Stuck on high school course decision . . .

Applying to College
1

<p>Starting this August, I will be a ninth grader. And, you know what that means, my college-craving mind will explode.</p>

<p>While researching things about high school, I came across plenty of things about AP and IB. I now have a few questions in mind:</p>

<ol>
<li> Which is better? AP OR IB?</li>
<li> Can you take both of them?</li>
<li> Can I take AP courses in 9th grade . . . up?</li>
<li> Which are better for Ivies?</li>
</ol>

<p>By the way, I'm an advanced student. Hope that helps. :3 I'm not a real genius at this type of stuff!</p>

2

<p>Before your brain explodes, calm down and breathe.</p>

<p>Before you care which is “better”, find out the following:

  1. Does your school offer both AP and IB? If no, then stop. Take whichever they have.
  2. Does your school allow you to take both of them, if both are offered?
  3. Ask your school if you can take AP courses in 9th grade. If you can (in some schools you cannot), find out if you qualify to take them.</p>

<p>The basic concept is to take the hardest courses that your school offers, AND in which you can do well. Do not take so many APs in subjects that are difficult for you that you cannot keep up with everything.</p>

<p>Remember that high school is not all about getting into college. Slow down and make sure that you have time to live your life as well!</p>

3

<p>AP generally gives you a lot more freedom within the course and more flexibility in course selection where IB tends to be a pretty prescribed course load for the degree.</p>

<p>In my opinion, AP has a lot less hand holding and is good for self-driven students where IB has a pretty ironed out route through the different programs.</p>