Should I stay in the IB program?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Massachusetts Institute of Technology
1

Hi, I’m currently in 10th grade and am deciding between staying in my current program (IB) or switching to another school, one that is a full time dual-enrollment high school. The dual-enrollment school takes place on the campus of a local community college with a few high school courses in the evening (most of which are AP) and the option to take whatever courses are available at the college in the morning.

My biggest concern with IB right now is the lack of options for courses I can take. My school only offers SL Mathematics and doesn’t offer any IB Physics courses, nor anything above AP Physics 1. If you aren’t familiar with IB, there are two levels of each course, SL(Standard Level) and HL(Higher Level), HL being more difficult than SL and the only level for which MIT accepts credit for. In Math and Science, I’ve taken the basic Honors courses and AP Statistics, am currently taking AP Physics 1, and can take AP Calculus BC my senior year. I’ll also take the two-year HL Chemistry and HL Biology courses starting next year. In addition to all this, IB students, from what I’ve seen, generally have a lot less time to do extracurriculars since the coursework is a lot more demanding.

On the other hand, IB, from what I’ve been told, is seen as more rigorous than AP, though I’m not sure as to how MIT sees it. Also, IB has some really great assignments that appear to greatly prepare students for college such as the Extended Essay (EE) and the Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) Project.

The other school offers a lot more academic freedom than the IB one, offering up to Calculus 3 (I’m not sure if this is above Calculus BC) and Linear Algebra as well as up to Physics with Calculus 2. The only problem with this school is that the courses are not as rigorous as the IB ones (it’s a community college, after all) so I don’t know if it looks like I just tried going the easy way. I can always do a few of the dual enrollment courses over the summer and take IB as well too.

I’m not sure as to what path I should take and am hoping you all can share some advice. I have a 4.00 GPA, participate in several clubs, and participated in the AMC 10 (I did bad last year, but am practicing to make it further this year) and am planning to participate in the USAPhO this year.

2

MIT doesn’t compare students to each other. You will be judged solely on whether you took the most challenging courses possible for your situation. I see nothing wrong with either path. However, academic rigor is only a small part of the equation. If your studies prevent you from pursuing extracurricular activities to an almost extreme level, that will hurt your chances of acceptance.

3

What is your personal preference?

MIT has students from all of these backgrounds (Honors, DE, AP, IB, International, Calc 3, Diff Eq., etc.).

4

I don’t think MIT will make a difference between IB vs something else as long as you’re on the most rigorous path in your school. IB is not seen more rigorous than AP (imo they should, but they don’t).

But you’re right on one thing: you will have much less free time if you choose to continue with the IB program, even with easier subjects. It is a good program, but very time consuming.

On the other hand, if the community college’s courses will not satisfy you, it will be a tough choice. Maybe, you can participate to a few classes in CC before deciding which way is better for you

Btw, Calc 3 is usually a multivariable calculus lesson (AP BC is Calc 2 in most college).

5

I would choose based on which offers the most science and math at the highest level you can handle if you are aspiring to an engineering program.

I love the IB program but it’s not for everyone, especially if your school doesn’t offer the courses that interest you. SL math is essentially AB calc, which is fine. But… If you are putting your effort into HL history when your heart is in physics and chem and you have an option to study those, I say follow your heart!