AP, DE, or IB?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:AP: popular kids friends with everyone, good at everything
DE: nerdy and poor kids, really driven so you know they’ll make it one day
IB: emo and goth kids in the corner of the cafeteria, only talk among themselves

My kids are actually AP kids, but this feels wrong. AP kids can be "pointy" and just not take exams in subjects in which they don't excel. IB kids are forced to test in all areas, including foreign language. That feels much better-rounded.

To answer OP's question, AP is probably best for kids looking at conventional paths in highly rejective US colleges. DE is better for kids who don't really care about a "traditional" HS experience, and IB is better for kids aiming for international universities or for a narrow swathe of US colleges that value kids with global perspectives.

[Anonymous]

Among all three I think IB is the least appealing option.

You sign your life away for two years and take 3 high level classes spanning two years and other 3 standard level classes each year. As far as advanced coursework, standard level are not considered college level so you’re left with only the three high level ones that would be comparable with AP classes.

When you draw the line, over two years you took the equivalent of three AP classes, plus the other standard classes that are somewhere around regular/honor classes.

In contrast, AP and DE, you can take a path that’s as rigorous as you can handle. It’s not uncommon for AP kids to have 12 AP classes, or hard working DE kids to get an associate degree.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In my opinion if you are looking to join the lottery of people trying to get into a t25, do AP. Rocking the boat seems to have no payoff.

If you want your kid to learn well and experience challenges that make sense for them, do what makes sense for them.

Our DD is doing early college and she’s going to get significantly farther in math than she could via AP. If a college doesn’t appreciate that she wanted to challenge herself in that way, then they are probably not the kind of place she’d want to attend. Which is ok. Kids should get the education that gets them where they want to go. And there are lots of different pathways that can make sense for smart kids.

Can you detail what her math path is? Curious on why she couldn’t take any APs at her high school before doing early college.

I agree with you that for a student that knows what they are interested in, DE is better than anything else in taking advanced coursework in that area of specialization. Classes are semester only, there also the summer semester, much more diversified course offerings.

On the other hand Top25 can help land jobs later on, they have rigorous programs, there is some value to it.

She could do AP calc and AP stats but then she would need to move to DE for multivariable Calc, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, etc. Those are not available via AP. Doing early college gives her an option to also do her corresponding English, social studies, and science classes at the college level while developing the appropriate habits for college classes (each test counts, more independence, etc). For her that makes sense and sets her up well for college whether the credits transfer or not. Don’t assume she is an intellectual slouch. She was in a magnet for middle school, consistently scores in the 99th percentile for both math and reading, and has won national academic competitions.

Lots of parents will tell you that DE doesn’t make sense for their kid and that is totally fine. Not everything makes sense for every kid. That doesn’t make it bad, it just makes it not right for every kid.

Ok, so that means she started Calculus in 11 grade as she entered the early college program and she is doing all classes at college. What’s the plan after completing the two years at MC, how far is she in the program and is she applying to regular universities now? I hope I don’t sound too intrusive, thinking about this path for my kid, also strong in math, high percentiles etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

Not much value besides the bragging rights. Some people say IB is a lot of busy work. I wouldn’t call it exactly busy work, but there’s a lot of effort in the diploma, writing assignments, volunteering that doesn’t translate into a tangible academic outcome. The diploma certifies that the work was done, but it doesn’t look as impressive as the kid with a ton of APs classes.

Doesn't look as impressive to whom?

It doesn’t look as impressive to me. Let’s be real here, what looks better on a college application, an IB Diploma or 6 additional APs? I’ll take the APs any day.

IB teacher here who really knows what goes into earning the IB diploma:

I’m impressed by both students, with an edge to the IB one. That student took all advanced coursework AND completed a 11-14 page paper on the side AND completed an additional 75 hours of service / activities. I also know the IB rubrics are very demanding, and that IB students become amazing writers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

Not much value besides the bragging rights. Some people say IB is a lot of busy work. I wouldn’t call it exactly busy work, but there’s a lot of effort in the diploma, writing assignments, volunteering that doesn’t translate into a tangible academic outcome. The diploma certifies that the work was done, but it doesn’t look as impressive as the kid with a ton of APs classes.

Doesn't look as impressive to whom?

It doesn’t look as impressive to me. Let’s be real here, what looks better on a college application, an IB Diploma or 6 additional APs? I’ll take the APs any day.

