If your child is assigned to an IB HS…

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wasn't so sure about IB, but the amount of writing makes it highly rigorous, almost too much. DS was very well prepared for college and said that it was easier than HS. 100% acceptance rate for colleges where he applied. Only big drawback was that he had earned a lot fewer college credits than we had expected.

Yeah, it's funny. My IB kid had a more demanding HS experience and was better prepared for college, but my AP kid started college with ~twice as many credits. (If I had a third kid, I'd go IB if they could handle it.)

The problem with IB schools is it prevents underclassman from accelerating. We had the option of an IB high school or an AP high school. The IB school gate keeps all the advanced classes for 11th and 12 graders- even if your acceptor received credit already for lower level classes

That wasn't an issue at our IB school. The track was customized to what we were doing.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:I wasn't so sure about IB, but the amount of writing makes it highly rigorous, almost too much. DS was very well prepared for college and said that it was easier than HS. 100% acceptance rate for colleges where he applied. Only big drawback was that he had earned a lot fewer college credits than we had expected.

Yeah, it's funny. My IB kid had a more demanding HS experience and was better prepared for college, but my AP kid started college with ~twice as many credits. (If I had a third kid, I'd go IB if they could handle it.)

NP here and didn’t read the whole thread, so this might have already been addressed.

At my kid’s magnet IB program, most IB students also take the equivalent AP tests (self-study for any differences) to maximize college credit options. However, unless they are going to a public school, it might not really matter. Many private schools don’t accept a lot of AP/IB credit. Complete the IBDP for the experience and rigorous education. Take the AP tests to keep college credit options open, but don’t expect to use them at all schools.

Colleges will generally give the same credit for IB HL courses as to the AP equivalents. IB SL courses don’t get that much credit because they don’t raise to that level, not because colleges favor AP.

Self studying for AP classes while taking IB is not as easy as it is claimed. It works for some classes, but it will be a disaster for others like math and physics. Doing that for IB SL classes is ill advised. Go the AP route if you want college credit.

My kid took ib physics only and self studied for both ap and ib exams. Got a 5 on ap.

The reason why some ib exams aren't given credit in college is because some of these classes go very in depth on certain subjects and don't cover enough breadth. Like ib history will cover two or three global events in depth whereas ap world covers more content but only surface level.

I've had one kid take ib history and another take ap world

What AP Physics did he self study for? IB HL Physics is Algebra based, while AP Physics C is calculus based, and goes in more depth because it’s focused on a few subtopics (mechanics, electromagnetism). Either way, it’s not easy to self study for AP while taking IB, but it may work for a small subset of hardworking, motivated students.

AP Physics 1&2 is also algebra based, but it doesn’t count for much for stem majors.

If we’re talking about an introductory history course, it makes more sense to me to cover more content on the surface than go deep on a few topics.

I’ve heard of extreme cases of IB students chasing the AP credit at RMIB, where they take both courses IB Physics HL and AP Physics C, not just the AP exam. I get that IB HL Physics may not be a good preparation for AP Physics C, but what a waste of time to take both.

I'm the PP with the DC who took AP/IB physics exam.

DC took IB physics HL then self studied for Physics C Mech. They did not take the AP class. Scored a 5 on AP, and 6 on IB. They got credit for both for two physics courses in college.

Yes, they were at RMIB, and a lot of those kids self study for multiple AP exams. All together, DC had 58 credits going in. 31 AP credits and 27 for IBs.

This is not an outlier for RMIB kids; they take a lot of AP classes, in conjunction to their IB courses. The path includes taking AP courses starting 9th grade.

I don’t know what’s up with the IB crowd that makes them so prone to exaggerations and lying by omission, at this point I’d take everything an IB supporter says with a fistful of salt.

Lady, your kid didn’t have 58 credits going in. Thats because you can’t double count the AP and IB credits. For example, colleges won’t give credit for both AP and IB Physics, just for one of them.

I bet that there was a lot of overlap in your count, between IB and AP in Calculus, Physics, Computer Science, and maybe English.

So nowhere close to 58 credits.

You really should not post things you know nothing about. Some college will give you credit for both AP and IB, but for a different course, like an elective course, or different physics courses, for example.


