Anonymous wrote:My first two did the IB Diploma and then had a horrible time with calculus in college, because IB math doesn't have enough calculus in it. So for our third, he is taking some IB courses but also AP Calc. Hard to say which yields better acceptances when my first two were IB not AP and my third is still in high school. I would make the decision based on how much math you expect they'll need for their major in college. It's very hard to fit AP Calculus into a full IB Diploma schedule.

The first year of IB Math HL at B-CC is AP Calc BC.

Anonymous wrote:I thought I read somewhere that BCC teaches some subjects such that both AP and IB kids are in them (which I assume doesn't prepare either group of kids optimally for their exams).

My DD is in Spanish 5/IB Spanish. She's not one of the IB students, and I'm not sure how the teacher is planning on training the IB kids for their exam. I agree that it might not be optimal, unless the teacher is really good. She might be, I don't know.

1. There is a content difference.
The IB programme emphasizes strong writing skills. So it's great training if your kid mostly wants to get into Humanities majors. The IB programme conversely doesn't go as in-depth into STEM as APs can, such as AP Calc BC, post-AP math classes and AP Physics C.

2. There is a perception difference.
The IB is originally a European concept, with European-style grading. It's hard to get a top grade! Americans expect the top score, but in IB (and French Bac and German Abitur, etc), you can be a stellar student and not have a 90-100%. So American college admissions officers might not weigh your kid's IB score correctly, especially if they're unused to international students and IB scores.

I would recommend the IB if you're a Humanities kid and are interested in universities abroad.

I would stick to APs and post-APs if you're a STEM kid and/or are looking for state and regional US colleges, where IB is most misunderstood.

I thought I read somewhere that BCC teaches some subjects such that both AP and IB kids are in them (which I assume doesn't prepare either group of kids optimally for their exams).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My first two did the IB Diploma and then had a horrible time with calculus in college, because IB math doesn't have enough calculus in it. So for our third, he is taking some IB courses but also AP Calc. Hard to say which yields better acceptances when my first two were IB not AP and my third is still in high school. I would make the decision based on how much math you expect they'll need for their major in college. It's very hard to fit AP Calculus into a full IB Diploma schedule.

No it is not hard to fit it. AP Calc can be taken in 11th if you kid reached that level

^Should add don't know how it's done at BCC check with their IB contact

Anonymous wrote:And are there other implications for college as well? Is it harder to get colleges to accept IB credit and does that mean kids are more likely to have to repeat classes and it's harder to graduate college a semester or two early?

Dont worry about college to decide if IB or no IB

Anonymous wrote:My first two did the IB Diploma and then had a horrible time with calculus in college, because IB math doesn't have enough calculus in it. So for our third, he is taking some IB courses but also AP Calc. Hard to say which yields better acceptances when my first two were IB not AP and my third is still in high school. I would make the decision based on how much math you expect they'll need for their major in college. It's very hard to fit AP Calculus into a full IB Diploma schedule.

No it is not hard to fit it. AP Calc can be taken in 11th if you kid reached that level

And are there other implications for college as well? Is it harder to get colleges to accept IB credit and does that mean kids are more likely to have to repeat classes and it's harder to graduate college a semester or two early?

Anonymous wrote:Np, but an aspect of this I was wondering - can you get the most rigorous curriculum check mark with IB?

Sorry...meant without IB

My first two did the IB Diploma and then had a horrible time with calculus in college, because IB math doesn't have enough calculus in it. So for our third, he is taking some IB courses but also AP Calc. Hard to say which yields better acceptances when my first two were IB not AP and my third is still in high school. I would make the decision based on how much math you expect they'll need for their major in college. It's very hard to fit AP Calculus into a full IB Diploma schedule.

Np, but an aspect of this I was wondering - can you get the most rigorous curriculum check mark with IB?

Even B-CC would tell you that more humanities focused students are more likely to do IB and more STEM focused students are likely to do AP. Which is your kid?

Doesn't matter at all. Choose based on course subject interest, which has a much larger effect.

Look at dismal IB test results to make your decision

Is it better to try and take AP classes at BCC high school or try to get into the IB program as far as college admission?

Also, is the IB program an option if your child has a foreign language waiver?

Thanks!