AP, DE, or IB?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In my view the International Baccalaureate is way overrated.

Over two years in the IB Diploma Program you need to take at minimum 3 HL classes, each taking two years but essentially only covering the material in one year of an AP course. The rest are 6 SL classes, three in each year, that are the rough equivalent of a regular/honors class. That’s a very weak coursework to be considered rigorous, but somehow the schedule ends up being very full and stressful, perhaps because of a heavy amount of busywork.

Talking about extras. There’s a Theory of Knowledge class, one semester each year, a wannabe course in epistemology, but actually pretentious and useless. There’s another section of Creativity, Activity and Service, which is supposed to stand in for extracurriculars, kind of being voluntold to go out and learn about something. It’s much better if you’re actually part of a club to be involved, CAS is such a time sink it actually makes it harder to have strong extracurriculars. Extended Essay is a long 15-20 page written assignment, probably the best feature of the program, but the format is an awkward first person essay instead of a thesis.

Overall, IB is trying to be a full package serving a a rigorous program for many students, but it falls short particularly for the very top students.

This is interesting

I mean it’s just stupid to claim that IB takes 2 years to cover the “same material” as AP. Kids are not just sitting there listening and reading at half speed or something.

Obviously everyone who’s taught or gone to college knows you can spend a semester on the French Revolution or you can spend a semester on the history of France from the Romans to the 5th Republic.

It’s fine if you think IB is better in some way but you’re not bringing anything to the discussion by name calling arguments you disagree with stupid. The fact is, at least in science and math, IB is slow paced and that’s not great for the top students. If writing a Theory of Knowledge essay is redeeming all that, you’re entitled to your opinion. My own is that essay is a waste of time.

The only argument I’ve heard for IB is that there is a lot of writing. Whoever values that above coursework rigor will choose to go to an IB program. Other people will weigh the the rest of the arguments an choose accordingly.

IB is so slow that so many super smart kids apply to the IB magnet program rather than stay at their home school and take all the APs. Yep, those super smart kids are just looking to be lazy.

/s

You’re conflating two different things here, the IB curriculum and the grouping by ability (magnet programs). I don’t disagree that the latter works and putting smart students together is beneficial to their education.

You can compare the IB magnet with other magnets, but that’s an entirely different discussion.

Why? Do you think IB magnet teaches something different compared to non magnet IB? The curriculum is set by IDBP not the individual schools.

If those smart magnet kids didn't think IB was worth it and AP was better, do you think they'd want to apply to the magnet IB? There are several W school students at the IB magnet. They could easily stay at their W schools where there are a lot of smart kids, and take AP classes with them.

But many of those kids do apply to the IB magnet program because they know it's much more rigorous than just taking AP classes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In my view the International Baccalaureate is way overrated.

Over two years in the IB Diploma Program you need to take at minimum 3 HL classes, each taking two years but essentially only covering the material in one year of an AP course. The rest are 6 SL classes, three in each year, that are the rough equivalent of a regular/honors class. That’s a very weak coursework to be considered rigorous, but somehow the schedule ends up being very full and stressful, perhaps because of a heavy amount of busywork.

Talking about extras. There’s a Theory of Knowledge class, one semester each year, a wannabe course in epistemology, but actually pretentious and useless. There’s another section of Creativity, Activity and Service, which is supposed to stand in for extracurriculars, kind of being voluntold to go out and learn about something. It’s much better if you’re actually part of a club to be involved, CAS is such a time sink it actually makes it harder to have strong extracurriculars. Extended Essay is a long 15-20 page written assignment, probably the best feature of the program, but the format is an awkward first person essay instead of a thesis.

Overall, IB is trying to be a full package serving a a rigorous program for many students, but it falls short particularly for the very top students.

This is interesting

I mean it’s just stupid to claim that IB takes 2 years to cover the “same material” as AP. Kids are not just sitting there listening and reading at half speed or something.

Obviously everyone who’s taught or gone to college knows you can spend a semester on the French Revolution or you can spend a semester on the history of France from the Romans to the 5th Republic.

It’s fine if you think IB is better in some way but you’re not bringing anything to the discussion by name calling arguments you disagree with stupid. The fact is, at least in science and math, IB is slow paced and that’s not great for the top students. If writing a Theory of Knowledge essay is redeeming all that, you’re entitled to your opinion. My own is that essay is a waste of time.

The only argument I’ve heard for IB is that there is a lot of writing. Whoever values that above coursework rigor will choose to go to an IB program. Other people will weigh the the rest of the arguments an choose accordingly.

IB is so slow that so many super smart kids apply to the IB magnet program rather than stay at their home school and take all the APs. Yep, those super smart kids are just looking to be lazy.

/s

Unfortunately in some instances the IB courses at the magnet are the slow down classes. After taking AP Calculus BC, students that want to get the diploma need to take IB HL Analysis 2 which is largely a review at that point.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In my view the International Baccalaureate is way overrated.

