AP, DE, or IB?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

If your plan is to shorten undergrad by a year then I agree AP or DE is the way to go.

I also agree that the actual IB diploma is granted when a HS diploma is, so after all the college decisions are made.

But when people talk about the diploma program they are talking about an entire program that has rigor and the rigor of that program does seem to be recognized by colleges based on my limited experience and research. It also seems to prepare kids very well for college, again based on my experience.

So for both those reasons I’d rather my kid do IB than additional APs but ymmv— some kids prefer doing APs only or a mix of both AP. And IB, and some kids find the HL 2 year sequences limiting.

Not sure I understand, because you say the diploma doesn’t matter, but then say the program matters.

I’m wondering if a student can take 6 high level classes instead and not do the diploma. Does it mean he is not eligible to do the Theory of knowledge, extended essay and service requirement, is there a downside to it on how colleges see it? Or take 3 HL and fill the rest with a combination of AP and DE. Is the strength of the IB diploma program the extras, like the theory of knowledge and extended essays, or the two year long classes?

Yes, you can do all of the classes and not do the diploma. I don't know why you would, but you can.

That was the question I asked, if you do classes only but none of the TOK and EE extras is it seen as less rigorous?

Is it seen as less rigorous by whom? By college admissions officers?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

If your plan is to shorten undergrad by a year then I agree AP or DE is the way to go.

I also agree that the actual IB diploma is granted when a HS diploma is, so after all the college decisions are made.

But when people talk about the diploma program they are talking about an entire program that has rigor and the rigor of that program does seem to be recognized by colleges based on my limited experience and research. It also seems to prepare kids very well for college, again based on my experience.

So for both those reasons I’d rather my kid do IB than additional APs but ymmv— some kids prefer doing APs only or a mix of both AP. And IB, and some kids find the HL 2 year sequences limiting.

Not sure I understand, because you say the diploma doesn’t matter, but then say the program matters.

I’m wondering if a student can take 6 high level classes instead and not do the diploma. Does it mean he is not eligible to do the Theory of knowledge, extended essay and service requirement, is there a downside to it on how colleges see it? Or take 3 HL and fill the rest with a combination of AP and DE. Is the strength of the IB diploma program the extras, like the theory of knowledge and extended essays, or the two year long classes?

Yes, you can do all of the classes and not do the diploma. I don't know why you would, but you can.

That was the question I asked, if you do classes only but none of the TOK and EE extras is it seen as less rigorous?

Is it seen as less rigorous by whom? By college admissions officers?

Well duh! That’s what was written three posts ago:

But when people talk about the diploma program they are talking about an entire program that has rigor and the rigor of that program does seem to be recognized by colleges based on my limited experience and research.

Not sure it’s the same poster, but they said colleges. To me, colleges means college admissions officers, it’s not like the college building can recognize the rigor of a program, lol.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

If your plan is to shorten undergrad by a year then I agree AP or DE is the way to go.

I also agree that the actual IB diploma is granted when a HS diploma is, so after all the college decisions are made.

But when people talk about the diploma program they are talking about an entire program that has rigor and the rigor of that program does seem to be recognized by colleges based on my limited experience and research. It also seems to prepare kids very well for college, again based on my experience.

So for both those reasons I’d rather my kid do IB than additional APs but ymmv— some kids prefer doing APs only or a mix of both AP. And IB, and some kids find the HL 2 year sequences limiting.

Not sure I understand, because you say the diploma doesn’t matter, but then say the program matters.

I’m wondering if a student can take 6 high level classes instead and not do the diploma. Does it mean he is not eligible to do the Theory of knowledge, extended essay and service requirement, is there a downside to it on how colleges see it? Or take 3 HL and fill the rest with a combination of AP and DE. Is the strength of the IB diploma program the extras, like the theory of knowledge and extended essays, or the two year long classes?

Yes, you can do all of the classes and not do the diploma. I don't know why you would, but you can.

