Feedback on full IB in mcps

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Theres a lot less flexibility since you sign up for the two year package, the courses in math and science are are less rigurous, presumably there is more writing to make up for these shrtcomings. Not sure a 10 page writeup at the end redeems all these shortcomings, and the extended essay format is somewhat artificial and awkward. Other aspects of the program like the theory of knowledge feel gimmicky, nowhere will you find anything similar. The writing preparation seems to be focusing on the quantity instead of quality, but of course it depends on school, teacher and the student.

maybe, but the TOK and EE essays are graded by the IB org.

I didn't read all of DC's papers in IBDP, but I do know that they had to do a ton of research and experiment for their EE. DC chose the EE for their IB HL math class.

IMO, this is one of the best parts of IBDP - the research and analytical writing. I don't think the AP English classes do this much writing.

I’m wondering what kind of experiment you’d do for a high level math extended essay, perhaps you’re confused about what he actually did. Undergrad math and science classes are still mostly problem sets, lab reports and exams, do these well and you’re not going to be unprepared.

The theory of knowledge essay exemplifies how inflexible the program is, the topic doesn’t strike me as so important that every student has to write a paper on it. Also not a big fan of minimum word length requirements, makes some students adopt a convoluted writing style.

The AP diploma, research and capstone, is very similar but definitely not as successful as the IB program. Either students interested in writing gravitate towards IB or when given the choice prefer a class more focused on building the knowledge base that might help them more with college admissions.

You can wonder all you want, but I read DC's paper, and saw DC do the experiments. They got a 1580 on the SAT and is studying CS, straight As in college so far.

AP classes are nothing like IB classes. DC and all of the IB kids take both AP and IB classes. How many kids do you know who self study for IB exams, and get a 7? Whereas plenty of IB students self study for AP exams and get 5s, my DC included.

Almost all IB students have stated that IB has prepared them well for college. I don't think all AP students can say the same.

You post this dribble a lot. You've never had a kid who took both AP and IB, yet you have such strong opinions on IB. Oh, that's right.. you can have opinions about something you have never experienced because you "researched" it.

Got it, you read through your child’s paper and saw the experiments he did for his HL math essay. Sorry, but there’s not much experimentation in math, bizarre that you’re posting made up stories about your child’s success.

The fact that no AP kids self study for the IB exam, while the reverse is true, is actually an argument against IB. It’s likely because the IB credit is not as widely accepted to colleges.

For someone who says they "researched" IB, you sure are dumb to not even bother trying to google it.

https://www.reddit.com/r/math/comments/13h98qg/need_ideas_for_my_ib_extended_essay_in_mathematics/?rdt=56295

My DC is studying CS with a concentration in AI/ML.

Again, stop posting your ignorance on here. You're not helping your cause.

Can you share if he went to RMIB and what math, science and programming classes he took? What college is he attending now?

My DD has similar interests and she’s considering RMIB. Although a stem kid she loves reading and writing and we think Blair is not a good fit for her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It has been discussed before, often you hear the argument that IB slows down the top students. I think it has some merit if you look at the highest math sequence at RMIB for students entering HS: precalculus, AP Calculus BC, Multivariable, IB Analysis HL.

The gist of the criticism is that there’s too much overlap between Calculus BC and HL Analysis, the student would be better off with a dedicated statistics class or other higher level math.

that's what mvc is for. Last year, DC said there were two or three MVC classes, and there were 30+ kids in each class.

Still it’s a step down to go from Calculus BC and Multivariable to IB HL analysis because otherwise you won’t get the Diploma.

? you don't have to take HL math. You can always HL in something else.

Also, some kids take MVC and IB HL in the same year.

No one stated that IB is STEM heavy. That's what Blair magnet is for.

You don’t have to HL in math, but if you’re taking MVC, math is one of your interests, and you want to do your diploma in your strongest subjects.