Over two years in the IB Diploma Program you need to take at minimum 3 HL classes, each taking two years but essentially only covering the material in one year of an AP course. The rest are 6 SL classes, three in each year, that are the rough equivalent of a regular/honors class. That’s a very weak coursework to be considered rigorous, but somehow the schedule ends up being very full and stressful, perhaps because of a heavy amount of busywork.

Talking about extras. There’s a Theory of Knowledge class, one semester each year, a wannabe course in epistemology, but actually pretentious and useless. There’s another section of Creativity, Activity and Service, which is supposed to stand in for extracurriculars, kind of being voluntold to go out and learn about something. It’s much better if you’re actually part of a club to be involved, CAS is such a time sink it actually makes it harder to have strong extracurriculars. Extended Essay is a long 15-20 page written assignment, probably the best feature of the program, but the format is an awkward first person essay instead of a thesis.

Overall, IB is trying to be a full package serving a a rigorous program for many students, but it falls short particularly for the very top students.

This is interesting

I mean it’s just stupid to claim that IB takes 2 years to cover the “same material” as AP. Kids are not just sitting there listening and reading at half speed or something.

Obviously everyone who’s taught or gone to college knows you can spend a semester on the French Revolution or you can spend a semester on the history of France from the Romans to the 5th Republic.

It’s fine if you think IB is better in some way but you’re not bringing anything to the discussion by name calling arguments you disagree with stupid. The fact is, at least in science and math, IB is slow paced and that’s not great for the top students. If writing a Theory of Knowledge essay is redeeming all that, you’re entitled to your opinion. My own is that essay is a waste of time.

The only argument I’ve heard for IB is that there is a lot of writing. Whoever values that above coursework rigor will choose to go to an IB program. Other people will weigh the the rest of the arguments an choose accordingly.

IB is so slow that so many super smart kids apply to the IB magnet program rather than stay at their home school and take all the APs. Yep, those super smart kids are just looking to be lazy.

/s

You’re conflating two different things here, the IB curriculum and the grouping by ability (magnet programs). I don’t disagree that the latter works and putting smart students together is beneficial to their education.

You can compare the IB magnet with other magnets, but that’s an entirely different discussion.

Why? Do you think IB magnet teaches something different compared to non magnet IB? The curriculum is set by IDBP not the individual schools.

If those smart magnet kids didn't think IB was worth it and AP was better, do you think they'd want to apply to the magnet IB? There are several W school students at the IB magnet. They could easily stay at their W schools where there are a lot of smart kids, and take AP classes with them.

But many of those kids do apply to the IB magnet program because they know it's much more rigorous than just taking AP classes.

Magnet curriculum is different from regular IB. For one, the RMIB kids take many AP classes, as one previous poster hilariously thought the AP Calculus BC is an indication of the IB program strength. Multivariable calculus for example is also taught at RMIB, although it doesn’t really have much to do with the IBO. Some kids from W schools go to RMIB, others decide it’s not worth it and stay at their school. Many (most) kids choose SMCS magnets instead of RMIB or just taking AP or IB classes.

I don’t think there’s much value in making these anecdotal arguments, along the lines of my niece did well in college after IB, the smart kid in my child’s class went to RMIB etc. they can’t be verified, and you’d have to look at statistical outcome, if you have that data I’d be interested to see it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In my view the International Baccalaureate is way overrated.

Over two years in the IB Diploma Program you need to take at minimum 3 HL classes, each taking two years but essentially only covering the material in one year of an AP course. The rest are 6 SL classes, three in each year, that are the rough equivalent of a regular/honors class. That’s a very weak coursework to be considered rigorous, but somehow the schedule ends up being very full and stressful, perhaps because of a heavy amount of busywork.

Talking about extras. There’s a Theory of Knowledge class, one semester each year, a wannabe course in epistemology, but actually pretentious and useless. There’s another section of Creativity, Activity and Service, which is supposed to stand in for extracurriculars, kind of being voluntold to go out and learn about something. It’s much better if you’re actually part of a club to be involved, CAS is such a time sink it actually makes it harder to have strong extracurriculars. Extended Essay is a long 15-20 page written assignment, probably the best feature of the program, but the format is an awkward first person essay instead of a thesis.

Overall, IB is trying to be a full package serving a a rigorous program for many students, but it falls short particularly for the very top students.

This is interesting

I mean it’s just stupid to claim that IB takes 2 years to cover the “same material” as AP. Kids are not just sitting there listening and reading at half speed or something.

Obviously everyone who’s taught or gone to college knows you can spend a semester on the French Revolution or you can spend a semester on the history of France from the Romans to the 5th Republic.

It’s fine if you think IB is better in some way but you’re not bringing anything to the discussion by name calling arguments you disagree with stupid. The fact is, at least in science and math, IB is slow paced and that’s not great for the top students. If writing a Theory of Knowledge essay is redeeming all that, you’re entitled to your opinion. My own is that essay is a waste of time.

