My IB Conondrum...HELP!

Applying to College
1

<p>Here's my dilemma.
I'm planning on applying to an Ivy. (if not Stanford or MIT) Whatever it is that I choose to major in, I know it will relate to science.
I'm caught between taking SL computer science or HL physics.
Which would colleges prefer to see on an application?
If I chose to SL in computer science, it would mean that I could only SL in physics senior year.</p>

<p>Here are a few stats if it helps...
-female
-african american ... black to the bone
-ib student
-top %6 of class
-going to hopefully become a questbridge finalist next year
-lots of good ecs with leadership positions
-math awards/science awards
etc etc etc</p>

2

<p>Without question … HL Physics.</p>

3

<p>@fogcity</p>

<p>Why? Please elaborate! It would be much appreciated</p>

4

<p>HL Physics
I am currently taking it, it is extremely stimulating and is considered the second most difficult course after HL Math. So it is worth taking if you enjoy challenging physics.</p>

5

<p>@moonman676
thank you for your opinion. as for me, i’m taking everything into consideration. although most probably, my choice will be hl physics</p>

6

<p>MIT will give you credit for a first semester freshman physics course for a 7 on IB Physics HL.
[MIT</a> Class of 2015: Advising and Academics - International Examination Credit](<a href=“http://web.mit.edu/firstyear/2015/subjects/intl.html#ib]MIT”>http://web.mit.edu/firstyear/2015/subjects/intl.html#ib)</p>

<p>Stanford will give you credit for one quarter of physics (Physics 21) for a 5 or higher and two quarters of physics (Physics 21 and 23) for a 6 or higher on IB Physics HL.
[Office</a> of the University Registrar - IB Credit Chart | Student Affairs](<a href=“http://studentaffairs.stanford.edu/registrar/students/baccalaureate-credit]Office”>http://studentaffairs.stanford.edu/registrar/students/baccalaureate-credit)</p>

<p>Generally, universities give no credit for IB SL.</p>

7

<p>Another vote for HL Physics - D has it now. SL Physics desn’t cover all the information from AP physics because IB changed their curriculum unit order this year. Apparently there is lots of material in HL that is “need to know” for your physics base if you plan to continue on in it. You might be missing big chunks if you only do SL.</p>

8

<p>It also depends on what other courses you are taking. </p>

<p>Are you taking HL Math, as well? Are you taking HL Chemistry, or SL? </p>

<p>Coming from a school of extremely competitive students who believe(d) they can (could) handle just about anything, I would never recommend an IB candidate take the Unholy Trinity of Math HL, Chemistry HL, and Physics HL. Just… no.</p>

<p>Seeing as you want to go into the sciences, it’s expected that you cover Chemistry HL. You could probably skate by in Math SL (depend on what type of science you want to go into), allowing you enough leeway to take Physics HL. Otherwise, I would steer clear of the Triple Axis.</p>