<p>Sorry if this isn't the right place, I just have no idea where else to put this. </p>
<p>Okay SO, I will be a junior next year and I want to go to a public school. I wouldn't say this school is HORRIBLE, but it's eh average? It is an IB school.</p>
<p>So after some research I've gathered that IB is a program? With a test/ essay(s) at the end? What exactly IS IT, and should I take it? How do I take it? Do you just apply and you're in? I've been to private school all my life so this will really be a change for me, but when I have a strong will power I am able to overcome most difficulties in my life.</p>
<p>I also want to take AP classes, is that possible? Or is it something like you either take AP classes or IB classes? Like as in you can't take both? Or is IB something totally different that has nothing to do with my actual required core classes, so I can take AP classes along with the IB program?
I also heard if you want to take AP classes all you have to do is sign up and you're in but you have to pass a test and if you don't pass then the class would have been for nothing - credit wise. </p>
<p>I want to get into UT but I don't know WHAT to do, I know I have a LOT to do and this year will be a struggle but I want to be a pediatric psychiatrist and after some research I think UT is a fairly good school for undergrad psychology. And then after that med school and etc. </p>
<p>My sat and act scores are low but that is because I've never studied for them because my teachers told me I could take them as many times I want without it going against me (only SAT) but then I found out 3 times is usually the preferred "max" with SAT's and I've already taken it twice so I plan on taking the sat in october this year. My scores are incredibly low, and I'm not sure if it is even possible to raise them up to at least the lowest scores that UT has accepted (on their site for 2012 incoming freshmen) which is horrifying, but I will study a lot before I take the test.</p>
<p>Also does UT care about how many times you've taken the SAT? Or ACT?</p>
<p>I doubt with a state school they will really care that much how many times you’ve taken the SAT. Also, you’re only going to be a junior – you don’t need to be worrying about how many times you’ve taken the SAT. Colleges generally look more seriously at more recent testing data. A sophomore year test isn’t representative of your senior year self, so wait until the spring of junior year/fall of senior year to take those tests.</p>
<p>Top 8% in Texas a guaranteed admission to UT, so if you’re in the sector or you can bring your grades up enough. Going to a competitive IB school will not help your class rank though.</p>
<p>You could go to UTSA for a year and then transfer to UT. A lot of people do that.</p>
<p>Well, I am a junior (upcoming fall) and I do think I should start worrying about all of this now before it’s too late. </p>
<p>Okay so if I stay at my current school my gpa will be somewhat high (it is 3.7 now) but it is easy to make good grades. I will have to go to UTA (honors academy) to take dual credit classes because my school does not really “offer” them in the actual school itself. The only good thing about this school is easy grades, and high rank (if that even applies to an incredibly small school), which leaves me more time to focus on SAT/ ACT as well volunteer work if possible. </p>
<p>However, if I choose the public school I can take AP/ IB classes (I guess?? I mean I want to but I’m not sure how i will take to it) and my gpa may be high? I’m not sure how exactly GPA’s work and unweighted / weighted GPA stuff. And I also have to focus on the SAT/ ACT which may be harder at a public school if I take advanced classes. </p>
<p>Sigh, which school sounds better now?</p>
<p>The public pros (academically not socially)
IB/AP classes (but no guarantee I’ll excel)
I will get used to the work which will prepare me for college
and yeah that’s about it. Due to how many people are there,being in top quartile seems incredibly difficult.</p>
<p>The private school pros:
Easy to maintain a somewhat high average GPA which leaves me more time to study for the SAT/ ACT (i feel like I’ve said this 10 times, ha sorry)
Possible valedictorian senior year (seriously right now there are only 2 people in my grade including me. Yeah, it’s THAT small - but will that count in such a small school?)
And yeah, but since the curriculum is easy I am concerned that when I go to college I will be overwhelmed by the coursework, but people have told me that when I go to college, I will adjust - and that whatever I do in high school won’t matter. Is this true? </p>
<p>I just don’t know what school will benefit me more. Which sounds better? Also, does UT like AP, IB, or dual credit classes/ credits more?</p>