The only argument I’ve heard for IB is that there is a lot of writing. Whoever values that above coursework rigor will choose to go to an IB program. Other people will weigh the the rest of the arguments an choose accordingly.

IB is so slow that so many super smart kids apply to the IB magnet program rather than stay at their home school and take all the APs. Yep, those super smart kids are just looking to be lazy.

/s

Unfortunately in some instances the IB courses at the magnet are the slow down classes. After taking AP Calculus BC, students that want to get the diploma need to take IB HL Analysis 2 which is largely a review at that point.

You sure are worked up about a program that you have no personal experience of any sort with.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In my view the International Baccalaureate is way overrated.

Over two years in the IB Diploma Program you need to take at minimum 3 HL classes, each taking two years but essentially only covering the material in one year of an AP course. The rest are 6 SL classes, three in each year, that are the rough equivalent of a regular/honors class. That’s a very weak coursework to be considered rigorous, but somehow the schedule ends up being very full and stressful, perhaps because of a heavy amount of busywork.

Talking about extras. There’s a Theory of Knowledge class, one semester each year, a wannabe course in epistemology, but actually pretentious and useless. There’s another section of Creativity, Activity and Service, which is supposed to stand in for extracurriculars, kind of being voluntold to go out and learn about something. It’s much better if you’re actually part of a club to be involved, CAS is such a time sink it actually makes it harder to have strong extracurriculars. Extended Essay is a long 15-20 page written assignment, probably the best feature of the program, but the format is an awkward first person essay instead of a thesis.

Overall, IB is trying to be a full package serving a a rigorous program for many students, but it falls short particularly for the very top students.

This is interesting

I mean it’s just stupid to claim that IB takes 2 years to cover the “same material” as AP. Kids are not just sitting there listening and reading at half speed or something.

Obviously everyone who’s taught or gone to college knows you can spend a semester on the French Revolution or you can spend a semester on the history of France from the Romans to the 5th Republic.

It’s fine if you think IB is better in some way but you’re not bringing anything to the discussion by name calling arguments you disagree with stupid. The fact is, at least in science and math, IB is slow paced and that’s not great for the top students. If writing a Theory of Knowledge essay is redeeming all that, you’re entitled to your opinion. My own is that essay is a waste of time.

The only argument I’ve heard for IB is that there is a lot of writing. Whoever values that above coursework rigor will choose to go to an IB program. Other people will weigh the the rest of the arguments an choose accordingly.

IB is so slow that so many super smart kids apply to the IB magnet program rather than stay at their home school and take all the APs. Yep, those super smart kids are just looking to be lazy.

/s

Unfortunately in some instances the IB courses at the magnet are the slow down classes. After taking AP Calculus BC, students that want to get the diploma need to take IB HL Analysis 2 which is largely a review at that point.

You sure are worked up about a program that you have no personal experience of any sort with.

Ahh, the good old argument from authority. What’s your personal experience with the program?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In my view the International Baccalaureate is way overrated.

Over two years in the IB Diploma Program you need to take at minimum 3 HL classes, each taking two years but essentially only covering the material in one year of an AP course. The rest are 6 SL classes, three in each year, that are the rough equivalent of a regular/honors class. That’s a very weak coursework to be considered rigorous, but somehow the schedule ends up being very full and stressful, perhaps because of a heavy amount of busywork.

Talking about extras. There’s a Theory of Knowledge class, one semester each year, a wannabe course in epistemology, but actually pretentious and useless. There’s another section of Creativity, Activity and Service, which is supposed to stand in for extracurriculars, kind of being voluntold to go out and learn about something. It’s much better if you’re actually part of a club to be involved, CAS is such a time sink it actually makes it harder to have strong extracurriculars. Extended Essay is a long 15-20 page written assignment, probably the best feature of the program, but the format is an awkward first person essay instead of a thesis.

Overall, IB is trying to be a full package serving a a rigorous program for many students, but it falls short particularly for the very top students.

This is interesting

I mean it’s just stupid to claim that IB takes 2 years to cover the “same material” as AP. Kids are not just sitting there listening and reading at half speed or something.

Obviously everyone who’s taught or gone to college knows you can spend a semester on the French Revolution or you can spend a semester on the history of France from the Romans to the 5th Republic.

It’s fine if you think IB is better in some way but you’re not bringing anything to the discussion by name calling arguments you disagree with stupid. The fact is, at least in science and math, IB is slow paced and that’s not great for the top students. If writing a Theory of Knowledge essay is redeeming all that, you’re entitled to your opinion. My own is that essay is a waste of time.

The only argument I’ve heard for IB is that there is a lot of writing. Whoever values that above coursework rigor will choose to go to an IB program. Other people will weigh the the rest of the arguments an choose accordingly.

IB is so slow that so many super smart kids apply to the IB magnet program rather than stay at their home school and take all the APs. Yep, those super smart kids are just looking to be lazy.