Transfer Credit Information -- Equivalences
Advanced Placement Exam

U.S. GVPT 3
2101 COMP SCI 4 - credit for elective
U.S. HISTORY 3 - credit for USH 1
U.S. HISTORY 3 - credit for USH 2
ENG LIT/COMP 3 -- credit for English
ENG LIT/COMP 3 -- credit for elective
CALCULUS BC 4 -- credit for math
PHYSICS C-MECH 4 - credit for physics meche

Total 27

International Baccalaureate Exam
2301 COMPUTG HIGH 3 -- credit for elective
ENGLISH A LIT HIGH 3 -- credit for elective
MATH ANALYSIS/APP HIGH/ 4 -- credit for math class
MATH ANALYSIS/APP HIGH 4 -- credit for stat class
PHYSICS HIGH P 4.00 -- credit for fundamentals in physics
PHYSICS HIGH P 4.00 -- credit for fundamentals in physics part 2
Language STD P 3.00 -- credit for language level 20x
Language STD P 3.00 -- credit for language level 20y

Total 27

OK, it was 54 applicable, 58 acceptable. One was a dupe. Like I said, DC was not the only one with this many credits.

Ok, I guess it’s true for UMD, a decent Top 50-100 college. That won’t be the case for most other colleges.

[Anonymous]

It’s #44, actually. UVA is the stingy one wrt IB credit. Much more generous with APs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s #44, actually. UVA is the stingy one wrt IB credit. Much more generous with APs.

I guess the lower you go in the rankings the more credit you get, but it’s so rare to see AP and IB that differentiated. Even at UMD a lot of the IB credit is lower level electives as opposed to core major requirements for AP.

Looking at the big picture, I don’t think it was that great of a benefit to self study and/or double coursework for Math, English, Physics, and Computer Science. That’s a lot of wasted time and potential. Seems like a bright RMIB kid bogged down into repeating and doubling up instead of challenging himself and trying new things.

If math is your interest, take linear algebra and differential equations instead. You don’t need years of classes in general Physics, follow up with Electromagnetism instead, take another science like Chemistry. Instead of doubling up on computer science, write your own app to apply practically what you learned and develop a strong extracurricular. Absolutely terrible academic advising, but also shows how the rigid IB program doesn’t always work for smart advanced kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s #44, actually. UVA is the stingy one wrt IB credit. Much more generous with APs.

I guess the lower you go in the rankings the more credit you get, but it’s so rare to see AP and IB that differentiated. Even at UMD a lot of the IB credit is lower level electives as opposed to core major requirements for AP.

Looking at the big picture, I don’t think it was that great of a benefit to self study and/or double coursework for Math, English, Physics, and Computer Science. That’s a lot of wasted time and potential. Seems like a bright RMIB kid bogged down into repeating and doubling up instead of challenging himself and trying new things.

If math is your interest, take linear algebra and differential equations instead. You don’t need years of classes in general Physics, follow up with Electromagnetism instead, take another science like Chemistry. Instead of doubling up on computer science, write your own app to apply practically what you learned and develop a strong extracurricular. Absolutely terrible academic advising, but also shows how the rigid IB program doesn’t always work for smart advanced kids.

My RMIB kid didn't think it was a waste of time. The credits allowed them to dual major and graduate in 3 years. One of their majors is math. Most of the smart advanced kids self study for APs, and get 50+ credits going into college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wasn't so sure about IB, but the amount of writing makes it highly rigorous, almost too much. DS was very well prepared for college and said that it was easier than HS. 100% acceptance rate for colleges where he applied. Only big drawback was that he had earned a lot fewer college credits than we had expected.

Yeah, it's funny. My IB kid had a more demanding HS experience and was better prepared for college, but my AP kid started college with ~twice as many credits. (If I had a third kid, I'd go IB if they could handle it.)

NP here and didn’t read the whole thread, so this might have already been addressed.

At my kid’s magnet IB program, most IB students also take the equivalent AP tests (self-study for any differences) to maximize college credit options. However, unless they are going to a public school, it might not really matter. Many private schools don’t accept a lot of AP/IB credit. Complete the IBDP for the experience and rigorous education. Take the AP tests to keep college credit options open, but don’t expect to use them at all schools.

Colleges will generally give the same credit for IB HL courses as to the AP equivalents. IB SL courses don’t get that much credit because they don’t raise to that level, not because colleges favor AP.

