Anonymous
Post 03/31/2025 16:38     Subject: IB Programs

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Anonymous wrote:BCC parent here. Our college counselor said go for AP for strongest applications and that the top 20 have difficulty figuring out what to do with IB applicants. AP may be a scam like past posters say but it is the way it works.


BCC parent here. Our kid did full IB and it was a good experience for itself and also had good success woth college admissions.

If it’s really true a college counsellor said T20 colleges “don’t know what to do” with IB DP candidates then that says more about tue college counselor than IB.


Speaking of BCC.

You know IB Math is crap when the first year of the Math HL AA is … AP Calculus BC! I wonder why.

Also, no IB Chemistry at higher level offered.

If you want to do STEM, go full AP don’t waste your time with IB busy work like art, theory of knowledge, creativity activities and extended essay.
.

I mean I don’t really disagree that if you are a stem-focused kid then the DP might not be for you but even assuming you are right that IB and AP math curricula overlap, I’m not sure why that indicates IB is crap?


What does it indicate to you? Virtually every decent IB program like RMIB makes AP Calculus BC a prerequisite.

If IB Math prepares students well, there would be no motivation to change to Calculus BC.

But since IB math is not very good and many incoming students are accelerated in math, it makes most sense to keep them on the AP path and do IB Math in 12th grade only because it’s required for the diploma.


I have no idea what you are trying to say but if you think everyone should take BC calculus in 10th grade then I’m not that interested


Let me clarify it for you. At BCC, the IB Math consists of one year of AP Calculus BC, and one year of IB Math HL, instead of the typical two years of IB Math HL.

Interested or not, at BCC you can’t do IB Math HL without taking AP calculus BC. That’s because the IB curriculum is lacking and needs to be supplemented.



Can't students take 2 years of SL IB Math? Or is that level not offered in IB programs at MCPS' IB high schools?

No, they are one year classes.


SL courses are recommended to have at least 150
hours of instructional time, and HL courses are recommended
to have at least 240 instructional hours.
In most cases both SL and HL courses consist of the same ed-
ucational aims, core syllabus and curriculum and assessment
models. HL courses typically also include a range of additional
elements designed to allow students to explore areas of inter-
est within the subject in more depth.


https://www.ibo.org/globalassets/new-structure/programmes/dp/pdfs/slhl-brief-en.pdf

IB HL math covers several years of math -- from algebra to calc. Here's a good explanation:

https://www.quora.com/How-different-or-similar-are-IB-Math-SL-and-AP-Calculus-AB

- IB Math SL: Covers a broader range of topics, including algebra, statistics, and functions, in addition to calculus. It also includes a strong emphasis on mathematical reasoning and communication.
- AP Calculus AB: Primarily focuses on differential and integral calculus. It is more specialized and in-depth in calculus topics compared to IB Math SL.

- IB Math SL: While it includes calculus, it also covers other areas of mathematics, providing a more holistic view of the subject.
- AP Calculus AB: Goes deeper into calculus concepts and prepares students for more advanced calculus courses in college.

Above is why kids also take BC Calc. IB is about broader thinking. AP Calc just focuses on calc.

BTW, my kid was at RMIB, took HL IB math, as well as AP BC calc -- both exams, got a 7 and 5 respectively (also took multivariable calc and got 800 math SAT score). They are very strong in math and is a dual math/CS major in college, now a senior (4.0 - I put that there to show that DC is really a strong math student so that people realize that strong math students can also go the IB route).


The strong math students in IB take starting with 9th: Precalculus, AP Calculus BC, Multivariable, IB Math HL.

In AP they take Precalculus, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics. There is the option for post AP classes from Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra and Differential Equations. If you’re interested in math that’s a better route instead of reviewing the quadratic equation in IB Math HL, which btw is not about broader thinking, it just a review of the lower level math like numbers, algebra, geometry. It’s like integrated math classes, but done poorly.