You need chill a little. When someone offers a criticism of the IB program you seem to take it very personally, and assume there’s some kind of ill intent and vendetta against IB. There are legitimate criticisms from well intended posters that seem to strike a nerve with you and elicit an unwarranted vitriolic reaction.

The perceived rigor of SL classes and slowing down of advanced students are comments that show up often. It may not apply to your child, but some people share the concern, and want to see different perspectives and considerations when deciding on the high school for their kids.

I don't know why you people keep insisting on comparing AP with IB. They are different and let's just leave it that way. AP classes are rigorous college level classes that enable you to earn college credits. The IB diploma program is a rigorous track with 6 subject areas and a core class that focuses on an essay and some type of community project. I would say that IB Math, regardless of what class you take is broader than non IB classes, AP or non-AP. Honestly, who cares about all this- it's whatever works for your kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any of your DC have an IEP, 504 and took full IB?

It's not a great program for kids with learning differences. My understanding is there are only 2 kids in the RMHS program with IEPs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any of your DC have an IEP, 504 and took full IB?

It's not a great program for kids with learning differences. My understanding is there are only 2 kids in the RMHS program with IEPs.

That's what I imagined would be at RM

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It has been discussed before, often you hear the argument that IB slows down the top students. I think it has some merit if you look at the highest math sequence at RMIB for students entering HS: precalculus, AP Calculus BC, Multivariable, IB Analysis HL.

The gist of the criticism is that there’s too much overlap between Calculus BC and HL Analysis, the student would be better off with a dedicated statistics class or other higher level math.

that's what mvc is for. Last year, DC said there were two or three MVC classes, and there were 30+ kids in each class.

Still it’s a step down to go from Calculus BC and Multivariable to IB HL analysis because otherwise you won’t get the Diploma.

? you don't have to take HL math. You can always HL in something else.

Also, some kids take MVC and IB HL in the same year.

No one stated that IB is STEM heavy. That's what Blair magnet is for.

You don’t have to HL in math, but if you’re taking MVC, math is one of your interests, and you want to do your diploma in your strongest subjects.

You need chill a little. When someone offers a criticism of the IB program you seem to take it very personally, and assume there’s some kind of ill intent and vendetta against IB. There are legitimate criticisms from well intended posters that seem to strike a nerve with you and elicit an unwarranted vitriolic reaction.

The perceived rigor of SL classes and slowing down of advanced students are comments that show up often. It may not apply to your child, but some people share the concern, and want to see different perspectives and considerations when deciding on the high school for their kids.

If you only want heavy math classes then IB is not for you. Go to Blair magnet. No one stated that IBDP is a heavy STEM program. But, that doesn't mean that kids who are interested in STEM don't do IBDP. That includes my DC, and most of their friend group. All STEM majors in college.

Criticism of the program is fine where it's warranted, but you are criticizing something that is not even something that is the goal or purpose of the program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Theres a lot less flexibility since you sign up for the two year package, the courses in math and science are are less rigurous, presumably there is more writing to make up for these shrtcomings. Not sure a 10 page writeup at the end redeems all these shortcomings, and the extended essay format is somewhat artificial and awkward. Other aspects of the program like the theory of knowledge feel gimmicky, nowhere will you find anything similar. The writing preparation seems to be focusing on the quantity instead of quality, but of course it depends on school, teacher and the student.

maybe, but the TOK and EE essays are graded by the IB org.

I didn't read all of DC's papers in IBDP, but I do know that they had to do a ton of research and experiment for their EE. DC chose the EE for their IB HL math class.

IMO, this is one of the best parts of IBDP - the research and analytical writing. I don't think the AP English classes do this much writing.

I’m wondering what kind of experiment you’d do for a high level math extended essay, perhaps you’re confused about what he actually did. Undergrad math and science classes are still mostly problem sets, lab reports and exams, do these well and you’re not going to be unprepared.

The theory of knowledge essay exemplifies how inflexible the program is, the topic doesn’t strike me as so important that every student has to write a paper on it. Also not a big fan of minimum word length requirements, makes some students adopt a convoluted writing style.