That was the question I asked, if you do classes only but none of the TOK and EE extras is it seen as less rigorous?

Is it seen as less rigorous by whom? By college admissions officers?

Well duh! That’s what was written three posts ago:

But when people talk about the diploma program they are talking about an entire program that has rigor and the rigor of that program does seem to be recognized by colleges based on my limited experience and research.

Not sure it’s the same poster, but they said colleges. To me, colleges means college admissions officers, it’s not like the college building can recognize the rigor of a program, lol.

Maybe the PP should ask college admissions officers then. Nobody on this forum knows the answer to the question, unless they are a college admissions officer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

If your plan is to shorten undergrad by a year then I agree AP or DE is the way to go.

I also agree that the actual IB diploma is granted when a HS diploma is, so after all the college decisions are made.

But when people talk about the diploma program they are talking about an entire program that has rigor and the rigor of that program does seem to be recognized by colleges based on my limited experience and research. It also seems to prepare kids very well for college, again based on my experience.

So for both those reasons I’d rather my kid do IB than additional APs but ymmv— some kids prefer doing APs only or a mix of both AP. And IB, and some kids find the HL 2 year sequences limiting.

Not sure I understand, because you say the diploma doesn’t matter, but then say the program matters.

I’m wondering if a student can take 6 high level classes instead and not do the diploma. Does it mean he is not eligible to do the Theory of knowledge, extended essay and service requirement, is there a downside to it on how colleges see it? Or take 3 HL and fill the rest with a combination of AP and DE. Is the strength of the IB diploma program the extras, like the theory of knowledge and extended essays, or the two year long classes?

Yes, you can do all of the classes and not do the diploma. I don't know why you would, but you can.

That was the question I asked, if you do classes only but none of the TOK and EE extras is it seen as less rigorous?

The diploma, the Theory of Knowledge and the extended essay are the shiny glitter to differentiate the program from the other options so it’s not perceived as a commodity. They have some limited marginal value, but I wouldn’t choose the program solely on those features. The student cohort and teacher quality (RMIB) will matter way more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

If your plan is to shorten undergrad by a year then I agree AP or DE is the way to go.

I also agree that the actual IB diploma is granted when a HS diploma is, so after all the college decisions are made.

But when people talk about the diploma program they are talking about an entire program that has rigor and the rigor of that program does seem to be recognized by colleges based on my limited experience and research. It also seems to prepare kids very well for college, again based on my experience.

So for both those reasons I’d rather my kid do IB than additional APs but ymmv— some kids prefer doing APs only or a mix of both AP. And IB, and some kids find the HL 2 year sequences limiting.

Not sure I understand, because you say the diploma doesn’t matter, but then say the program matters.

I’m wondering if a student can take 6 high level classes instead and not do the diploma. Does it mean he is not eligible to do the Theory of knowledge, extended essay and service requirement, is there a downside to it on how colleges see it? Or take 3 HL and fill the rest with a combination of AP and DE. Is the strength of the IB diploma program the extras, like the theory of knowledge and extended essays, or the two year long classes?

Yes, you can do all of the classes and not do the diploma. I don't know why you would, but you can.

That was the question I asked, if you do classes only but none of the TOK and EE extras is it seen as less rigorous?

Is it seen as less rigorous by whom? By college admissions officers?

Well duh! That’s what was written three posts ago:

But when people talk about the diploma program they are talking about an entire program that has rigor and the rigor of that program does seem to be recognized by colleges based on my limited experience and research.

Not sure it’s the same poster, but they said colleges. To me, colleges means college admissions officers, it’s not like the college building can recognize the rigor of a program, lol.

Maybe the PP should ask college admissions officers then. Nobody on this forum knows the answer to the question, unless they are a college admissions officer.

It’s not like a can whip up my phone to call my friend the college admissions officer! That’s why I’m posting on the forum, to get some insight from other parents. If you’re not the previous poster, I don’t know why you interjected in this conversation, just to tell me to ask an admission officer. FYI, I don’t feed the trolls.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

If your plan is to shorten undergrad by a year then I agree AP or DE is the way to go.