Sure strong math students can go the IB route at RMIB where they’ll load on AP and post AP/IB classes like Multivariable. The strong math students taking the IB route at Kennedy end up in a bad spot exhausting the most advanced IB Math SL offering in 10th grade.


well, I didn't actually take the HL IB math class, DC did, and didn't say it was just a review of their 7th grade Algebra class. That's hilarious.

Doesn't Kennedy have AP BC Calc?


Not sure why you bring up that you didn’t take the HL IB Math class, but it shows, you clearly don’t know what you’re talking about. You’re only here to post what your kid didn’t say four years ago. Indeed, that’s hilarious.

IB math covers learning standards like exponent laws and linear equations that sound like the broad thinking content from Algebra 1 class that some students take in 7th grade. I’m sure you’ll find that hilarious too. Of course RMIB will substitute that content with AP Calculus BC, but that’s not the case with every IB program.

If the Kennedy kid takes AP Calculus BC, what reason would they have for enrolling in IB math SL, or IB in general?

To get the IBDP and if they like math?


What’s the IBDP piece of paper good for? If the student likes math and took AP Calculus BC, then IB Math SL is a joke and a waste of time. They are better off with AP Statistics or Multivariable Calculus at the local community college. It’s a greater benefit to their education, college admissions, and will save them money in college tuition.


NP. If someone just cares about math, as it sounds like you do, then AP is fine. If someone wants a more well-rounded experience, doing advanced coursework in a range of subjects with an emphasis on writing, then IB is fine. Why do you care what decisions other people's kids are making?


If someone cares about math, then IB is not fine.

Why are you objecting to people posting on a thread where the OP literally asked for opinions on IB programs?


I posted above -- DC cares about math. Dual math/CS major, now senior in college with a 4.0 GPA. They also wanted a challenging curriculum, and I wanted DC to focus on writing (their weaker area), which DC also thought was a good idea. So, they went to RMIB.

If your school doesn't offer AP BC Calc, it won't matter if they take IB math anyways. Like I said, a lot of the kids at RMIB took IB HL math, BC Calc, and MVC.


If I understand correctly your kid took Precalculus, AP Calculus BC, IB Math HL and Multivariable, so they took more non IB advanced classes than IB advanced classes. Besides RMIB there’s no other school that offers both AP Calculus BC and Multivariable.

The average IB program is not the same as RMIB, you seem to be confused about this.


IB program = another part of mcpsopticsphere. Quality of teaching is lacking.


Yes, and quality of curriculum also matters. IB programs are lacking in that area, and have limited course offerings. It’s the same teachers for IB or AP, and quality of teacher can’t be easily fixed.


No it's not always same teacher for IB or AP


For some classes ours are a mix of ib and ap students and not separate classes.

IMO, that is not worth it then. It's not a strong IB class.
Anonymous
Post 03/31/2025 16:37     Subject: IB Programs

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Anonymous wrote:BCC parent here. Our college counselor said go for AP for strongest applications and that the top 20 have difficulty figuring out what to do with IB applicants. AP may be a scam like past posters say but it is the way it works.


BCC parent here. Our kid did full IB and it was a good experience for itself and also had good success woth college admissions.

If it’s really true a college counsellor said T20 colleges “don’t know what to do” with IB DP candidates then that says more about tue college counselor than IB.


Speaking of BCC.

You know IB Math is crap when the first year of the Math HL AA is … AP Calculus BC! I wonder why.

Also, no IB Chemistry at higher level offered.

If you want to do STEM, go full AP don’t waste your time with IB busy work like art, theory of knowledge, creativity activities and extended essay.
.

I mean I don’t really disagree that if you are a stem-focused kid then the DP might not be for you but even assuming you are right that IB and AP math curricula overlap, I’m not sure why that indicates IB is crap?


What does it indicate to you? Virtually every decent IB program like RMIB makes AP Calculus BC a prerequisite.

If IB Math prepares students well, there would be no motivation to change to Calculus BC.

