p>There are other more complex factors you may want to consider when deciding. For one, the IB is great in the sense that it is very intellectually challenging and eye opening. Also you need to consider if you will have really good teachers. If you have teachers very bad at teaching you may have a very difficult time in your studies and possible not do very well. No college will be impressed with bad grades. On the other hand, if you pick very difficult subjects and do very well in them, they would probably be impressed.</p>
<p>I do IB higher maths, english, physics and economics and standard level art and chinese. Higher maths and english are the hardest subjects in my opinion, and art is the most time consuming.</p>
<p>Another thing is the course selection restrictions. You MUST take a primary language, a second language, maths, a science, a social science/humanities, and an art or elective course and TOK. It does not matter if you have no intention of studying a second language in college, you still need to take a language. While this is good for producing well rounded students, it may not be desirable for some who are cemented on what they want to do in the future.</p>
<p>I’d also like to mention, the Theory of Knowledge required course is excellent for general lifeskills. The things you learn there can be applied in any subject ares (because it studies knowledge itself) and you learn to see things in a more intellectually enlightened light.</p>
<p>As for IB vs AP for college entry, I am not completely sure. However, in my general experience looking ar random websites and CC plus teacher and former student conversations, and I gather that US colleges respect the IB diploma very much, but I think they cannot give an IB student too much advantage because not many people have the opportunity to do IB.</p>
<p>Personally I think IB is more recognized if you have that option available to you, mainly because it is comparable universally in every country and not just U.S.</p>
<p>You may want to cross post on India Forum to get some opinions from students who have been admitted from India.</p>
<p>@zhangvict
Well thanks for your opinion
I guess i am going to continue with my current board
I am also learning japanese .
Have been learning it for roughly 6 years .
Just wondering Does that help ?</p>
<p>If you go to the main page where all of the forums are listed, and scroll down, you will find the International Students Forum. The India Forum is inside that forum.</p>