/s

You’re conflating two different things here, the IB curriculum and the grouping by ability (magnet programs). I don’t disagree that the latter works and putting smart students together is beneficial to their education.

You can compare the IB magnet with other magnets, but that’s an entirely different discussion.

Why? Do you think IB magnet teaches something different compared to non magnet IB? The curriculum is set by IDBP not the individual schools.

If those smart magnet kids didn't think IB was worth it and AP was better, do you think they'd want to apply to the magnet IB? There are several W school students at the IB magnet. They could easily stay at their W schools where there are a lot of smart kids, and take AP classes with them.

But many of those kids do apply to the IB magnet program because they know it's much more rigorous than just taking AP classes.

Magnet curriculum is different from regular IB. For one, the RMIB kids take many AP classes, as one previous poster hilariously thought the AP Calculus BC is an indication of the IB program strength. Multivariable calculus for example is also taught at RMIB, although it doesn’t really have much to do with the IBO. Some kids from W schools go to RMIB, others decide it’s not worth it and stay at their school. Many (most) kids choose SMCS magnets instead of RMIB or just taking AP or IB classes.

I don’t think there’s much value in making these anecdotal arguments, along the lines of my niece did well in college after IB, the smart kid in my child’s class went to RMIB etc. they can’t be verified, and you’d have to look at statistical outcome, if you have that data I’d be interested to see it.

You are hung up on just the math portion and keep bringing up Blair. If all a student wants is a heavy STEM program, then yes, IB is not for them.

There is no statistical outcome regarding college, or life for that matter for any magnet programs, not even for Blair.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In my view the International Baccalaureate is way overrated.

Over two years in the IB Diploma Program you need to take at minimum 3 HL classes, each taking two years but essentially only covering the material in one year of an AP course. The rest are 6 SL classes, three in each year, that are the rough equivalent of a regular/honors class. That’s a very weak coursework to be considered rigorous, but somehow the schedule ends up being very full and stressful, perhaps because of a heavy amount of busywork.

Talking about extras. There’s a Theory of Knowledge class, one semester each year, a wannabe course in epistemology, but actually pretentious and useless. There’s another section of Creativity, Activity and Service, which is supposed to stand in for extracurriculars, kind of being voluntold to go out and learn about something. It’s much better if you’re actually part of a club to be involved, CAS is such a time sink it actually makes it harder to have strong extracurriculars. Extended Essay is a long 15-20 page written assignment, probably the best feature of the program, but the format is an awkward first person essay instead of a thesis.

Overall, IB is trying to be a full package serving a a rigorous program for many students, but it falls short particularly for the very top students.

This is interesting

I mean it’s just stupid to claim that IB takes 2 years to cover the “same material” as AP. Kids are not just sitting there listening and reading at half speed or something.

Obviously everyone who’s taught or gone to college knows you can spend a semester on the French Revolution or you can spend a semester on the history of France from the Romans to the 5th Republic.

It’s fine if you think IB is better in some way but you’re not bringing anything to the discussion by name calling arguments you disagree with stupid. The fact is, at least in science and math, IB is slow paced and that’s not great for the top students. If writing a Theory of Knowledge essay is redeeming all that, you’re entitled to your opinion. My own is that essay is a waste of time.

The only argument I’ve heard for IB is that there is a lot of writing. Whoever values that above coursework rigor will choose to go to an IB program. Other people will weigh the the rest of the arguments an choose accordingly.

IB is so slow that so many super smart kids apply to the IB magnet program rather than stay at their home school and take all the APs. Yep, those super smart kids are just looking to be lazy.

/s

Unfortunately in some instances the IB courses at the magnet are the slow down classes. After taking AP Calculus BC, students that want to get the diploma need to take IB HL Analysis 2 which is largely a review at that point.

You sure are worked up about a program that you have no personal experience of any sort with.

Ahh, the good old argument from authority. What’s your personal experience with the program?

dp.. mine is that my kid went through it. What's your personal experience?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In my view the International Baccalaureate is way overrated.

Over two years in the IB Diploma Program you need to take at minimum 3 HL classes, each taking two years but essentially only covering the material in one year of an AP course. The rest are 6 SL classes, three in each year, that are the rough equivalent of a regular/honors class. That’s a very weak coursework to be considered rigorous, but somehow the schedule ends up being very full and stressful, perhaps because of a heavy amount of busywork.

Talking about extras. There’s a Theory of Knowledge class, one semester each year, a wannabe course in epistemology, but actually pretentious and useless. There’s another section of Creativity, Activity and Service, which is supposed to stand in for extracurriculars, kind of being voluntold to go out and learn about something. It’s much better if you’re actually part of a club to be involved, CAS is such a time sink it actually makes it harder to have strong extracurriculars. Extended Essay is a long 15-20 page written assignment, probably the best feature of the program, but the format is an awkward first person essay instead of a thesis.