I also agree that the actual IB diploma is granted when a HS diploma is, so after all the college decisions are made.

But when people talk about the diploma program they are talking about an entire program that has rigor and the rigor of that program does seem to be recognized by colleges based on my limited experience and research. It also seems to prepare kids very well for college, again based on my experience.

So for both those reasons I’d rather my kid do IB than additional APs but ymmv— some kids prefer doing APs only or a mix of both AP. And IB, and some kids find the HL 2 year sequences limiting.

Not sure I understand, because you say the diploma doesn’t matter, but then say the program matters.

I’m wondering if a student can take 6 high level classes instead and not do the diploma. Does it mean he is not eligible to do the Theory of knowledge, extended essay and service requirement, is there a downside to it on how colleges see it? Or take 3 HL and fill the rest with a combination of AP and DE. Is the strength of the IB diploma program the extras, like the theory of knowledge and extended essays, or the two year long classes?

Yes, you can do all of the classes and not do the diploma. I don't know why you would, but you can.

That was the question I asked, if you do classes only but none of the TOK and EE extras is it seen as less rigorous?

Is it seen as less rigorous by whom? By college admissions officers?

Well duh! That’s what was written three posts ago:

But when people talk about the diploma program they are talking about an entire program that has rigor and the rigor of that program does seem to be recognized by colleges based on my limited experience and research.

Not sure it’s the same poster, but they said colleges. To me, colleges means college admissions officers, it’s not like the college building can recognize the rigor of a program, lol.

Maybe the PP should ask college admissions officers then. Nobody on this forum knows the answer to the question, unless they are a college admissions officer.

It’s not like a can whip up my phone to call my friend the college admissions officer! That’s why I’m posting on the forum, to get some insight from other parents. If you’re not the previous poster, I don’t know why you interjected in this conversation, just to tell me to ask an admission officer. FYI, I don’t feed the trolls.

I'm not a troll, I'm a person with a kid in the IB DP. I don't think the other parents know the answer any more than you or I do (or don't). If your only reason for your kid to do the IB DP program is that you think college admissions officers would approve - I don't think that's not a good reason.

Here is DCUM, claiming to value education (unlike THOSE people, who don't value education, according to DCUM), and all I ever read about is: will this or that help my kid get into a "good" college so that they can get a "good" (high-paying) job. In my opinion, education isn't getting the right credentials, education is actually learning stuff. Are you going to learn more stuff if you do the full IB DP, as opposed to some IB classes a la carte? Yes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

If your plan is to shorten undergrad by a year then I agree AP or DE is the way to go.

I also agree that the actual IB diploma is granted when a HS diploma is, so after all the college decisions are made.

But when people talk about the diploma program they are talking about an entire program that has rigor and the rigor of that program does seem to be recognized by colleges based on my limited experience and research. It also seems to prepare kids very well for college, again based on my experience.

So for both those reasons I’d rather my kid do IB than additional APs but ymmv— some kids prefer doing APs only or a mix of both AP. And IB, and some kids find the HL 2 year sequences limiting.

Not sure I understand, because you say the diploma doesn’t matter, but then say the program matters.

I’m wondering if a student can take 6 high level classes instead and not do the diploma. Does it mean he is not eligible to do the Theory of knowledge, extended essay and service requirement, is there a downside to it on how colleges see it? Or take 3 HL and fill the rest with a combination of AP and DE. Is the strength of the IB diploma program the extras, like the theory of knowledge and extended essays, or the two year long classes?

Yes, you can do all of the classes and not do the diploma. I don't know why you would, but you can.

That was the question I asked, if you do classes only but none of the TOK and EE extras is it seen as less rigorous?

Is it seen as less rigorous by whom? By college admissions officers?

Well duh! That’s what was written three posts ago:

But when people talk about the diploma program they are talking about an entire program that has rigor and the rigor of that program does seem to be recognized by colleges based on my limited experience and research.