IB teacher here who really knows what goes into earning the IB diploma:

I’m impressed by both students, with an edge to the IB one. That student took all advanced coursework AND completed a 11-14 page paper on the side AND completed an additional 75 hours of service / activities. I also know the IB rubrics are very demanding, and that IB students become amazing writers.

AND have parents who half-brag/half-complain about how stressed the kids are, and how college was a breeze afterward.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

Not much value besides the bragging rights. Some people say IB is a lot of busy work. I wouldn’t call it exactly busy work, but there’s a lot of effort in the diploma, writing assignments, volunteering that doesn’t translate into a tangible academic outcome. The diploma certifies that the work was done, but it doesn’t look as impressive as the kid with a ton of APs classes.

Doesn't look as impressive to whom?

It doesn’t look as impressive to me. Let’s be real here, what looks better on a college application, an IB Diploma or 6 additional APs? I’ll take the APs any day.

IB teacher here who really knows what goes into earning the IB diploma:

I’m impressed by both students, with an edge to the IB one. That student took all advanced coursework AND completed a 11-14 page paper on the side AND completed an additional 75 hours of service / activities. I also know the IB rubrics are very demanding, and that IB students become amazing writers.

AND have parents who half-brag/half-complain about how stressed the kids are, and how college was a breeze afterward.

The bragging/complaining part comes standard with the IB diploma, it is part of the program culture.

[Anonymous]

IB is “mine is better” program

IB: in recognition of how hard I worked, I get a diploma in the end
DE: I get an AA diploma
AP: I get national merit scholar
IB: MINE IS BETTER!
AP, DE: shrug

IB: I do a lot of writing
DE: I am taking a creative writing class
AP: I write a lot in AP English and AP History
IB: I WROTE MORE!
AP, DE: shrug

IB: I was well prepared for college!
DE: I took actual college classes!
AP: My classes were college equivalent
IB: I WAS BETTER PREPARED FOR COLLEGE!
AP, DE: shrug

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:IB is “mine is better” program

IB: in recognition of how hard I worked, I get a diploma in the end
DE: I get an AA diploma
AP: I get national merit scholar
IB: MINE IS BETTER!
AP, DE: shrug

IB: I do a lot of writing
DE: I am taking a creative writing class
AP: I write a lot in AP English and AP History
IB: I WROTE MORE!
AP, DE: shrug

IB: I was well prepared for college!
DE: I took actual college classes!
AP: My classes were college equivalent
IB: I WAS BETTER PREPARED FOR COLLEGE!
AP, DE: shrug

DE: I finished half of my BS degree in high school
AP: I got credit for most of my general education requirements and sophomore status
IB: I wrote a 10 page paper! And did Theory of Knowledge!
DE, AP: shrug

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

Not much value besides the bragging rights. Some people say IB is a lot of busy work. I wouldn’t call it exactly busy work, but there’s a lot of effort in the diploma, writing assignments, volunteering that doesn’t translate into a tangible academic outcome. The diploma certifies that the work was done, but it doesn’t look as impressive as the kid with a ton of APs classes.

Doesn't look as impressive to whom?

It doesn’t look as impressive to me. Let’s be real here, what looks better on a college application, an IB Diploma or 6 additional APs? I’ll take the APs any day.

+1.

What’s the actual value of the IB Diploma, it’s a piece of paper for bragging rights as a previous poster put it very eloquently.

In all seriousness, you can put an actual monetary value on the credits AP and DE classes can save in tuition towards the same undergrad degree. You can get credits from the IB HL classes too, but the diploma, eeeerh, shrug.

Whenever people compare AP and IB, inevitably AP wins on number of courses and the IB people come back with, “we also have a diploma!” Whoopty freaking doo, good for you! Couldn’t care less!

NP. I don't think the diploma matters, but I think the ability to write clearly and effectively is likely better with IB than AP. I think what's better for a kid depends on their interests. But I think anyone going for either AP or IB is going to have a career where writing is essential, and I just don't think AP is as strong on that. On the other hand, if a kid were intent on a STEM career I think AP would be the way to go.

[Anonymous]

I have a young elementary children in the RM cluster. Which is more impressive to t25 colleges when they get to high school, taking the AP path or the IB path? For STEM, it sounds like AP. Is that true? And if not STEM, which one?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

Not much value besides the bragging rights. Some people say IB is a lot of busy work. I wouldn’t call it exactly busy work, but there’s a lot of effort in the diploma, writing assignments, volunteering that doesn’t translate into a tangible academic outcome. The diploma certifies that the work was done, but it doesn’t look as impressive as the kid with a ton of APs classes.

Doesn't look as impressive to whom?