Overall, IB is trying to be a full package serving a a rigorous program for many students, but it falls short particularly for the very top students.

This is interesting

I mean it’s just stupid to claim that IB takes 2 years to cover the “same material” as AP. Kids are not just sitting there listening and reading at half speed or something.

Obviously everyone who’s taught or gone to college knows you can spend a semester on the French Revolution or you can spend a semester on the history of France from the Romans to the 5th Republic.

It’s fine if you think IB is better in some way but you’re not bringing anything to the discussion by name calling arguments you disagree with stupid. The fact is, at least in science and math, IB is slow paced and that’s not great for the top students. If writing a Theory of Knowledge essay is redeeming all that, you’re entitled to your opinion. My own is that essay is a waste of time.

The only argument I’ve heard for IB is that there is a lot of writing. Whoever values that above coursework rigor will choose to go to an IB program. Other people will weigh the the rest of the arguments an choose accordingly.

IB is so slow that so many super smart kids apply to the IB magnet program rather than stay at their home school and take all the APs. Yep, those super smart kids are just looking to be lazy.

/s

Unfortunately in some instances the IB courses at the magnet are the slow down classes. After taking AP Calculus BC, students that want to get the diploma need to take IB HL Analysis 2 which is largely a review at that point.

You sure are worked up about a program that you have no personal experience of any sort with.

Ahh, the good old argument from authority. What’s your personal experience with the program?

dp.. mine is that my kid went through it. What's your personal experience?

Dear lord, do you even know what personal experience means? It means you personally experienced it!

Ok, the lady with her French history degree knows the IB is strong in math because her kid took AP Calculus BC at RMIB.

You can’t make this up!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In my view the International Baccalaureate is way overrated.

Over two years in the IB Diploma Program you need to take at minimum 3 HL classes, each taking two years but essentially only covering the material in one year of an AP course. The rest are 6 SL classes, three in each year, that are the rough equivalent of a regular/honors class. That’s a very weak coursework to be considered rigorous, but somehow the schedule ends up being very full and stressful, perhaps because of a heavy amount of busywork.

Talking about extras. There’s a Theory of Knowledge class, one semester each year, a wannabe course in epistemology, but actually pretentious and useless. There’s another section of Creativity, Activity and Service, which is supposed to stand in for extracurriculars, kind of being voluntold to go out and learn about something. It’s much better if you’re actually part of a club to be involved, CAS is such a time sink it actually makes it harder to have strong extracurriculars. Extended Essay is a long 15-20 page written assignment, probably the best feature of the program, but the format is an awkward first person essay instead of a thesis.

Overall, IB is trying to be a full package serving a a rigorous program for many students, but it falls short particularly for the very top students.

This is interesting

I mean it’s just stupid to claim that IB takes 2 years to cover the “same material” as AP. Kids are not just sitting there listening and reading at half speed or something.

Obviously everyone who’s taught or gone to college knows you can spend a semester on the French Revolution or you can spend a semester on the history of France from the Romans to the 5th Republic.

It’s fine if you think IB is better in some way but you’re not bringing anything to the discussion by name calling arguments you disagree with stupid. The fact is, at least in science and math, IB is slow paced and that’s not great for the top students. If writing a Theory of Knowledge essay is redeeming all that, you’re entitled to your opinion. My own is that essay is a waste of time.

The only argument I’ve heard for IB is that there is a lot of writing. Whoever values that above coursework rigor will choose to go to an IB program. Other people will weigh the the rest of the arguments an choose accordingly.

IB is so slow that so many super smart kids apply to the IB magnet program rather than stay at their home school and take all the APs. Yep, those super smart kids are just looking to be lazy.

/s

You’re conflating two different things here, the IB curriculum and the grouping by ability (magnet programs). I don’t disagree that the latter works and putting smart students together is beneficial to their education.

You can compare the IB magnet with other magnets, but that’s an entirely different discussion.

Why? Do you think IB magnet teaches something different compared to non magnet IB? The curriculum is set by IDBP not the individual schools.

If those smart magnet kids didn't think IB was worth it and AP was better, do you think they'd want to apply to the magnet IB? There are several W school students at the IB magnet. They could easily stay at their W schools where there are a lot of smart kids, and take AP classes with them.

But many of those kids do apply to the IB magnet program because they know it's much more rigorous than just taking AP classes.

Magnet curriculum is different from regular IB. For one, the RMIB kids take many AP classes, as one previous poster hilariously thought the AP Calculus BC is an indication of the IB program strength. Multivariable calculus for example is also taught at RMIB, although it doesn’t really have much to do with the IBO. Some kids from W schools go to RMIB, others decide it’s not worth it and stay at their school. Many (most) kids choose SMCS magnets instead of RMIB or just taking AP or IB classes.