The AP diploma, research and capstone, is very similar but definitely not as successful as the IB program. Either students interested in writing gravitate towards IB or when given the choice prefer a class more focused on building the knowledge base that might help them more with college admissions.

You can wonder all you want, but I read DC's paper, and saw DC do the experiments. They got a 1580 on the SAT and is studying CS, straight As in college so far.

AP classes are nothing like IB classes. DC and all of the IB kids take both AP and IB classes. How many kids do you know who self study for IB exams, and get a 7? Whereas plenty of IB students self study for AP exams and get 5s, my DC included.

Almost all IB students have stated that IB has prepared them well for college. I don't think all AP students can say the same.

You post this dribble a lot. You've never had a kid who took both AP and IB, yet you have such strong opinions on IB. Oh, that's right.. you can have opinions about something you have never experienced because you "researched" it.

Got it, you read through your child’s paper and saw the experiments he did for his HL math essay. Sorry, but there’s not much experimentation in math, bizarre that you’re posting made up stories about your child’s success.

The fact that no AP kids self study for the IB exam, while the reverse is true, is actually an argument against IB. It’s likely because the IB credit is not as widely accepted to colleges.

For someone who says they "researched" IB, you sure are dumb to not even bother trying to google it.

https://www.reddit.com/r/math/comments/13h98qg/need_ideas_for_my_ib_extended_essay_in_mathematics/?rdt=56295

My DC is studying CS with a concentration in AI/ML.

Again, stop posting your ignorance on here. You're not helping your cause.

Can you share if he went to RMIB and what math, science and programming classes he took? What college is he attending now?

My DD has similar interests and she’s considering RMIB. Although a stem kid she loves reading and writing and we think Blair is not a good fit for her.

Just a few of the colleges that I know of where former RMIB students are majoring in CS/Eng:

Duke
MIT
UMD
Purdue
Northwestern

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any of your DC have an IEP, 504 and took full IB?

It's not a great program for kids with learning differences. My understanding is there are only 2 kids in the RMHS program with IEPs.

That's what I imagined would be at RM

Mine has an IEP at a regional. Not the only one. Extra time on assignments, tests. A few of the more intense semester they took a resource class for some extra support as their elective. It's been great. The program has really met them where they're at. Just got out fifth college acceptance, all with merit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It has been discussed before, often you hear the argument that IB slows down the top students. I think it has some merit if you look at the highest math sequence at RMIB for students entering HS: precalculus, AP Calculus BC, Multivariable, IB Analysis HL.

The gist of the criticism is that there’s too much overlap between Calculus BC and HL Analysis, the student would be better off with a dedicated statistics class or other higher level math.

that's what mvc is for. Last year, DC said there were two or three MVC classes, and there were 30+ kids in each class.

Still it’s a step down to go from Calculus BC and Multivariable to IB HL analysis because otherwise you won’t get the Diploma.

? you don't have to take HL math. You can always HL in something else.

Also, some kids take MVC and IB HL in the same year.

No one stated that IB is STEM heavy. That's what Blair magnet is for.

You don’t have to HL in math, but if you’re taking MVC, math is one of your interests, and you want to do your diploma in your strongest subjects.

You need chill a little. When someone offers a criticism of the IB program you seem to take it very personally, and assume there’s some kind of ill intent and vendetta against IB. There are legitimate criticisms from well intended posters that seem to strike a nerve with you and elicit an unwarranted vitriolic reaction.

The perceived rigor of SL classes and slowing down of advanced students are comments that show up often. It may not apply to your child, but some people share the concern, and want to see different perspectives and considerations when deciding on the high school for their kids.

If you only want heavy math classes then IB is not for you. Go to Blair magnet. No one stated that IBDP is a heavy STEM program. But, that doesn't mean that kids who are interested in STEM don't do IBDP. That includes my DC, and most of their friend group. All STEM majors in college.