Not sure it’s the same poster, but they said colleges. To me, colleges means college admissions officers, it’s not like the college building can recognize the rigor of a program, lol.

Maybe the PP should ask college admissions officers then. Nobody on this forum knows the answer to the question, unless they are a college admissions officer.

It’s not like a can whip up my phone to call my friend the college admissions officer! That’s why I’m posting on the forum, to get some insight from other parents. If you’re not the previous poster, I don’t know why you interjected in this conversation, just to tell me to ask an admission officer. FYI, I don’t feed the trolls.

I'm not a troll, I'm a person with a kid in the IB DP. I don't think the other parents know the answer any more than you or I do (or don't). If your only reason for your kid to do the IB DP program is that you think college admissions officers would approve - I don't think that's not a good reason.

Here is DCUM, claiming to value education (unlike THOSE people, who don't value education, according to DCUM), and all I ever read about is: will this or that help my kid get into a "good" college so that they can get a "good" (high-paying) job. In my opinion, education isn't getting the right credentials, education is actually learning stuff. Are you going to learn more stuff if you do the full IB DP, as opposed to some IB classes a la carte? Yes.

For the purpose of the thread, what is the stuff students learn in IB that’s differentiated from the stuff they learn in AP or DE? The discussion is about comparing these options.

There’s nothing wrong with having the goal of getting into a “good” college and having a “good” job. Just because your goal is learning stuff doesn’t make you “better”.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

If your plan is to shorten undergrad by a year then I agree AP or DE is the way to go.

I also agree that the actual IB diploma is granted when a HS diploma is, so after all the college decisions are made.

But when people talk about the diploma program they are talking about an entire program that has rigor and the rigor of that program does seem to be recognized by colleges based on my limited experience and research. It also seems to prepare kids very well for college, again based on my experience.

So for both those reasons I’d rather my kid do IB than additional APs but ymmv— some kids prefer doing APs only or a mix of both AP. And IB, and some kids find the HL 2 year sequences limiting.

Not sure I understand, because you say the diploma doesn’t matter, but then say the program matters.

I’m wondering if a student can take 6 high level classes instead and not do the diploma. Does it mean he is not eligible to do the Theory of knowledge, extended essay and service requirement, is there a downside to it on how colleges see it? Or take 3 HL and fill the rest with a combination of AP and DE. Is the strength of the IB diploma program the extras, like the theory of knowledge and extended essays, or the two year long classes?

Yes, you can do all of the classes and not do the diploma. I don't know why you would, but you can.

That was the question I asked, if you do classes only but none of the TOK and EE extras is it seen as less rigorous?

Is it seen as less rigorous by whom? By college admissions officers?

Well duh! That’s what was written three posts ago:

But when people talk about the diploma program they are talking about an entire program that has rigor and the rigor of that program does seem to be recognized by colleges based on my limited experience and research.

Not sure it’s the same poster, but they said colleges. To me, colleges means college admissions officers, it’s not like the college building can recognize the rigor of a program, lol.

Maybe the PP should ask college admissions officers then. Nobody on this forum knows the answer to the question, unless they are a college admissions officer.

It’s not like a can whip up my phone to call my friend the college admissions officer! That’s why I’m posting on the forum, to get some insight from other parents. If you’re not the previous poster, I don’t know why you interjected in this conversation, just to tell me to ask an admission officer. FYI, I don’t feed the trolls.

I'm not a troll, I'm a person with a kid in the IB DP. I don't think the other parents know the answer any more than you or I do (or don't). If your only reason for your kid to do the IB DP program is that you think college admissions officers would approve - I don't think that's not a good reason.

Here is DCUM, claiming to value education (unlike THOSE people, who don't value education, according to DCUM), and all I ever read about is: will this or that help my kid get into a "good" college so that they can get a "good" (high-paying) job. In my opinion, education isn't getting the right credentials, education is actually learning stuff. Are you going to learn more stuff if you do the full IB DP, as opposed to some IB classes a la carte? Yes.