I don’t think there’s much value in making these anecdotal arguments, along the lines of my niece did well in college after IB, the smart kid in my child’s class went to RMIB etc. they can’t be verified, and you’d have to look at statistical outcome, if you have that data I’d be interested to see it.

You are hung up on just the math portion and keep bringing up Blair. If all a student wants is a heavy STEM program, then yes, IB is not for them.

There is no statistical outcome regarding college, or life for that matter for any magnet programs, not even for Blair.

You’d think? Well that’s why we look at course contents syllabus, how universities credit different courses arc.

If that makes you any happier I’ll just say it so you can agree: IB is a weak program for a strong stem kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In my view the International Baccalaureate is way overrated.

Over two years in the IB Diploma Program you need to take at minimum 3 HL classes, each taking two years but essentially only covering the material in one year of an AP course. The rest are 6 SL classes, three in each year, that are the rough equivalent of a regular/honors class. That’s a very weak coursework to be considered rigorous, but somehow the schedule ends up being very full and stressful, perhaps because of a heavy amount of busywork.

Talking about extras. There’s a Theory of Knowledge class, one semester each year, a wannabe course in epistemology, but actually pretentious and useless. There’s another section of Creativity, Activity and Service, which is supposed to stand in for extracurriculars, kind of being voluntold to go out and learn about something. It’s much better if you’re actually part of a club to be involved, CAS is such a time sink it actually makes it harder to have strong extracurriculars. Extended Essay is a long 15-20 page written assignment, probably the best feature of the program, but the format is an awkward first person essay instead of a thesis.

Overall, IB is trying to be a full package serving a a rigorous program for many students, but it falls short particularly for the very top students.

This is interesting

I mean it’s just stupid to claim that IB takes 2 years to cover the “same material” as AP. Kids are not just sitting there listening and reading at half speed or something.

Obviously everyone who’s taught or gone to college knows you can spend a semester on the French Revolution or you can spend a semester on the history of France from the Romans to the 5th Republic.

It’s fine if you think IB is better in some way but you’re not bringing anything to the discussion by name calling arguments you disagree with stupid. The fact is, at least in science and math, IB is slow paced and that’s not great for the top students. If writing a Theory of Knowledge essay is redeeming all that, you’re entitled to your opinion. My own is that essay is a waste of time.

The only argument I’ve heard for IB is that there is a lot of writing. Whoever values that above coursework rigor will choose to go to an IB program. Other people will weigh the the rest of the arguments an choose accordingly.

IB is so slow that so many super smart kids apply to the IB magnet program rather than stay at their home school and take all the APs. Yep, those super smart kids are just looking to be lazy.

/s

Unfortunately in some instances the IB courses at the magnet are the slow down classes. After taking AP Calculus BC, students that want to get the diploma need to take IB HL Analysis 2 which is largely a review at that point.

You sure are worked up about a program that you have no personal experience of any sort with.

Ahh, the good old argument from authority. What’s your personal experience with the program?

No, actually, it's the good old why are you so worked up about this program? question. What did it ever do to you? Did it key your car? Get a job you wanted? You just hate certain letters of the alphabet?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In my view the International Baccalaureate is way overrated.

Over two years in the IB Diploma Program you need to take at minimum 3 HL classes, each taking two years but essentially only covering the material in one year of an AP course. The rest are 6 SL classes, three in each year, that are the rough equivalent of a regular/honors class. That’s a very weak coursework to be considered rigorous, but somehow the schedule ends up being very full and stressful, perhaps because of a heavy amount of busywork.

Talking about extras. There’s a Theory of Knowledge class, one semester each year, a wannabe course in epistemology, but actually pretentious and useless. There’s another section of Creativity, Activity and Service, which is supposed to stand in for extracurriculars, kind of being voluntold to go out and learn about something. It’s much better if you’re actually part of a club to be involved, CAS is such a time sink it actually makes it harder to have strong extracurriculars. Extended Essay is a long 15-20 page written assignment, probably the best feature of the program, but the format is an awkward first person essay instead of a thesis.

Overall, IB is trying to be a full package serving a a rigorous program for many students, but it falls short particularly for the very top students.

This is interesting

I mean it’s just stupid to claim that IB takes 2 years to cover the “same material” as AP. Kids are not just sitting there listening and reading at half speed or something.

Obviously everyone who’s taught or gone to college knows you can spend a semester on the French Revolution or you can spend a semester on the history of France from the Romans to the 5th Republic.

It’s fine if you think IB is better in some way but you’re not bringing anything to the discussion by name calling arguments you disagree with stupid. The fact is, at least in science and math, IB is slow paced and that’s not great for the top students. If writing a Theory of Knowledge essay is redeeming all that, you’re entitled to your opinion. My own is that essay is a waste of time.

The only argument I’ve heard for IB is that there is a lot of writing. Whoever values that above coursework rigor will choose to go to an IB program. Other people will weigh the the rest of the arguments an choose accordingly.

IB is so slow that so many super smart kids apply to the IB magnet program rather than stay at their home school and take all the APs. Yep, those super smart kids are just looking to be lazy.

