IB versus GT magnet

[Anonymous]

Which is better in terms of getting into the college of your choice?
I've heard that in IB people don't take AP classes. Is this true? and if so do the colleges take this into account?

Thanks for your help!

[Anonymous]

no one?

[Anonymous]

Not sure what GT magnet you're talking about at the HS level.

Is this just an IB vs. APs question? If so, you might want to repost with that question.

[Anonymous]

I think OP means magnet programs-- there are several at the HS level (some county wide, some DCC, some regional, like Blair's math and science).

[Anonymous]

Here's one dean's answer: "It doesn't matter."

http://www.collegeconfidential.com/dean/archives/ap-vs-ib.htm

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the link
One point to consider is that
"the more selective colleges often give college credit only for IB classes taken at the “Higher Level”, but I guess if you're taking AP classes you still need to score a 5 for it to count.


Anyone have any data on which group learns more?

[Anonymous]

I think the purpose of GT programs is to keep students interested, engaged, and working at an appropriate level -- not college admissions. So GT is good for your child if he or she needs a higher level of instruction to stay engaged.

[Anonymous]

Some of the MoCo schools with the best college placement stats are neither IB nor magnet so I am not sure it is a binary discussion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the link
One point to consider is that
"the more selective colleges often give college credit only for IB classes taken at the “Higher Level”, but I guess if you're taking AP classes you still need to score a 5 for it to count.

Anyone have any data on which group learns more?

In fact, the most selective colleges often give no college credit for either AP or IB classes. The Ivies work like this - kids get in on the strength of their academic and extra-curricular classes, but receive no college credit for high school work. AP and IB classes may help them place into higher level classes freshman year, but that's it.

One real problem with IB is that the tests aren't given until well after college applications are due - June of senior year. My niece, who is at Harvard, did the full IB at an international school abroad, but took 4 AP tests (mostly in languages) on her own for good measure the May before her senior year order to have AP scores to submit when she applied early admission. Worked for her and I plan to have my DC, in an IB program in MoCo, do the same.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the link
One point to consider is that
"the more selective colleges often give college credit only for IB classes taken at the “Higher Level”, but I guess if you're taking AP classes you still need to score a 5 for it to count.

Anyone have any data on which group learns more?

In fact, the most selective colleges often give no college credit for either AP or IB classes. The Ivies work like this - kids get in on the strength of their academic and extra-curricular classes, but receive no college credit for high school work. AP and IB classes may help them place into higher level classes freshman year, but that's it.

One real problem with IB is that the tests aren't given until well after college applications are due - June of senior year. My niece, who is at Harvard, did the full IB at an international school abroad, but took 4 AP tests (mostly in languages) on her own for good measure the May before her senior year order to have AP scores to submit when she applied early admission. Worked for her and I plan to have my DC, in an IB program in MoCo, do the same.

OP here. Thanks for that piece of info.