AP, DE, or IB?

[Anonymous]

Interested to hear about options for advanced coursework.

[Anonymous]

Yes, all three are options.

[Anonymous]

Check out recent conversations in the College and University Discussion board:

AP vs DE? https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/30/1178636.page

How are selective colleges looking at DE classes?
https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/25/1173117.page

[Anonymous]

DE>AP>IB

I put in the DE category classes that may also be offered at a regular high school, but are not as typical high school curriculum: multivariable, differential equations, organic chemistry, modern physics, algorithms etc. once you pass the typical sequence it’s worth taking more advanced coursework through DE. It doesn’t seem to be the case for humanities or foreign languages.

If we’re talking about the same versions of a class like AP or DE Calculus, IB HL Analysis, it’s a wash, with IB slightly lower because the curriculum is more limited, for example no dedicated Statistics class.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DE>AP>IB

I put in the DE category classes that may also be offered at a regular high school, but are not as typical high school curriculum: multivariable, differential equations, organic chemistry, modern physics, algorithms etc. once you pass the typical sequence it’s worth taking more advanced coursework through DE. It doesn’t seem to be the case for humanities or foreign languages.

If we’re talking about the same versions of a class like AP or DE Calculus, IB HL Analysis, it’s a wash, with IB slightly lower because the curriculum is more limited, for example no dedicated Statistics class.

Why are you spamming all of the threads with your opinions about IB?

[Anonymous]

Looking at the three for enrichment, another vote for DE. Not MCPS, but the local community college allows middle school students to enroll in their classes starting with algebra, my middle schooler is working through trigonometry now. Probably will repeat these classes in regular school, but I expect they will be easy.

We looked at AP classes and found some through UC Scout, I’d say they are comparable, but I could see how a lab science class would not work that well.

IB is a separate thing, couldn’t find a way to take a class a la carte so can’t comment.

[Anonymous]

They all have find their niche and face unique challenges.

AP is the known quantity, the baseline to compare everything against. It’s most recognized easiest to get college credit etc. their latest. Some of the classes feel like a filler, Human Geography, environmental science. There’s also a tier of not quite college classes I’d add to this AP physics 1 and 2, maybe AP statistics. Their latest course AP precalculus was not received too well.

DE is publicly funded but enrollment is trending down, they see high school student enrollment as a way to bolster their numbers so they market aggressively. I actually like what I read about the early college program. Some people look down at DE, and you may not get the credit for out of state transfer, but usually guaranteed at in state institutions. In general they seem to be easier than AP in terms of content and grading when you compare the difficult classes: calculus, chemistry, English, foreign language. You can get a college AA degree before finishing high school, which is a tangible accomplishment.

IB niche is the package deal, kind of like integrated math but it’s across two years and six subjects and they put a lot of emphasis on writing. I think it’s great for students needing more guidance and attention as opposed to the sink or swim approach. You can get a diploma in the end as a recognition if you take the class exams. I’m not aware of it being considered as a formal degree like AA, although it may be the case at some lower ranked colleges.

They are all fine, probably it’s more important to focus on the fit and student interest before deciding.

[Anonymous]

Anecdotal story that IB students don’t do well with Caltech admissions. I’ve been told that they want to see for all freshmen advanced coursework in math, physics, chemistry and biology. Harder for IB because you can only do 3 high level courses. You can supplement with AP though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They all have find their niche and face unique challenges.

AP is the known quantity, the baseline to compare everything against. It’s most recognized easiest to get college credit etc. their latest. Some of the classes feel like a filler, Human Geography, environmental science. There’s also a tier of not quite college classes I’d add to this AP physics 1 and 2, maybe AP statistics. Their latest course AP precalculus was not received too well.

DE is publicly funded but enrollment is trending down, they see high school student enrollment as a way to bolster their numbers so they market aggressively. I actually like what I read about the early college program. Some people look down at DE, and you may not get the credit for out of state transfer, but usually guaranteed at in state institutions. In general they seem to be easier than AP in terms of content and grading when you compare the difficult classes: calculus, chemistry, English, foreign language. You can get a college AA degree before finishing high school, which is a tangible accomplishment.

IB niche is the package deal, kind of like integrated math but it’s across two years and six subjects and they put a lot of emphasis on writing. I think it’s great for students needing more guidance and attention as opposed to the sink or swim approach. You can get a diploma in the end as a recognition if you take the class exams. I’m not aware of it being considered as a formal degree like AA, although it may be the case at some lower ranked colleges.

They are all fine, probably it’s more important to focus on the fit and student interest before deciding.

Is there a value to the IB diploma except for some kind of proof of challenging coursework, and good scores, ie bragging rights? I guess they are all for bragging rights, but can you brag more for some of them lol? In other words, what’s going to impress colleges more?

[Anonymous]

Most impressive student I’ve met did both AP and DE. Got all 5s in all hard AP classes, taking a total of 14 followed by DE in mv, linalg, diffeq and orgo. Turn down Harvard and Princeton for Stanford. Brilliant kid!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Anecdotal story that IB students don’t do well with Caltech admissions. I’ve been told that they want to see for all freshmen advanced coursework in math, physics, chemistry and biology. Harder for IB because you can only do 3 high level courses. You can supplement with AP though.

Also anecdotal, pure IB students don’t do that well in STEM focused schools like MIT and Caltech, but there are many examples from RMIB that get admitted to these schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DE>AP>IB

I put in the DE category classes that may also be offered at a regular high school, but are not as typical high school curriculum: multivariable, differential equations, organic chemistry, modern physics, algorithms etc. once you pass the typical sequence it’s worth taking more advanced coursework through DE. It doesn’t seem to be the case for humanities or foreign languages.

If we’re talking about the same versions of a class like AP or DE Calculus, IB HL Analysis, it’s a wash, with IB slightly lower because the curriculum is more limited, for example no dedicated Statistics class.

Why are you spamming all of the threads with your opinions about IB?

Huh? Who rattled your cage? If you haven’t noticed the OP asked for opinions about AP, DE and IB, read the post at the top of the page!

[Anonymous]

I find it hard to believe that an A in a DE class at some local community college is worth a whole lot to college admissions counselors. Is that really the case?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I find it hard to believe that an A in a DE class at some local community college is worth a whole lot to college admissions counselors. Is that really the case?

An A in some communications class is worthless. An A in organic chemistry for an intended premed can make a difference.

[Anonymous]

OP here, thanks for the answers. Since it’s admissions season, posters please comment on where you see the more impressive outcomes.