<p>Hello, I'm currently a freshman in high school, and am in a bit of a unique situation regarding the AP and/or IB curriculum selection. I have basically narrowed my options down to two. The first is to go full out with the IB Diploma Programme, take IB Phlebotomy as my elective, and maintain involvement in a few clubs, including an officer positions. My second option is to take AP classes, and possibly a few IB's as well, enroll in my local community college and take night courses for college credits, as well as enroll in a program that can guarantee me a license in things such as dental assisting, EMT, or cosmetology (guaranteeing me a non-minimum wage job out of high school). Taking the latter route, I could also have the opportunity to graduate early, seeing as I already have four high school credits under my belt.</p>
<p>I've read plenty of debates, but have never found a conflict such as mine. Both have their pros and cons, and if I could get opinions, I would really appreciate it. I guess what I'm asking is how would each situation affect admissions to schools, and which is the better option?</p>
<p>I don't have a major in mind just yet, but plan on going to university. I have a 5.0 weighted GPA, 4.0 weighted. My schedule is designed to accomodate Pre-IB students. My school's IB programme offers HL in just about everything EXCEPT math, which is my strongest subject. </p>
<p>I also plan to contact admissions offices in the near future and ask on their advice.</p>
<p>Thank you for your time. :)</p>
<p>If you want to go to university, I don’t see the advantage of getting a vocational certification (many colleges offer EMT training, btw), taking CC classes, or graduating early. </p>
<p>In your case, IB will almost certainly be the more rigorous route, although you may want to supplement your math curriculum with AP Calc BC or a CC Calc course. Moreover, the real advantage of IB is not the rigor of the individual classes but of the program as a whole. The EE is especially solid preparation for university-level coursework.</p>
<p>To me, the uniqueness of your situation also makes the choice a bit easier, at least if you’re focused on university admissions and rigor.</p>
<p>As a non-diploma IB student, I would HIGHLY suggest going for the full diploma. While I understand it is a lot of work, everyone I know who is either in the midst of receiving it or has completed the program says it is highly rewarding, and I’m currently wishing I had been able to take it on myself. Of course, you need to be realistic about being a diploma student (with CAS, Extended Essay, etc.), staying active in ECs, and maintaining a role in leadership…that’s a lot to handle, and I know only a handful of students at my own school who are successfully handling it themselves. Now, that’s not to deter you from doing it…just be realistic about how much you take on. </p>
<p>I think your second option would be a good plan if you didn’t have the option of getting the diploma and weren’t planning on going to college–if you are going to go to college and hopefully be successful afterwards, you really won’t need to be an EMT or cosmetologist. Unless, of course, that’s what you WANT to do. </p>
<p>I think a good plan of action would be to first think about what YOU want from your future–do you see yourself in a profession that only requires community college? If so, you’ll probably be all set with plan #2. Do you want to go to a top university? Get into a top program? If so, you’ll want to look competitive, and taking on and actually receiving the full diploma is the best way to do that. </p>
<p>Good luck with your decision. I’d definitely contact some admissions offices as well as your own school counselor or IB coordinator…I know they can sometimes be useless, but it can’t hurt.</p>
<p>Also: maybe, instead of taking another IB class as an elective, you could take an AP course? I know of many IB Diploma students who have done that, and I think it’s a great way to look well-rounded to college admissions offices!</p>