But since IB math is not very good and many incoming students are accelerated in math, it makes most sense to keep them on the AP path and do IB Math in 12th grade only because it’s required for the diploma.


I have no idea what you are trying to say but if you think everyone should take BC calculus in 10th grade then I’m not that interested


Let me clarify it for you. At BCC, the IB Math consists of one year of AP Calculus BC, and one year of IB Math HL, instead of the typical two years of IB Math HL.

Interested or not, at BCC you can’t do IB Math HL without taking AP calculus BC. That’s because the IB curriculum is lacking and needs to be supplemented.



Can't students take 2 years of SL IB Math? Or is that level not offered in IB programs at MCPS' IB high schools?

No, they are one year classes.


SL courses are recommended to have at least 150
hours of instructional time, and HL courses are recommended
to have at least 240 instructional hours.
In most cases both SL and HL courses consist of the same ed-
ucational aims, core syllabus and curriculum and assessment
models. HL courses typically also include a range of additional
elements designed to allow students to explore areas of inter-
est within the subject in more depth.


https://www.ibo.org/globalassets/new-structure/programmes/dp/pdfs/slhl-brief-en.pdf

IB HL math covers several years of math -- from algebra to calc. Here's a good explanation:

https://www.quora.com/How-different-or-similar-are-IB-Math-SL-and-AP-Calculus-AB

- IB Math SL: Covers a broader range of topics, including algebra, statistics, and functions, in addition to calculus. It also includes a strong emphasis on mathematical reasoning and communication.
- AP Calculus AB: Primarily focuses on differential and integral calculus. It is more specialized and in-depth in calculus topics compared to IB Math SL.

- IB Math SL: While it includes calculus, it also covers other areas of mathematics, providing a more holistic view of the subject.
- AP Calculus AB: Goes deeper into calculus concepts and prepares students for more advanced calculus courses in college.

Above is why kids also take BC Calc. IB is about broader thinking. AP Calc just focuses on calc.

BTW, my kid was at RMIB, took HL IB math, as well as AP BC calc -- both exams, got a 7 and 5 respectively (also took multivariable calc and got 800 math SAT score). They are very strong in math and is a dual math/CS major in college, now a senior (4.0 - I put that there to show that DC is really a strong math student so that people realize that strong math students can also go the IB route).


The strong math students in IB take starting with 9th: Precalculus, AP Calculus BC, Multivariable, IB Math HL.

In AP they take Precalculus, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics. There is the option for post AP classes from Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra and Differential Equations. If you’re interested in math that’s a better route instead of reviewing the quadratic equation in IB Math HL, which btw is not about broader thinking, it just a review of the lower level math like numbers, algebra, geometry. It’s like integrated math classes, but done poorly.

Sure strong math students can go the IB route at RMIB where they’ll load on AP and post AP/IB classes like Multivariable. The strong math students taking the IB route at Kennedy end up in a bad spot exhausting the most advanced IB Math SL offering in 10th grade.


well, I didn't actually take the HL IB math class, DC did, and didn't say it was just a review of their 7th grade Algebra class. That's hilarious.

Doesn't Kennedy have AP BC Calc?


Not sure why you bring up that you didn’t take the HL IB Math class, but it shows, you clearly don’t know what you’re talking about. You’re only here to post what your kid didn’t say four years ago. Indeed, that’s hilarious.

IB math covers learning standards like exponent laws and linear equations that sound like the broad thinking content from Algebra 1 class that some students take in 7th grade. I’m sure you’ll find that hilarious too. Of course RMIB will substitute that content with AP Calculus BC, but that’s not the case with every IB program.

If the Kennedy kid takes AP Calculus BC, what reason would they have for enrolling in IB math SL, or IB in general?

To get the IBDP and if they like math?


What’s the IBDP piece of paper good for? If the student likes math and took AP Calculus BC, then IB Math SL is a joke and a waste of time. They are better off with AP Statistics or Multivariable Calculus at the local community college. It’s a greater benefit to their education, college admissions, and will save them money in college tuition.


