I’m not sure there is much difference in diploma rates or if the difference is due to “higher performing kids” or even what that term means— I know kids who have done the entire DP but decided not to take IB tests in May of senior year— are they lower performing kids? But even assuming they are, and assuming RM is a hothouse of high performing kids and there’s an option to get the same education at your local school perhaps with greater cross-registration of classes, some people might actually prefer that other option. |
? ok? Did I question that? OP asked about RMIB v BCC, and people just responded why RMIB was stronger. If you don't want your kid at RMIB, then don't have them apply. Simple. Also, RMIB kids also take a lot of AP classes, and RM cluster students can also take IB classes starting in 11th grade without taking the IB exam. In that way, it's just like BCC IB. |
but the cohort may not be as strong. Some classes grade on a curve. |
No people responded claiming RM was clearly “better” and it’s not clear it is “better” for any, much less all, individual students. |
what if some students are bad at exams, period? They should also do away with exams, right? Standardized tests are the only objective way to measure academics because grading is subjective. If a teacher hates a student, they can nitpick and give the student a bad grade. They can't do that on a standardized test. |
It's "better" because it has a higher diploma rate and has higher achieving kids from all over the county. If you don't care about that, then stick with BCC. Why is that so hard. |
Because it’s a logical fallacy resting on dubious data? But if it makes you feel better don’t mind me |
Standardized tests are an objective way to measure standardized-test-taking ability. |
It is exactly the same IB program. It is exactly the same IB requirements. It is exactly the same IB tests. It is exactly the same IB grading criteria. It is exactly the same IB program. |
Does BCC have IB courses, specifically identified as such, for a cohort in 9th and 10th grade? |
There are no IB courses for 9th and 10th grade. They do not exist. The IB diploma programme is only for 11th and 12th grade. |
So basically the same kid would do about the same in any of these programs. Got it. |
So you would agree that if there were a cohort of magnet kids taking classes within that magnet in 9th and 10th grade that are designated as IB formally on a transcript, that would be a way that the IB program overall at RM is different from the IB program at BCC? |
Might be the 'same' program on paper, but a much different experience in practice. Our home school has an IB program, and my neighbor has a kid at RMIB. We talk often, and the kids talk often. It is definitely a different experience, for a variety of reasons. Not sure what your agenda is here, but there's a reason why RMIB gets so many applicants. |
Look DCUM has told me for years that there are tons of smart kids and that it’s extremely difficult to get into these programs. Basically everyone is at 99th percentile and “just” 99th percentile isn’t good enough. You need to be way above that! That there are so many smart kids your kids simply can’t compare. This hasn’t been my experience. My kids have easily been accepted to each of the advanced programs (including multiple at high school). It’s clear to me that exceptional students with a strong work ethic get in. (And this without prepping or really any extra curriculars or awards). It’s not a crap shoot when your kid gets into multiple “highly competitive” programs. It means that multiple selection committees came to the same conclusion. Similarly if your kid was rejected by multiple programs it’s not just a fluke, they may actually be a better fit at their home school and are not as strong as the kids who were admitted. |