Hey everyone,
I am currently a junior in high school. I was in the IB program at the start of this year, but choose to drop out in favor of an equally rigorous AP schedule. However, as I only dropped out recently, I am still in IB Geography SL and registered to take the IB test next week. Since I am not going for the diploma, should I even bother taking the IB test? I just finished with AP testing and am feeling somewhat burnt out, but I’d still put in the effort to study if you guys recommend it.
I’ve heard colleges don’t even give credit for SL tests and I also don’t need the score for the diploma. It would also save me time since I wouldn’t have to study.
However, I am aiming for top universities and was wondering if they would care if I took the test. Would it look lazy if I took the class and not the test? Also, if I passed the test with a high score, would this help prove to them that I didn’t drop IB because I couldn’t handle it?
Thanks, I’d really appreciate any input!
Your assessment that the test isn’t necessary is right. The only value would be if you got a good score, which you could self-report. (If you don’t do well, you don’t report.)
The major value in reporting good IB or AP scores is that it shows your mastery of the material is equal to or better than your grade in the class. (Makes it less likely there was grade inflation. )
@gardenstategal thanks for the reply! Would you recommend taking it?
At this point, you have taken the class and paid the fee. It doesn’t seem like there’s much downside. If you do poorly, you don’t report it.
Some colleges do give credit for SL courses, here is an example:
http://engineering.unl.edu/downloads/files/AP-IB_flyer2015.pdf
Also, make sure the exam doesn’t count towards your grade in the class, even if it is only completion credit.