Criticism of the program is fine where it's warranted, but you are criticizing something that is not even something that is the goal or purpose of the program.

DP here and I just want to add that most of the IBDP graduates I know from our HS are STEM majors.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m in college right now (call me a troll all you want, but I’m not) and I took and AP curriculum and my roommate took an IB curriculum. I’d say she’s much better prepared for college than I am (I’m from MCPS, she is not).

NP here - thank you for posting this!

My kid is in the IB and I wonder if it will be worth it. She is really just doing it to get herself prepared for college. Appreciate your perspective.

That's why we did it. It's done wonders for dd's work ethic and commitment to learning.

As to the question irritating poster keeps bringing up, about whether IB programs are "valued" by admissions officers....

I know with your STEM degree simple finance is probably against you, but colleges prefer to have students attend for four years, and not three. While one might be able to game the college experience by getting AP/IB credits and spend less time in school, elite colleges won't let you. They may let you skip some of the elementary intro classes, but they still want your money.

Therefore, it's less about credit and more about rigour. Both AP programs and IB programs are considered rigorous. One more than the other? Depends on the class and the school.

It's really sad, though. Some of the smartest STEM kids I know at Blair aren't going to the best schools. Why? Because there's too many of them at Blair. That's the double-edged sword, the fly in your ointment. You're hell-bent on having your kid race to nowhere, cramming as much intensity as you can... And they'll just end up in a lecture hall at Drexel or RIT.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, I am not very concerned about what Princeton does or doesn't give credit for. My kid is not going to Princeton. In fact, the vast majority of kids in the IB DPs in MCPS are not going to Princeton. That's just math, and not high-level math either.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It has been discussed before, often you hear the argument that IB slows down the top students. I think it has some merit if you look at the highest math sequence at RMIB for students entering HS: precalculus, AP Calculus BC, Multivariable, IB Analysis HL.

The gist of the criticism is that there’s too much overlap between Calculus BC and HL Analysis, the student would be better off with a dedicated statistics class or other higher level math.

that's what mvc is for. Last year, DC said there were two or three MVC classes, and there were 30+ kids in each class.

Still it’s a step down to go from Calculus BC and Multivariable to IB HL analysis because otherwise you won’t get the Diploma.

? you don't have to take HL math. You can always HL in something else.

Also, some kids take MVC and IB HL in the same year.

No one stated that IB is STEM heavy. That's what Blair magnet is for.

You don’t have to HL in math, but if you’re taking MVC, math is one of your interests, and you want to do your diploma in your strongest subjects.

You need chill a little. When someone offers a criticism of the IB program you seem to take it very personally, and assume there’s some kind of ill intent and vendetta against IB. There are legitimate criticisms from well intended posters that seem to strike a nerve with you and elicit an unwarranted vitriolic reaction.

The perceived rigor of SL classes and slowing down of advanced students are comments that show up often. It may not apply to your child, but some people share the concern, and want to see different perspectives and considerations when deciding on the high school for their kids.

I don't know why you people keep insisting on comparing AP with IB. They are different and let's just leave it that way. AP classes are rigorous college level classes that enable you to earn college credits. The IB diploma program is a rigorous track with 6 subject areas and a core class that focuses on an essay and some type of community project. I would say that IB Math, regardless of what class you take is broader than non IB classes, AP or non-AP. Honestly, who cares about all this- it's whatever works for your kid.

Its very much something to consider as the math curriculum at some of these IB schools is not strong for AP students and they are forced to go to MC or elsewhere which makes it a nightmare.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It has been discussed before, often you hear the argument that IB slows down the top students. I think it has some merit if you look at the highest math sequence at RMIB for students entering HS: precalculus, AP Calculus BC, Multivariable, IB Analysis HL.

The gist of the criticism is that there’s too much overlap between Calculus BC and HL Analysis, the student would be better off with a dedicated statistics class or other higher level math.

that's what mvc is for. Last year, DC said there were two or three MVC classes, and there were 30+ kids in each class.