For the purpose of the thread, what is the stuff students learn in IB that’s differentiated from the stuff they learn in AP or DE? The discussion is about comparing these options.

There’s nothing wrong with having the goal of getting into a “good” college and having a “good” job. Just because your goal is learning stuff doesn’t make you “better”.

You're right, there isn't. It's fine. It's just not valuing education. And the parents who supposedly don't value education, according to DCUM, are also prioritizing their kids' economic prospects.

The immediate PP is not asking about IB vs AP or DE; they are asking about IB DP vs IB a la carte.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

If your plan is to shorten undergrad by a year then I agree AP or DE is the way to go.

I also agree that the actual IB diploma is granted when a HS diploma is, so after all the college decisions are made.

But when people talk about the diploma program they are talking about an entire program that has rigor and the rigor of that program does seem to be recognized by colleges based on my limited experience and research. It also seems to prepare kids very well for college, again based on my experience.

So for both those reasons I’d rather my kid do IB than additional APs but ymmv— some kids prefer doing APs only or a mix of both AP. And IB, and some kids find the HL 2 year sequences limiting.

Not sure I understand, because you say the diploma doesn’t matter, but then say the program matters.

I’m wondering if a student can take 6 high level classes instead and not do the diploma. Does it mean he is not eligible to do the Theory of knowledge, extended essay and service requirement, is there a downside to it on how colleges see it? Or take 3 HL and fill the rest with a combination of AP and DE. Is the strength of the IB diploma program the extras, like the theory of knowledge and extended essays, or the two year long classes?

Yes, you can do all of the classes and not do the diploma. I don't know why you would, but you can.

That was the question I asked, if you do classes only but none of the TOK and EE extras is it seen as less rigorous?

Is it seen as less rigorous by whom? By college admissions officers?

Well duh! That’s what was written three posts ago:

But when people talk about the diploma program they are talking about an entire program that has rigor and the rigor of that program does seem to be recognized by colleges based on my limited experience and research.

Not sure it’s the same poster, but they said colleges. To me, colleges means college admissions officers, it’s not like the college building can recognize the rigor of a program, lol.

Maybe the PP should ask college admissions officers then. Nobody on this forum knows the answer to the question, unless they are a college admissions officer.

It’s not like a can whip up my phone to call my friend the college admissions officer! That’s why I’m posting on the forum, to get some insight from other parents. If you’re not the previous poster, I don’t know why you interjected in this conversation, just to tell me to ask an admission officer. FYI, I don’t feed the trolls.

I'm not a troll, I'm a person with a kid in the IB DP. I don't think the other parents know the answer any more than you or I do (or don't). If your only reason for your kid to do the IB DP program is that you think college admissions officers would approve - I don't think that's not a good reason.

Here is DCUM, claiming to value education (unlike THOSE people, who don't value education, according to DCUM), and all I ever read about is: will this or that help my kid get into a "good" college so that they can get a "good" (high-paying) job. In my opinion, education isn't getting the right credentials, education is actually learning stuff. Are you going to learn more stuff if you do the full IB DP, as opposed to some IB classes a la carte? Yes.

I asked a question about IB and college admissions to a poster that seemed knowledgeable. You replied to tell me that you don’t know the answer and to bash me that I shouldn’t care about college admissions for my child. Wtf!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

If your plan is to shorten undergrad by a year then I agree AP or DE is the way to go.

I also agree that the actual IB diploma is granted when a HS diploma is, so after all the college decisions are made.

But when people talk about the diploma program they are talking about an entire program that has rigor and the rigor of that program does seem to be recognized by colleges based on my limited experience and research. It also seems to prepare kids very well for college, again based on my experience.

So for both those reasons I’d rather my kid do IB than additional APs but ymmv— some kids prefer doing APs only or a mix of both AP. And IB, and some kids find the HL 2 year sequences limiting.