Self studying for AP classes while taking IB is not as easy as it is claimed. It works for some classes, but it will be a disaster for others like math and physics. Doing that for IB SL classes is ill advised. Go the AP route if you want college credit.

My kid took ib physics only and self studied for both ap and ib exams. Got a 5 on ap.

The reason why some ib exams aren't given credit in college is because some of these classes go very in depth on certain subjects and don't cover enough breadth. Like ib history will cover two or three global events in depth whereas ap world covers more content but only surface level.

I've had one kid take ib history and another take ap world

What AP Physics did he self study for? IB HL Physics is Algebra based, while AP Physics C is calculus based, and goes in more depth because it’s focused on a few subtopics (mechanics, electromagnetism). Either way, it’s not easy to self study for AP while taking IB, but it may work for a small subset of hardworking, motivated students.

AP Physics 1&2 is also algebra based, but it doesn’t count for much for stem majors.

If we’re talking about an introductory history course, it makes more sense to me to cover more content on the surface than go deep on a few topics.

I’ve heard of extreme cases of IB students chasing the AP credit at RMIB, where they take both courses IB Physics HL and AP Physics C, not just the AP exam. I get that IB HL Physics may not be a good preparation for AP Physics C, but what a waste of time to take both.

I'm the PP with the DC who took AP/IB physics exam.

DC took IB physics HL then self studied for Physics C Mech. They did not take the AP class. Scored a 5 on AP, and 6 on IB. They got credit for both for two physics courses in college.

Yes, they were at RMIB, and a lot of those kids self study for multiple AP exams. All together, DC had 58 credits going in. 31 AP credits and 27 for IBs.

This is not an outlier for RMIB kids; they take a lot of AP classes, in conjunction to their IB courses. The path includes taking AP courses starting 9th grade.

I don’t know what’s up with the IB crowd that makes them so prone to exaggerations and lying by omission, at this point I’d take everything an IB supporter says with a fistful of salt.

Lady, your kid didn’t have 58 credits going in. Thats because you can’t double count the AP and IB credits. For example, colleges won’t give credit for both AP and IB Physics, just for one of them.

I bet that there was a lot of overlap in your count, between IB and AP in Calculus, Physics, Computer Science, and maybe English.

So nowhere close to 58 credits.

You really should not post things you know nothing about. Some college will give you credit for both AP and IB, but for a different course, like an elective course, or different physics courses, for example.


Transfer Credit Information -- Equivalences
Advanced Placement Exam

U.S. GVPT 3
2101 COMP SCI 4 - credit for elective
U.S. HISTORY 3 - credit for USH 1
U.S. HISTORY 3 - credit for USH 2
ENG LIT/COMP 3 -- credit for English
ENG LIT/COMP 3 -- credit for elective
CALCULUS BC 4 -- credit for math
PHYSICS C-MECH 4 - credit for physics meche

Total 27

International Baccalaureate Exam
2301 COMPUTG HIGH 3 -- credit for elective
ENGLISH A LIT HIGH 3 -- credit for elective
MATH ANALYSIS/APP HIGH/ 4 -- credit for math class
MATH ANALYSIS/APP HIGH 4 -- credit for stat class
PHYSICS HIGH P 4.00 -- credit for fundamentals in physics
PHYSICS HIGH P 4.00 -- credit for fundamentals in physics part 2
Language STD P 3.00 -- credit for language level 20x
Language STD P 3.00 -- credit for language level 20y

Total 27

OK, it was 54 applicable, 58 acceptable. One was a dupe. Like I said, DC was not the only one with this many credits.

Ok, I guess it’s true for UMD, a decent Top 50-100 college. That won’t be the case for most other colleges.

The very top colleges barely give any credit for APs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s #44, actually. UVA is the stingy one wrt IB credit. Much more generous with APs.

I guess the lower you go in the rankings the more credit you get, but it’s so rare to see AP and IB that differentiated. Even at UMD a lot of the IB credit is lower level electives as opposed to core major requirements for AP.

Looking at the big picture, I don’t think it was that great of a benefit to self study and/or double coursework for Math, English, Physics, and Computer Science. That’s a lot of wasted time and potential. Seems like a bright RMIB kid bogged down into repeating and doubling up instead of challenging himself and trying new things.