/s

Unfortunately in some instances the IB courses at the magnet are the slow down classes. After taking AP Calculus BC, students that want to get the diploma need to take IB HL Analysis 2 which is largely a review at that point.

You sure are worked up about a program that you have no personal experience of any sort with.

Ahh, the good old argument from authority. What’s your personal experience with the program?

No, actually, it's the good old why are you so worked up about this program? question. What did it ever do to you? Did it key your car? Get a job you wanted? You just hate certain letters of the alphabet?

The problem is on your side. Ask yourself why you’re so bothered by someone’s negative opinion about IB.

I’m adding my opinion on AP vs DE vs IB, and you end up resorting on personal attacks, speculate on my motives, name calling etc. Maybe because your child went through the program, you take my criticism of the IB as a personal slant directed at them. That’s definitely not the case.

For example, I’m arguing that the pace of IB HL Analysis is slow compared to an AP class because there’s a lot of coverage of less advanced topics. Your response is a smattering of: math is not everything, my kid from IB did well, it’s not the same material (nobody said so), IB is good for writing (nobody asked), students do Calc BC as a prerequisite, and end up with “what did IB do to you?”

Somebody else writes that IB HL Physics is not Calculus based. Then you go again with the science is not everything etc. Another post that IB SL classes are subpar, you start again with your rants.

You don’t engage the substance of the argument because you’re not capable of it, and just end up in some infantile quarrel that brings nothing to the discussion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In my view the International Baccalaureate is way overrated.

Over two years in the IB Diploma Program you need to take at minimum 3 HL classes, each taking two years but essentially only covering the material in one year of an AP course. The rest are 6 SL classes, three in each year, that are the rough equivalent of a regular/honors class. That’s a very weak coursework to be considered rigorous, but somehow the schedule ends up being very full and stressful, perhaps because of a heavy amount of busywork.

Talking about extras. There’s a Theory of Knowledge class, one semester each year, a wannabe course in epistemology, but actually pretentious and useless. There’s another section of Creativity, Activity and Service, which is supposed to stand in for extracurriculars, kind of being voluntold to go out and learn about something. It’s much better if you’re actually part of a club to be involved, CAS is such a time sink it actually makes it harder to have strong extracurriculars. Extended Essay is a long 15-20 page written assignment, probably the best feature of the program, but the format is an awkward first person essay instead of a thesis.

Overall, IB is trying to be a full package serving a a rigorous program for many students, but it falls short particularly for the very top students.

This is interesting

I mean it’s just stupid to claim that IB takes 2 years to cover the “same material” as AP. Kids are not just sitting there listening and reading at half speed or something.

Obviously everyone who’s taught or gone to college knows you can spend a semester on the French Revolution or you can spend a semester on the history of France from the Romans to the 5th Republic.

It’s fine if you think IB is better in some way but you’re not bringing anything to the discussion by name calling arguments you disagree with stupid. The fact is, at least in science and math, IB is slow paced and that’s not great for the top students. If writing a Theory of Knowledge essay is redeeming all that, you’re entitled to your opinion. My own is that essay is a waste of time.

The only argument I’ve heard for IB is that there is a lot of writing. Whoever values that above coursework rigor will choose to go to an IB program. Other people will weigh the the rest of the arguments an choose accordingly.

IB is so slow that so many super smart kids apply to the IB magnet program rather than stay at their home school and take all the APs. Yep, those super smart kids are just looking to be lazy.

/s

Unfortunately in some instances the IB courses at the magnet are the slow down classes. After taking AP Calculus BC, students that want to get the diploma need to take IB HL Analysis 2 which is largely a review at that point.

You sure are worked up about a program that you have no personal experience of any sort with.

Ahh, the good old argument from authority. What’s your personal experience with the program?

No, actually, it's the good old why are you so worked up about this program? question. What did it ever do to you? Did it key your car? Get a job you wanted? You just hate certain letters of the alphabet?

The problem is on your side. Ask yourself why you’re so bothered by someone’s negative opinion about IB.

I’m adding my opinion on AP vs DE vs IB, and you end up resorting on personal attacks, speculate on my motives, name calling etc. Maybe because your child went through the program, you take my criticism of the IB as a personal slant directed at them. That’s definitely not the case.

For example, I’m arguing that the pace of IB HL Analysis is slow compared to an AP class because there’s a lot of coverage of less advanced topics. Your response is a smattering of: math is not everything, my kid from IB did well, it’s not the same material (nobody said so), IB is good for writing (nobody asked), students do Calc BC as a prerequisite, and end up with “what did IB do to you?”

Somebody else writes that IB HL Physics is not Calculus based. Then you go again with the science is not everything etc. Another post that IB SL classes are subpar, you start again with your rants.

You don’t engage the substance of the argument because you’re not capable of it, and just end up in some infantile quarrel that brings nothing to the discussion.