Not sure I understand, because you say the diploma doesn’t matter, but then say the program matters.

I’m wondering if a student can take 6 high level classes instead and not do the diploma. Does it mean he is not eligible to do the Theory of knowledge, extended essay and service requirement, is there a downside to it on how colleges see it? Or take 3 HL and fill the rest with a combination of AP and DE. Is the strength of the IB diploma program the extras, like the theory of knowledge and extended essays, or the two year long classes?

Yes, you can do all of the classes and not do the diploma. I don't know why you would, but you can.

That was the question I asked, if you do classes only but none of the TOK and EE extras is it seen as less rigorous?

Is it seen as less rigorous by whom? By college admissions officers?

Well duh! That’s what was written three posts ago:

But when people talk about the diploma program they are talking about an entire program that has rigor and the rigor of that program does seem to be recognized by colleges based on my limited experience and research.

Not sure it’s the same poster, but they said colleges. To me, colleges means college admissions officers, it’s not like the college building can recognize the rigor of a program, lol.

Maybe the PP should ask college admissions officers then. Nobody on this forum knows the answer to the question, unless they are a college admissions officer.

It’s not like a can whip up my phone to call my friend the college admissions officer! That’s why I’m posting on the forum, to get some insight from other parents. If you’re not the previous poster, I don’t know why you interjected in this conversation, just to tell me to ask an admission officer. FYI, I don’t feed the trolls.

I'm not a troll, I'm a person with a kid in the IB DP. I don't think the other parents know the answer any more than you or I do (or don't). If your only reason for your kid to do the IB DP program is that you think college admissions officers would approve - I don't think that's not a good reason.

Here is DCUM, claiming to value education (unlike THOSE people, who don't value education, according to DCUM), and all I ever read about is: will this or that help my kid get into a "good" college so that they can get a "good" (high-paying) job. In my opinion, education isn't getting the right credentials, education is actually learning stuff. Are you going to learn more stuff if you do the full IB DP, as opposed to some IB classes a la carte? Yes.

For the purpose of the thread, what is the stuff students learn in IB that’s differentiated from the stuff they learn in AP or DE? The discussion is about comparing these options.

There’s nothing wrong with having the goal of getting into a “good” college and having a “good” job. Just because your goal is learning stuff doesn’t make you “better”.

You're right, there isn't. It's fine. It's just not valuing education. And the parents who supposedly don't value education, according to DCUM, are also prioritizing their kids' economic prospects.

The immediate PP is not asking about IB vs AP or DE; they are asking about IB DP vs IB a la carte.

It is actually valuing education, the type that results in a successful career. Not everyone angling for “good” colleges does it for monetary reasons. Some might even do it for the sake of learning and eventually pursue an academic career. It’s not a requirement, but it surely helps a lot to graduate from a well known university.

Whatever the reasons, people want to know how the three programs compare. IB DP vs a la carte IB, or a mix and match of IBAPDE.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

If your plan is to shorten undergrad by a year then I agree AP or DE is the way to go.

I also agree that the actual IB diploma is granted when a HS diploma is, so after all the college decisions are made.

But when people talk about the diploma program they are talking about an entire program that has rigor and the rigor of that program does seem to be recognized by colleges based on my limited experience and research. It also seems to prepare kids very well for college, again based on my experience.

So for both those reasons I’d rather my kid do IB than additional APs but ymmv— some kids prefer doing APs only or a mix of both AP. And IB, and some kids find the HL 2 year sequences limiting.

Not sure I understand, because you say the diploma doesn’t matter, but then say the program matters.

I’m wondering if a student can take 6 high level classes instead and not do the diploma. Does it mean he is not eligible to do the Theory of knowledge, extended essay and service requirement, is there a downside to it on how colleges see it? Or take 3 HL and fill the rest with a combination of AP and DE. Is the strength of the IB diploma program the extras, like the theory of knowledge and extended essays, or the two year long classes?

Yes, you can do all of the classes and not do the diploma. I don't know why you would, but you can.