If math is your interest, take linear algebra and differential equations instead. You don’t need years of classes in general Physics, follow up with Electromagnetism instead, take another science like Chemistry. Instead of doubling up on computer science, write your own app to apply practically what you learned and develop a strong extracurricular. Absolutely terrible academic advising, but also shows how the rigid IB program doesn’t always work for smart advanced kids.

Most of the AP credits are not for core major courses, either.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s #44, actually. UVA is the stingy one wrt IB credit. Much more generous with APs.

Colleges that are stingy with credits are usually the more expensive ones. They want you to spend the full four years paying.

[Anonymous]

Ours is at an ivy and took an eye-watering amount of APs back in high school(19), but heh has noticed zero difference between AP and IB students proclivity to struggle in class.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s #44, actually. UVA is the stingy one wrt IB credit. Much more generous with APs.

I guess the lower you go in the rankings the more credit you get, but it’s so rare to see AP and IB that differentiated. Even at UMD a lot of the IB credit is lower level electives as opposed to core major requirements for AP.

Looking at the big picture, I don’t think it was that great of a benefit to self study and/or double coursework for Math, English, Physics, and Computer Science. That’s a lot of wasted time and potential. Seems like a bright RMIB kid bogged down into repeating and doubling up instead of challenging himself and trying new things.

If math is your interest, take linear algebra and differential equations instead. You don’t need years of classes in general Physics, follow up with Electromagnetism instead, take another science like Chemistry. Instead of doubling up on computer science, write your own app to apply practically what you learned and develop a strong extracurricular. Absolutely terrible academic advising, but also shows how the rigid IB program doesn’t always work for smart advanced kids.

My RMIB kid didn't think it was a waste of time. The credits allowed them to dual major and graduate in 3 years. One of their majors is math. Most of the smart advanced kids self study for APs, and get 50+ credits going into college.

I get that you think IB was great for your kid, who I’m sure will be more than fine. But to me this reads like a cautionary tale of how IB can be a bad fit for a smart advanced kid.

Of course RMIB has other benefits like good students, teachers and variety of courses. But if the alternative is a good AP base school, I’d think long and hard before making the choice.

OP didn’t ask for RMIB though, she asked for a zoned IB school, which in my book would be a hard no.

AP kids with a similar profile easily get 50+ credits from core AP classes like Calculus, Stats, English Lang & Lit, Physics C, Computer Science, Chemistry, and 2-3 humanities and social science classes. Depending how you count, that’s about 9-10 AP classes, it’s fairly common, over 50k students do it every year. Definitely doable for a kid that finished Algebra 2 in middle school, and there’s bandwidth to spare. Without doubling up, duplication and useless IB fluff.

[Anonymous]

Never understood what the big fuss about IB Diploma is. Looked up IBO statistics and they award about 26,000 diplomas in the Americas (includes Canada, Mexico and South America). About the same number of students, 21,000 received their AP Diploma as of 2024. Comparable requirements for thesis writing and number of exams. Yet very few people think the AP Diploma moves the needle for college admissions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Never understood what the big fuss about IB Diploma is. Looked up IBO statistics and they award about 26,000 diplomas in the Americas (includes Canada, Mexico and South America). About the same number of students, 21,000 received their AP Diploma as of 2024. Comparable requirements for thesis writing and number of exams. Yet very few people think the AP Diploma moves the needle for college admissions.

shrug, every IB student I've spoken to, regardless of whether it was a magnet or not, told me IB was beneficial for college admissions and preparing them for college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Never understood what the big fuss about IB Diploma is. Looked up IBO statistics and they award about 26,000 diplomas in the Americas (includes Canada, Mexico and South America). About the same number of students, 21,000 received their AP Diploma as of 2024. Comparable requirements for thesis writing and number of exams. Yet very few people think the AP Diploma moves the needle for college admissions.

shrug, every IB student I've spoken to, regardless of whether it was a magnet or not, told me IB was beneficial for college admissions and preparing them for college.

Really, not even one of them had any doubt? Made up statistics from trust me bruh.

Turns out students vote with their feet, record low numbers participate in IBDP in US, about 20% down from the 2021 peak. It’s not a great program.