NP. If someone just cares about math, as it sounds like you do, then AP is fine. If someone wants a more well-rounded experience, doing advanced coursework in a range of subjects with an emphasis on writing, then IB is fine. Why do you care what decisions other people's kids are making?


If someone cares about math, then IB is not fine.

Why are you objecting to people posting on a thread where the OP literally asked for opinions on IB programs?


I posted above -- DC cares about math. Dual math/CS major, now senior in college with a 4.0 GPA. They also wanted a challenging curriculum, and I wanted DC to focus on writing (their weaker area), which DC also thought was a good idea. So, they went to RMIB.

If your school doesn't offer AP BC Calc, it won't matter if they take IB math anyways. Like I said, a lot of the kids at RMIB took IB HL math, BC Calc, and MVC.


Yet these kids generally end up at UMD, which is respectable but a far cray from the colleges IB advertises in info nights like Ivys, MIT, Berkeley etc.

I don't know about "generally" but a lot do end up at UMD for various reasons, finances being one. A lot of these RMIB kids receive merit aid from UMD, plus with all the credits, they can dual major and/or graduate in 3 years + 1 masters. Four degrees for under $120K from a great public university is nothing to sneeze at.
Anonymous
Post 03/31/2025 16:33     Subject: IB Programs

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Anonymous wrote:BCC parent here. Our college counselor said go for AP for strongest applications and that the top 20 have difficulty figuring out what to do with IB applicants. AP may be a scam like past posters say but it is the way it works.


BCC parent here. Our kid did full IB and it was a good experience for itself and also had good success woth college admissions.

If it’s really true a college counsellor said T20 colleges “don’t know what to do” with IB DP candidates then that says more about tue college counselor than IB.


Speaking of BCC.

You know IB Math is crap when the first year of the Math HL AA is … AP Calculus BC! I wonder why.

Also, no IB Chemistry at higher level offered.

If you want to do STEM, go full AP don’t waste your time with IB busy work like art, theory of knowledge, creativity activities and extended essay.
.

I mean I don’t really disagree that if you are a stem-focused kid then the DP might not be for you but even assuming you are right that IB and AP math curricula overlap, I’m not sure why that indicates IB is crap?


What does it indicate to you? Virtually every decent IB program like RMIB makes AP Calculus BC a prerequisite.

If IB Math prepares students well, there would be no motivation to change to Calculus BC.

But since IB math is not very good and many incoming students are accelerated in math, it makes most sense to keep them on the AP path and do IB Math in 12th grade only because it’s required for the diploma.


I have no idea what you are trying to say but if you think everyone should take BC calculus in 10th grade then I’m not that interested


Let me clarify it for you. At BCC, the IB Math consists of one year of AP Calculus BC, and one year of IB Math HL, instead of the typical two years of IB Math HL.

Interested or not, at BCC you can’t do IB Math HL without taking AP calculus BC. That’s because the IB curriculum is lacking and needs to be supplemented.



Can't students take 2 years of SL IB Math? Or is that level not offered in IB programs at MCPS' IB high schools?

No, they are one year classes.


SL courses are recommended to have at least 150
hours of instructional time, and HL courses are recommended
to have at least 240 instructional hours.
In most cases both SL and HL courses consist of the same ed-
ucational aims, core syllabus and curriculum and assessment
models. HL courses typically also include a range of additional
elements designed to allow students to explore areas of inter-
est within the subject in more depth.


https://www.ibo.org/globalassets/new-structure/programmes/dp/pdfs/slhl-brief-en.pdf

IB HL math covers several years of math -- from algebra to calc. Here's a good explanation:

https://www.quora.com/How-different-or-similar-are-IB-Math-SL-and-AP-Calculus-AB

- IB Math SL: Covers a broader range of topics, including algebra, statistics, and functions, in addition to calculus. It also includes a strong emphasis on mathematical reasoning and communication.
- AP Calculus AB: Primarily focuses on differential and integral calculus. It is more specialized and in-depth in calculus topics compared to IB Math SL.

