<p>I am a junior this year, almost done with a year of the IB program, and I am sick and tired of classes that won't get my any college credit and are wasting my time etc. TOK, IB Theatre.</p>
<p>My current schedule is as follows:
Forensics
IB History HL
IB English HL
IB TOK
IB Theatre HL
IB Math Studies SL
IB Spanish SL</p>
<p>My planned schedule for next year is:
IB English HL
IB History HL
IB Environmental Systems SL
IB Theatre HL
AP Statistics
Foundations of Technology
IB TOK</p>
<p>I am thinking about dropping the diploma program and switching next year's schedule into something like this:
IB English HL
IB History HL
AP Environmental Science
AP Statistics
AP Psychology
Foundations of Technology</p>
<p>Does this schedule look better or worse to colleges than my diploma program schedule?
I was also planning on testing in AP Literature and AP European History in hopes of additional credit. I am wondering, what do you guys think? I just feel like I am taking too many joke classes in IB that won't get me any college credit and aren't even related to my interests. I feel like dropping IB will make me more competitive to colleges and will increase my chances of getting college credit significantly. Do you guys think I should drop IB or stick with it? Any response would be much appreciated.</p>
<p>If you do IB, it’s best to do diploma; otherwise, you should have stayed along an AP track. The rigor of IB, unlike AP, does not derive from the rigor of each class but of the program as a whole, and dropping out of diploma means you’re no longer required to complete the Extended Essay or do your CAS. </p>
<p>I would stay in the program, unless it’s completely drained you. Some colleges have a certain affinity for the rigors of the IB Diploma program; others have never heard of it. Still, the full-fledged program is a different beast entirely than a few scattered classes. Remember that you can–and probably should–take corresponding AP classes for college credit anyway, and that plenty of colleges give credit for 6s or 7s (even 5s in some of the more rigorous HLs) on your IB exams. </p>
<p>Keep in mind that I understand where you’re coming from. I’m a rising senior who’s been a bit disillusioned by aspects of my school’s IB program–I even advocated my sister leave my IB magnet school for her home school for the luxury of easier classes and the time to devote to her (extensive) extracurriculars. But you are a junior, halfway through the trials and tribulations of IB, with your EE coming up. I recommend you keep going. </p>
<p>Besides which, IB classes are two years. Dropping out now is the equivalent of dropping an AP class at the semester.</p>
<p>bump, does anybody else have some advice?</p>
<p>Depending on the school you go to, the IB program can either be a joke or a very solid set of classes. I don’t know what the rigor of the program is at your school. I know it is looked at well outside of the U.S., but its recognition here is not anywhere near AP. However, seeing as you have already got this far to your senior year, it will not matter if you switch to AP. Your first transcript that the college will see is going to reflect your junior year schedule. The only reason they will look at your senior year schedule would be to assess whether you are slacking off or not. The IB program, especially full, will definitely prove that you are not slacking by any means. I would stick with it, you really have nothing to gain by switching.</p>
<p>I would take the AP US History exam also. I took the first year of IB HL History then took the AP exam that same year, and got a 5 relatively easily. If getting credit for IB classes is worrying you then think about taking the AP tests.</p>
<p>Also, depending on your major, AP statistics will be a waste of your time. I regret taking that my senior year instead of AP Calculus. If you are going into a science major, I would highly recommend doing the calculus course. It will be more difficult but more rewarding in the end.</p>
<p>I already took AP USH in my freshman year, and I’m interested in business, so I will likely need to take both Calc and Stat in college, assuming I don’t get credit in high school.</p>
<p>IB is seriously overrated and hyped up. I did the IB program, and I was convinced by the whole “colleges think that it is so prestigious and all the different job companies will admire you and want to hire you for your work in that renowned program”. It is fairly prestigious, but so is AP. Both are at the same level. I haven’t found myself to be thought of as any better because I did the IB program. They really don’t care as much as you think they do. Also, don’t use the argument that you’ve “already come this far, why not finish it off” since you do way more work senior year. </p>
<p>If you’re a math/science person, then definitely drop it. If not, then consider staying in IB (since its more oriented to non-math/science stuff- at least at my school). Just do whatever’s easiest for you- both are equally prestigious, but you want your GPA to be as high as possible (at least until winter break). You won’t get as much credit for IB, so do take that into mind. Also, take corresponding AP tests- AP US History test for IB History, AP English Lit for IB English, etc.</p>