<p>So next year is the first year that my school is doing the IB diploma program and my class (2016) will be the first ones that can take the program. I've got a few questions:
1. Will colleges know that it was my school's first year of DP in my application and how will they know?
2. If I choose just to do the AP route because I know my school is not ready for the DP program will colleges understand or be more lenient about me choosing the "less rigorous" route because it was my school's first year? I plan to take 6 AP classes next year...would that be considered very rigorous or as rigorous as the Diploma program?
3. I do not want to take DP because I want to be in the Associated Student Body (leadership/student council) and that does not fit in my schedule of DP. I'm shooting to be ASB prez senior year, would colleges know that it didn't fit in my schedule and that's why I chose the ap route? Or would me being in ASB balance the fact that I did not choose DP?
3. Since my school is in transition, they have some AP classes eliminated to adapt to the DP system. Such as AP English Lang, AP English Lit, AP US History, AP Spanish, and all those courses are becoming two year HL courses. So if I do the AP route I would still have to take about 2 HL classes. Would that make me look like I couldn't handle the rigor of DP so chose only to be in it partially but not in for the program?
4. I'm really irritated with the college counselor at my school basically denouncing the whole AP program now that the school was approved for DP. He says that it will make us look way way way (no exaggeration here) better to colleges than AP students. Is this really true? Because many people on here have also said that IB is only good if you're coming from a school outside of the United States, which I'm not. What is the truth?
5. I've brought up this topic a few times on here and a couple of people have told me that my school is being extremely stupid for the way they are handling their transition. So should I switch schools to a full AP program school? However, in the school I want to switch to, I'm scared I will not get into the soccer team there because they are division 1 and my school is division 3. And I really want to play soccer. I also run track but I can get on that team assured. And plus the connections I have already made to get me high places (such as president) at the school I am already at has made me afraid that I won't be able to establish such connections at the other school in such little time (junior and senior year) and having to adjust to a different competition environment and the ranking system and such. Plus new friends. There are a lot of disadvantages and advantages.
6. DP is considered to have a liberal arts feel to prepare you for college where, like college, you are required to take a certain set of classes. AP, however, is very free in which you can choose the classes you want. I really want to build my own schedule but if DP makes me look better, than I will conform. So my question is should I savor the opportunity to choose my own classes while I have the chance OR should I take the opportunity to get used to the college feel?
7. So basically, what I'm asking is: are AP and DP equal? Can I choose either one under the circumstances I've stated above?</p>
<p>And, if it aids your answer, I'm looking into the top colleges and universities in the nation. </p>