Still it’s a step down to go from Calculus BC and Multivariable to IB HL analysis because otherwise you won’t get the Diploma.

? you don't have to take HL math. You can always HL in something else.

Also, some kids take MVC and IB HL in the same year.

No one stated that IB is STEM heavy. That's what Blair magnet is for.

You don’t have to HL in math, but if you’re taking MVC, math is one of your interests, and you want to do your diploma in your strongest subjects.

You need chill a little. When someone offers a criticism of the IB program you seem to take it very personally, and assume there’s some kind of ill intent and vendetta against IB. There are legitimate criticisms from well intended posters that seem to strike a nerve with you and elicit an unwarranted vitriolic reaction.

The perceived rigor of SL classes and slowing down of advanced students are comments that show up often. It may not apply to your child, but some people share the concern, and want to see different perspectives and considerations when deciding on the high school for their kids.

I don't know why you people keep insisting on comparing AP with IB. They are different and let's just leave it that way. AP classes are rigorous college level classes that enable you to earn college credits. The IB diploma program is a rigorous track with 6 subject areas and a core class that focuses on an essay and some type of community project. I would say that IB Math, regardless of what class you take is broader than non IB classes, AP or non-AP. Honestly, who cares about all this- it's whatever works for your kid.

Its very much something to consider as the math curriculum at some of these IB schools is not strong for AP students and they are forced to go to MC or elsewhere which makes it a nightmare.

There is no such thing as "AP students". What you're saying is: students at some of the IB schools, who don't want to take IB HL math, but do want to take an AP math class, might not be able to do that at their schools.

Which, to begin with, is an edge case. Plus it's purely hypothetical, at this point. For all of your posts on the topic, I don't remember anybody posting with "My kid is at Einstein or SV or Rockville, and loves math, but had their heart set on multivariable calculus as a separate class, so they had to take it through MC, and it was a nightmare!!!!!11"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It has been discussed before, often you hear the argument that IB slows down the top students. I think it has some merit if you look at the highest math sequence at RMIB for students entering HS: precalculus, AP Calculus BC, Multivariable, IB Analysis HL.

The gist of the criticism is that there’s too much overlap between Calculus BC and HL Analysis, the student would be better off with a dedicated statistics class or other higher level math.

that's what mvc is for. Last year, DC said there were two or three MVC classes, and there were 30+ kids in each class.

Still it’s a step down to go from Calculus BC and Multivariable to IB HL analysis because otherwise you won’t get the Diploma.

? you don't have to take HL math. You can always HL in something else.

Also, some kids take MVC and IB HL in the same year.

No one stated that IB is STEM heavy. That's what Blair magnet is for.

You don’t have to HL in math, but if you’re taking MVC, math is one of your interests, and you want to do your diploma in your strongest subjects.

You need chill a little. When someone offers a criticism of the IB program you seem to take it very personally, and assume there’s some kind of ill intent and vendetta against IB. There are legitimate criticisms from well intended posters that seem to strike a nerve with you and elicit an unwarranted vitriolic reaction.

The perceived rigor of SL classes and slowing down of advanced students are comments that show up often. It may not apply to your child, but some people share the concern, and want to see different perspectives and considerations when deciding on the high school for their kids.

I don't know why you people keep insisting on comparing AP with IB. They are different and let's just leave it that way. AP classes are rigorous college level classes that enable you to earn college credits. The IB diploma program is a rigorous track with 6 subject areas and a core class that focuses on an essay and some type of community project. I would say that IB Math, regardless of what class you take is broader than non IB classes, AP or non-AP. Honestly, who cares about all this- it's whatever works for your kid.

There’s multiple reasons people compare them, both are supposed to show rigorous college level coursework along with DE, probably the number one reason people use these options. For academically oriented students entering HS, it does boil down between IB and AP and to a lesser extent DE, comparing them makes sense to me.