Everyone gets to have opinions about whatever they want, but generally, when people have strong opinions about something, there's a reason for it, and not just "I'm going to post constantly about this one random topic that means nothing to me personally". But on the other hand, you're right, it's the Internet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In my view the International Baccalaureate is way overrated.

Over two years in the IB Diploma Program you need to take at minimum 3 HL classes, each taking two years but essentially only covering the material in one year of an AP course. The rest are 6 SL classes, three in each year, that are the rough equivalent of a regular/honors class. That’s a very weak coursework to be considered rigorous, but somehow the schedule ends up being very full and stressful, perhaps because of a heavy amount of busywork.

Talking about extras. There’s a Theory of Knowledge class, one semester each year, a wannabe course in epistemology, but actually pretentious and useless. There’s another section of Creativity, Activity and Service, which is supposed to stand in for extracurriculars, kind of being voluntold to go out and learn about something. It’s much better if you’re actually part of a club to be involved, CAS is such a time sink it actually makes it harder to have strong extracurriculars. Extended Essay is a long 15-20 page written assignment, probably the best feature of the program, but the format is an awkward first person essay instead of a thesis.

Overall, IB is trying to be a full package serving a a rigorous program for many students, but it falls short particularly for the very top students.

This is interesting

I mean it’s just stupid to claim that IB takes 2 years to cover the “same material” as AP. Kids are not just sitting there listening and reading at half speed or something.

Obviously everyone who’s taught or gone to college knows you can spend a semester on the French Revolution or you can spend a semester on the history of France from the Romans to the 5th Republic.

It’s fine if you think IB is better in some way but you’re not bringing anything to the discussion by name calling arguments you disagree with stupid. The fact is, at least in science and math, IB is slow paced and that’s not great for the top students. If writing a Theory of Knowledge essay is redeeming all that, you’re entitled to your opinion. My own is that essay is a waste of time.

The only argument I’ve heard for IB is that there is a lot of writing. Whoever values that above coursework rigor will choose to go to an IB program. Other people will weigh the the rest of the arguments an choose accordingly.

IB is so slow that so many super smart kids apply to the IB magnet program rather than stay at their home school and take all the APs. Yep, those super smart kids are just looking to be lazy.

/s

Unfortunately in some instances the IB courses at the magnet are the slow down classes. After taking AP Calculus BC, students that want to get the diploma need to take IB HL Analysis 2 which is largely a review at that point.

You sure are worked up about a program that you have no personal experience of any sort with.

Ahh, the good old argument from authority. What’s your personal experience with the program?

No, actually, it's the good old why are you so worked up about this program? question. What did it ever do to you? Did it key your car? Get a job you wanted? You just hate certain letters of the alphabet?

The problem is on your side. Ask yourself why you’re so bothered by someone’s negative opinion about IB.

I’m adding my opinion on AP vs DE vs IB, and you end up resorting on personal attacks, speculate on my motives, name calling etc. Maybe because your child went through the program, you take my criticism of the IB as a personal slant directed at them. That’s definitely not the case.

For example, I’m arguing that the pace of IB HL Analysis is slow compared to an AP class because there’s a lot of coverage of less advanced topics. Your response is a smattering of: math is not everything, my kid from IB did well, it’s not the same material (nobody said so), IB is good for writing (nobody asked), students do Calc BC as a prerequisite, and end up with “what did IB do to you?”

Somebody else writes that IB HL Physics is not Calculus based. Then you go again with the science is not everything etc. Another post that IB SL classes are subpar, you start again with your rants.

You don’t engage the substance of the argument because you’re not capable of it, and just end up in some infantile quarrel that brings nothing to the discussion.

Everyone gets to have opinions about whatever they want, but generally, when people have strong opinions about something, there's a reason for it, and not just "I'm going to post constantly about this one random topic that means nothing to me personally". But on the other hand, you're right, it's the Internet.

Got it, people can post their opinions as long as they are not too strong, but also it’s not ok if said opinions mean nothing personally. You’ll judge if there’s a good reason for it and if the posting is “constant”.

You are so weird, boiled bunny level of creepy. You must be a piece of work in real life.

[Anonymous]

Are IB courses similar to Health A summer course in that it is filled with busy work with short turnaround time? Please, no comments from IB haters, simply trying to understand the amount of meaningful and meaningless work in IB courses.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are IB courses similar to Health A summer course in that it is filled with busy work with short turnaround time? Please, no comments from IB haters, simply trying to understand the amount of meaningful and meaningless work in IB courses.

Nope, just the opposite. Aside from the standard quizzes, tests, etc. to measure progress with the material, each class requires a student-selected project with essay that requires a fair amount of research and independent work over a couple of months.

My kid with ADHD does horribly with busy-work, struggles to finish the easy homework and projects but shines on the challenging ones, and has loved IB classes. It’s been great for them to practice the planning and time-management skills they’ll need for college.