- IB Math SL: While it includes calculus, it also covers other areas of mathematics, providing a more holistic view of the subject.
- AP Calculus AB: Goes deeper into calculus concepts and prepares students for more advanced calculus courses in college.

Above is why kids also take BC Calc. IB is about broader thinking. AP Calc just focuses on calc.

BTW, my kid was at RMIB, took HL IB math, as well as AP BC calc -- both exams, got a 7 and 5 respectively (also took multivariable calc and got 800 math SAT score). They are very strong in math and is a dual math/CS major in college, now a senior (4.0 - I put that there to show that DC is really a strong math student so that people realize that strong math students can also go the IB route).


The strong math students in IB take starting with 9th: Precalculus, AP Calculus BC, Multivariable, IB Math HL.

In AP they take Precalculus, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics. There is the option for post AP classes from Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra and Differential Equations. If you’re interested in math that’s a better route instead of reviewing the quadratic equation in IB Math HL, which btw is not about broader thinking, it just a review of the lower level math like numbers, algebra, geometry. It’s like integrated math classes, but done poorly.

Sure strong math students can go the IB route at RMIB where they’ll load on AP and post AP/IB classes like Multivariable. The strong math students taking the IB route at Kennedy end up in a bad spot exhausting the most advanced IB Math SL offering in 10th grade.


well, I didn't actually take the HL IB math class, DC did, and didn't say it was just a review of their 7th grade Algebra class. That's hilarious.

Doesn't Kennedy have AP BC Calc?


Not sure why you bring up that you didn’t take the HL IB Math class, but it shows, you clearly don’t know what you’re talking about. You’re only here to post what your kid didn’t say four years ago. Indeed, that’s hilarious.

IB math covers learning standards like exponent laws and linear equations that sound like the broad thinking content from Algebra 1 class that some students take in 7th grade. I’m sure you’ll find that hilarious too. Of course RMIB will substitute that content with AP Calculus BC, but that’s not the case with every IB program.

If the Kennedy kid takes AP Calculus BC, what reason would they have for enrolling in IB math SL, or IB in general?

To get the IBDP and if they like math?


What’s the IBDP piece of paper good for? If the student likes math and took AP Calculus BC, then IB Math SL is a joke and a waste of time. They are better off with AP Statistics or Multivariable Calculus at the local community college. It’s a greater benefit to their education, college admissions, and will save them money in college tuition.


NP. If someone just cares about math, as it sounds like you do, then AP is fine. If someone wants a more well-rounded experience, doing advanced coursework in a range of subjects with an emphasis on writing, then IB is fine. Why do you care what decisions other people's kids are making?


If someone cares about math, then IB is not fine.

Why are you objecting to people posting on a thread where the OP literally asked for opinions on IB programs?


I posted above -- DC cares about math. Dual math/CS major, now senior in college with a 4.0 GPA. They also wanted a challenging curriculum, and I wanted DC to focus on writing (their weaker area), which DC also thought was a good idea. So, they went to RMIB.

If your school doesn't offer AP BC Calc, it won't matter if they take IB math anyways. Like I said, a lot of the kids at RMIB took IB HL math, BC Calc, and MVC.


If I understand correctly your kid took Precalculus, AP Calculus BC, IB Math HL and Multivariable, so they took more non IB advanced classes than IB advanced classes. Besides RMIB there’s no other school that offers both AP Calculus BC and Multivariable.

The average IB program is not the same as RMIB, you seem to be confused about this.


IB program = another part of mcpsopticsphere. Quality of teaching is lacking.


Yes, and quality of curriculum also matters. IB programs are lacking in that area, and have limited course offerings. It’s the same teachers for IB or AP, and quality of teacher can’t be easily fixed.


