So, I’m starting my 3rd year of high school this September. I’m planning to do the full IB Diploma. Right now, I’m thinking of self studying for 3 AP courses that are very similar to my next year’s IB courses (studying starting in the summer). What I’m thinking is that studying for those AP courses will help with my IB courses and vise versa. The reason I’m doing this is also because I think that if I can get an AP Scholar Award while basically studying for my IB courses is a big bonus.
I’m planning to take AP Statistics, AP Biology, and AP Chemistry
What do you think about this？Any recommendations? Do you disapprove my reasoning? Should I do more/less?
Thank you!
The IB Diploma is very highly-respect in and of itself, so I am not sure what more you would gain by self-studying for the AP courses. The IB Diploma program is intense and demanding in its final year, so it seems you might be better off focusing on doing well there.
Agree with @tkoparent ! The IBD is well respected by admissions and at many schools will give you a full year of advanced standing. I wouldn’t bother chasing an AP scholar distinction when you will have the IBD. It adds nothing!
However… few schools give placement for SL exams and for some classes, the SL and AP curriculum line up pretty well. So if you think you might want to use an AP for placement or to fulfill a distribution requirement, it could be worthwhile. Chemistry might be one of those. Ditto for FL.
The AP Scholar award is not a “big bonus” when it comes to admissions.
IF studying for the AP exams is actually helpful for your IB courses- hey, whatever works.
In terms of getting college credits or meeting distribution requirements, look at the places you are thinking of applying to and see what their policies are: in most places that I am familiar with your HL courses will get you as far as APs.
For admissions you will do more for yourself at highly selective colleges by taking Bio & Chem HL and doing well than taking them SL and adding the AP.