That was the question I asked, if you do classes only but none of the TOK and EE extras is it seen as less rigorous?

Is it seen as less rigorous by whom? By college admissions officers?

Well duh! That’s what was written three posts ago:

But when people talk about the diploma program they are talking about an entire program that has rigor and the rigor of that program does seem to be recognized by colleges based on my limited experience and research.

Not sure it’s the same poster, but they said colleges. To me, colleges means college admissions officers, it’s not like the college building can recognize the rigor of a program, lol.

Maybe the PP should ask college admissions officers then. Nobody on this forum knows the answer to the question, unless they are a college admissions officer.

It’s not like a can whip up my phone to call my friend the college admissions officer! That’s why I’m posting on the forum, to get some insight from other parents. If you’re not the previous poster, I don’t know why you interjected in this conversation, just to tell me to ask an admission officer. FYI, I don’t feed the trolls.

I'm not a troll, I'm a person with a kid in the IB DP. I don't think the other parents know the answer any more than you or I do (or don't). If your only reason for your kid to do the IB DP program is that you think college admissions officers would approve - I don't think that's not a good reason.

Here is DCUM, claiming to value education (unlike THOSE people, who don't value education, according to DCUM), and all I ever read about is: will this or that help my kid get into a "good" college so that they can get a "good" (high-paying) job. In my opinion, education isn't getting the right credentials, education is actually learning stuff. Are you going to learn more stuff if you do the full IB DP, as opposed to some IB classes a la carte? Yes.

For the purpose of the thread, what is the stuff students learn in IB that’s differentiated from the stuff they learn in AP or DE? The discussion is about comparing these options.

There’s nothing wrong with having the goal of getting into a “good” college and having a “good” job. Just because your goal is learning stuff doesn’t make you “better”.

You're right, there isn't. It's fine. It's just not valuing education. And the parents who supposedly don't value education, according to DCUM, are also prioritizing their kids' economic prospects.

The immediate PP is not asking about IB vs AP or DE; they are asking about IB DP vs IB a la carte.

It is actually valuing education, the type that results in a successful career. Not everyone angling for “good” colleges does it for monetary reasons. Some might even do it for the sake of learning and eventually pursue an academic career. It’s not a requirement, but it surely helps a lot to graduate from a well known university.

Whatever the reasons, people want to know how the three programs compare. IB DP vs a la carte IB, or a mix and match of IBAPDE.

Nah, it's not valuing education, at least not education as an end in itself. Only education as it helps your economic prospects. Which is fine.

Does it actually help a lot to graduate from a well known university?

[Anonymous]

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

for outcome, I see IB magnet kids do well over pure AP students. IB magnet students also take AP classes and exams, where they self study for several. Colleges want to see that you took the most rigorous courses available. I don't think colleges see that much difference between the two.

My DC went to an IB magnet. So, I don't know what the outcomes are for non IB magnets.

The one DE student I know went to a meh oos flagship.

All anecdotal.

[Anonymous]

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.

What's more impressive is the amount of AP exams the IB students take by self studying, and getting 5s. They take both AP and IB exams, without taking the AP classes. Much more impressive than taking AP classes then the exams.

[Anonymous]

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.

What's more impressive is the amount of AP exams the IB students take by self studying, and getting 5s. They take both AP and IB exams, without taking the AP classes. Much more impressive than taking AP classes then the exams.

I do worry about mental health and burn out. The advantage has to be significant to justify the extra double workload and stress.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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?

For pure STEM, go with Blair or Poolesville magnet.

Having stated that, your kid can do IB and APs in stem. A lot of the RMIB students I know did that. My STEM oriented kid took both AP and IB STEM classes: AP BC Calc, IB MVC, IB physics; some of their friends took AP check, AP Bio. They all took both the IB and AP exams: physics, calc; some took AP bio (my kid hates bio), chem. Many self studied.

Most of DC's friend group in IB went to major in STEM or business.