No it's not always same teacher for IB or AP


For some classes ours are a mix of ib and ap students and not separate classes.
Anonymous
Post 03/31/2025 16:25     Subject: IB Programs

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:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:BCC parent here. Our college counselor said go for AP for strongest applications and that the top 20 have difficulty figuring out what to do with IB applicants. AP may be a scam like past posters say but it is the way it works.


BCC parent here. Our kid did full IB and it was a good experience for itself and also had good success woth college admissions.

If it’s really true a college counsellor said T20 colleges “don’t know what to do” with IB DP candidates then that says more about tue college counselor than IB.


Speaking of BCC.

You know IB Math is crap when the first year of the Math HL AA is … AP Calculus BC! I wonder why.

Also, no IB Chemistry at higher level offered.

If you want to do STEM, go full AP don’t waste your time with IB busy work like art, theory of knowledge, creativity activities and extended essay.
.

I mean I don’t really disagree that if you are a stem-focused kid then the DP might not be for you but even assuming you are right that IB and AP math curricula overlap, I’m not sure why that indicates IB is crap?


What does it indicate to you? Virtually every decent IB program like RMIB makes AP Calculus BC a prerequisite.

If IB Math prepares students well, there would be no motivation to change to Calculus BC.

But since IB math is not very good and many incoming students are accelerated in math, it makes most sense to keep them on the AP path and do IB Math in 12th grade only because it’s required for the diploma.


I have no idea what you are trying to say but if you think everyone should take BC calculus in 10th grade then I’m not that interested


Let me clarify it for you. At BCC, the IB Math consists of one year of AP Calculus BC, and one year of IB Math HL, instead of the typical two years of IB Math HL.

Interested or not, at BCC you can’t do IB Math HL without taking AP calculus BC. That’s because the IB curriculum is lacking and needs to be supplemented.



Can't students take 2 years of SL IB Math? Or is that level not offered in IB programs at MCPS' IB high schools?

No, they are one year classes.


SL courses are recommended to have at least 150
hours of instructional time, and HL courses are recommended
to have at least 240 instructional hours.
In most cases both SL and HL courses consist of the same ed-
ucational aims, core syllabus and curriculum and assessment
models. HL courses typically also include a range of additional
elements designed to allow students to explore areas of inter-
est within the subject in more depth.


https://www.ibo.org/globalassets/new-structure/programmes/dp/pdfs/slhl-brief-en.pdf

IB HL math covers several years of math -- from algebra to calc. Here's a good explanation:

https://www.quora.com/How-different-or-similar-are-IB-Math-SL-and-AP-Calculus-AB

- IB Math SL: Covers a broader range of topics, including algebra, statistics, and functions, in addition to calculus. It also includes a strong emphasis on mathematical reasoning and communication.
- AP Calculus AB: Primarily focuses on differential and integral calculus. It is more specialized and in-depth in calculus topics compared to IB Math SL.

- IB Math SL: While it includes calculus, it also covers other areas of mathematics, providing a more holistic view of the subject.
- AP Calculus AB: Goes deeper into calculus concepts and prepares students for more advanced calculus courses in college.

Above is why kids also take BC Calc. IB is about broader thinking. AP Calc just focuses on calc.

BTW, my kid was at RMIB, took HL IB math, as well as AP BC calc -- both exams, got a 7 and 5 respectively (also took multivariable calc and got 800 math SAT score). They are very strong in math and is a dual math/CS major in college, now a senior (4.0 - I put that there to show that DC is really a strong math student so that people realize that strong math students can also go the IB route).


The strong math students in IB take starting with 9th: Precalculus, AP Calculus BC, Multivariable, IB Math HL.

In AP they take Precalculus, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics. There is the option for post AP classes from Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra and Differential Equations. If you’re interested in math that’s a better route instead of reviewing the quadratic equation in IB Math HL, which btw is not about broader thinking, it just a review of the lower level math like numbers, algebra, geometry. It’s like integrated math classes, but done poorly.