It doesn’t look as impressive to me. Let’s be real here, what looks better on a college application, an IB Diploma or 6 additional APs? I’ll take the APs any day.

+1.

What’s the actual value of the IB Diploma, it’s a piece of paper for bragging rights as a previous poster put it very eloquently.

In all seriousness, you can put an actual monetary value on the credits AP and DE classes can save in tuition towards the same undergrad degree. You can get credits from the IB HL classes too, but the diploma, eeeerh, shrug.

Whenever people compare AP and IB, inevitably AP wins on number of courses and the IB people come back with, “we also have a diploma!” Whoopty freaking doo, good for you! Couldn’t care less!

NP. I don't think the diploma matters, but I think the ability to write clearly and effectively is likely better with IB than AP. I think what's better for a kid depends on their interests. But I think anyone going for either AP or IB is going to have a career where writing is essential, and I just don't think AP is as strong on that. On the other hand, if a kid were intent on a STEM career I think AP would be the way to go.

This seems like such a stretch. It’s not like there’s no writing in AP to begin with. At least for DE, if writing is your interest you can take writing specific classes in creative writing, technical writing etc, that are a much better preparation than the entire IB program. All students go to college where they do college papers and a thesis several hundred pages long under the supervision of a college professor to be prepared for their future career. By the time they graduate, whatever paper they wrote in 12th grade will matter very little.

At best IB might be a better preparation for the first year of college, but even that is quite debatable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

Not much value besides the bragging rights. Some people say IB is a lot of busy work. I wouldn’t call it exactly busy work, but there’s a lot of effort in the diploma, writing assignments, volunteering that doesn’t translate into a tangible academic outcome. The diploma certifies that the work was done, but it doesn’t look as impressive as the kid with a ton of APs classes.

Doesn't look as impressive to whom?

It doesn’t look as impressive to me. Let’s be real here, what looks better on a college application, an IB Diploma or 6 additional APs? I’ll take the APs any day.

+1.

What’s the actual value of the IB Diploma, it’s a piece of paper for bragging rights as a previous poster put it very eloquently.

In all seriousness, you can put an actual monetary value on the credits AP and DE classes can save in tuition towards the same undergrad degree. You can get credits from the IB HL classes too, but the diploma, eeeerh, shrug.

Whenever people compare AP and IB, inevitably AP wins on number of courses and the IB people come back with, “we also have a diploma!” Whoopty freaking doo, good for you! Couldn’t care less!

NP. I don't think the diploma matters, but I think the ability to write clearly and effectively is likely better with IB than AP. I think what's better for a kid depends on their interests. But I think anyone going for either AP or IB is going to have a career where writing is essential, and I just don't think AP is as strong on that. On the other hand, if a kid were intent on a STEM career I think AP would be the way to go.

Not sure where you got the information that AP doesn’t prepare students for writing, because it couldn’t be further from the truth. My stem oriented son, took AP English, both composition and literature, and AP US History. Each class had a 2000 word paper due weekly and a longer 10-15 page paper for the year end. The writing portion of the AP exam is quite grueling, three different styles of writing under time pressure, about 2000 words total in two hours. It more than prepared him for any writing in college at a top ranked university.

[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?

Agreed!

[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.

No way!! 🤣 You’re delusional!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

Not much value besides the bragging rights. Some people say IB is a lot of busy work. I wouldn’t call it exactly busy work, but there’s a lot of effort in the diploma, writing assignments, volunteering that doesn’t translate into a tangible academic outcome. The diploma certifies that the work was done, but it doesn’t look as impressive as the kid with a ton of APs classes.

Doesn't look as impressive to whom?

It doesn’t look as impressive to me. Let’s be real here, what looks better on a college application, an IB Diploma or 6 additional APs? I’ll take the APs any day.

+1.

What’s the actual value of the IB Diploma, it’s a piece of paper for bragging rights as a previous poster put it very eloquently.

In all seriousness, you can put an actual monetary value on the credits AP and DE classes can save in tuition towards the same undergrad degree. You can get credits from the IB HL classes too, but the diploma, eeeerh, shrug.

Whenever people compare AP and IB, inevitably AP wins on number of courses and the IB people come back with, “we also have a diploma!” Whoopty freaking doo, good for you! Couldn’t care less!

I have never heard someone brag about the IB diploma. The IB coursework is what’s valuable and far more rigorous than AP classes.

Signed,
Parent of RMIB graduate at a Top 10 university (with IB HS friends currently at CalTech, MIT and Ivies)