In this thread whenever people bring up RMIB as an example of a good program, inevitably there will be a discussion about AP/post AP, because the school program is essentially a mix between them, it’s not really a typical IB program, and I’m not sure people realize this distinction. The other programs are far more limited even if they have the same IB label. When posters say IB worked great for their kid, it makes a difference if they have access to 10 AP classes, some of them mandatory for graduation, plus classes like MVC that very few other schools offer. There’s far more variability in IB compared to AP which is relatively a known quantity and seems to be more standardized across schools.

Because of all these reasons, IB comes with a buyer beware warning. You need to do your research beforehand to know what you’re getting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If the discussion is about RMHS, then it’s different than general IB.

RMIB offers classes weirdly named AP Calculus BC that are a requirement of the program. Or IB Multivariable as if it has anything to do with the IB program.

That’s part of the confusion, people think RMIB is a typical IB program but it far from that. It has more AP/post AP classes than most high schools.

This is interesting. If a student at RMIB can take, effectively, "IB" versions of AP Calc BC and MVC, fulfilling the requirements for the IB Diploma Programme without sacrificing either of those classes or requiring a student to take IB Analysis separately, that would seem to be a best-of-both-worlds offering.

If the other IB schools aren't offering this, they should, since there aren't enough seats at RM to accommodate all who would want that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It has been discussed before, often you hear the argument that IB slows down the top students. I think it has some merit if you look at the highest math sequence at RMIB for students entering HS: precalculus, AP Calculus BC, Multivariable, IB Analysis HL.

The gist of the criticism is that there’s too much overlap between Calculus BC and HL Analysis, the student would be better off with a dedicated statistics class or other higher level math.

that's what mvc is for. Last year, DC said there were two or three MVC classes, and there were 30+ kids in each class.

Still it’s a step down to go from Calculus BC and Multivariable to IB HL analysis because otherwise you won’t get the Diploma.

? you don't have to take HL math. You can always HL in something else.

Also, some kids take MVC and IB HL in the same year.

No one stated that IB is STEM heavy. That's what Blair magnet is for.

You don’t have to HL in math, but if you’re taking MVC, math is one of your interests, and you want to do your diploma in your strongest subjects.

You need chill a little. When someone offers a criticism of the IB program you seem to take it very personally, and assume there’s some kind of ill intent and vendetta against IB. There are legitimate criticisms from well intended posters that seem to strike a nerve with you and elicit an unwarranted vitriolic reaction.

The perceived rigor of SL classes and slowing down of advanced students are comments that show up often. It may not apply to your child, but some people share the concern, and want to see different perspectives and considerations when deciding on the high school for their kids.

I don't know why you people keep insisting on comparing AP with IB. They are different and let's just leave it that way. AP classes are rigorous college level classes that enable you to earn college credits. The IB diploma program is a rigorous track with 6 subject areas and a core class that focuses on an essay and some type of community project. I would say that IB Math, regardless of what class you take is broader than non IB classes, AP or non-AP. Honestly, who cares about all this- it's whatever works for your kid.

There’s multiple reasons people compare them, both are supposed to show rigorous college level coursework along with DE, probably the number one reason people use these options. For academically oriented students entering HS, it does boil down between IB and AP and to a lesser extent DE, comparing them makes sense to me.

In this thread whenever people bring up RMIB as an example of a good program, inevitably there will be a discussion about AP/post AP, because the school program is essentially a mix between them, it’s not really a typical IB program, and I’m not sure people realize this distinction. The other programs are far more limited even if they have the same IB label. When posters say IB worked great for their kid, it makes a difference if they have access to 10 AP classes, some of them mandatory for graduation, plus classes like MVC that very few other schools offer. There’s far more variability in IB compared to AP which is relatively a known quantity and seems to be more standardized across schools.

Because of all these reasons, IB comes with a buyer beware warning. You need to do your research beforehand to know what you’re getting.

Please stop. Seriously. Just stop.