Sure strong math students can go the IB route at RMIB where they’ll load on AP and post AP/IB classes like Multivariable. The strong math students taking the IB route at Kennedy end up in a bad spot exhausting the most advanced IB Math SL offering in 10th grade.


well, I didn't actually take the HL IB math class, DC did, and didn't say it was just a review of their 7th grade Algebra class. That's hilarious.

Doesn't Kennedy have AP BC Calc?


Not sure why you bring up that you didn’t take the HL IB Math class, but it shows, you clearly don’t know what you’re talking about. You’re only here to post what your kid didn’t say four years ago. Indeed, that’s hilarious.

IB math covers learning standards like exponent laws and linear equations that sound like the broad thinking content from Algebra 1 class that some students take in 7th grade. I’m sure you’ll find that hilarious too. Of course RMIB will substitute that content with AP Calculus BC, but that’s not the case with every IB program.

If the Kennedy kid takes AP Calculus BC, what reason would they have for enrolling in IB math SL, or IB in general?

To get the IBDP and if they like math?


What’s the IBDP piece of paper good for? If the student likes math and took AP Calculus BC, then IB Math SL is a joke and a waste of time. They are better off with AP Statistics or Multivariable Calculus at the local community college. It’s a greater benefit to their education, college admissions, and will save them money in college tuition.


NP. If someone just cares about math, as it sounds like you do, then AP is fine. If someone wants a more well-rounded experience, doing advanced coursework in a range of subjects with an emphasis on writing, then IB is fine. Why do you care what decisions other people's kids are making?


If someone cares about math, then IB is not fine.

Why are you objecting to people posting on a thread where the OP literally asked for opinions on IB programs?


I posted above -- DC cares about math. Dual math/CS major, now senior in college with a 4.0 GPA. They also wanted a challenging curriculum, and I wanted DC to focus on writing (their weaker area), which DC also thought was a good idea. So, they went to RMIB.

If your school doesn't offer AP BC Calc, it won't matter if they take IB math anyways. Like I said, a lot of the kids at RMIB took IB HL math, BC Calc, and MVC.


If I understand correctly your kid took Precalculus, AP Calculus BC, IB Math HL and Multivariable, so they took more non IB advanced classes than IB advanced classes. Besides RMIB there’s no other school that offers both AP Calculus BC and Multivariable.

The average IB program is not the same as RMIB, you seem to be confused about this.


IB program = another part of mcpsopticsphere. Quality of teaching is lacking.


Yes, and quality of curriculum also matters. IB programs are lacking in that area, and have limited course offerings. It’s the same teachers for IB or AP, and quality of teacher can’t be easily fixed.


No it's not always same teacher for IB or AP


It happens that some teach both but not always. It’s the same pool of teachers, it’s not like IB teachers are better than AP ones.

Community college for dual enrollment seems to be different, with teachers generally having advanced degrees.
Anonymous
Post 03/31/2025 13:38     Subject: IB Programs

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:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:BCC parent here. Our college counselor said go for AP for strongest applications and that the top 20 have difficulty figuring out what to do with IB applicants. AP may be a scam like past posters say but it is the way it works.


BCC parent here. Our kid did full IB and it was a good experience for itself and also had good success woth college admissions.

If it’s really true a college counsellor said T20 colleges “don’t know what to do” with IB DP candidates then that says more about tue college counselor than IB.


Speaking of BCC.

You know IB Math is crap when the first year of the Math HL AA is … AP Calculus BC! I wonder why.

Also, no IB Chemistry at higher level offered.

If you want to do STEM, go full AP don’t waste your time with IB busy work like art, theory of knowledge, creativity activities and extended essay.
.

I mean I don’t really disagree that if you are a stem-focused kid then the DP might not be for you but even assuming you are right that IB and AP math curricula overlap, I’m not sure why that indicates IB is crap?


What does it indicate to you? Virtually every decent IB program like RMIB makes AP Calculus BC a prerequisite.

If IB Math prepares students well, there would be no motivation to change to Calculus BC.

But since IB math is not very good and many incoming students are accelerated in math, it makes most sense to keep them on the AP path and do IB Math in 12th grade only because it’s required for the diploma.


I have no idea what you are trying to say but if you think everyone should take BC calculus in 10th grade then I’m not that interested


Let me clarify it for you. At BCC, the IB Math consists of one year of AP Calculus BC, and one year of IB Math HL, instead of the typical two years of IB Math HL.

Interested or not, at BCC you can’t do IB Math HL without taking AP calculus BC. That’s because the IB curriculum is lacking and needs to be supplemented.



Can't students take 2 years of SL IB Math? Or is that level not offered in IB programs at MCPS' IB high schools?

No, they are one year classes.


SL courses are recommended to have at least 150
hours of instructional time, and HL courses are recommended
to have at least 240 instructional hours.
In most cases both SL and HL courses consist of the same ed-
ucational aims, core syllabus and curriculum and assessment
models. HL courses typically also include a range of additional
elements designed to allow students to explore areas of inter-
est within the subject in more depth.


https://www.ibo.org/globalassets/new-structure/programmes/dp/pdfs/slhl-brief-en.pdf

IB HL math covers several years of math -- from algebra to calc. Here's a good explanation:

https://www.quora.com/How-different-or-similar-are-IB-Math-SL-and-AP-Calculus-AB

- IB Math SL: Covers a broader range of topics, including algebra, statistics, and functions, in addition to calculus. It also includes a strong emphasis on mathematical reasoning and communication.
- AP Calculus AB: Primarily focuses on differential and integral calculus. It is more specialized and in-depth in calculus topics compared to IB Math SL.

- IB Math SL: While it includes calculus, it also covers other areas of mathematics, providing a more holistic view of the subject.
- AP Calculus AB: Goes deeper into calculus concepts and prepares students for more advanced calculus courses in college.

Above is why kids also take BC Calc. IB is about broader thinking. AP Calc just focuses on calc.

BTW, my kid was at RMIB, took HL IB math, as well as AP BC calc -- both exams, got a 7 and 5 respectively (also took multivariable calc and got 800 math SAT score). They are very strong in math and is a dual math/CS major in college, now a senior (4.0 - I put that there to show that DC is really a strong math student so that people realize that strong math students can also go the IB route).


The strong math students in IB take starting with 9th: Precalculus, AP Calculus BC, Multivariable, IB Math HL.

In AP they take Precalculus, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics. There is the option for post AP classes from Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra and Differential Equations. If you’re interested in math that’s a better route instead of reviewing the quadratic equation in IB Math HL, which btw is not about broader thinking, it just a review of the lower level math like numbers, algebra, geometry. It’s like integrated math classes, but done poorly.

Sure strong math students can go the IB route at RMIB where they’ll load on AP and post AP/IB classes like Multivariable. The strong math students taking the IB route at Kennedy end up in a bad spot exhausting the most advanced IB Math SL offering in 10th grade.


well, I didn't actually take the HL IB math class, DC did, and didn't say it was just a review of their 7th grade Algebra class. That's hilarious.

Doesn't Kennedy have AP BC Calc?


Not sure why you bring up that you didn’t take the HL IB Math class, but it shows, you clearly don’t know what you’re talking about. You’re only here to post what your kid didn’t say four years ago. Indeed, that’s hilarious.

IB math covers learning standards like exponent laws and linear equations that sound like the broad thinking content from Algebra 1 class that some students take in 7th grade. I’m sure you’ll find that hilarious too. Of course RMIB will substitute that content with AP Calculus BC, but that’s not the case with every IB program.

If the Kennedy kid takes AP Calculus BC, what reason would they have for enrolling in IB math SL, or IB in general?

To get the IBDP and if they like math?


What’s the IBDP piece of paper good for? If the student likes math and took AP Calculus BC, then IB Math SL is a joke and a waste of time. They are better off with AP Statistics or Multivariable Calculus at the local community college. It’s a greater benefit to their education, college admissions, and will save them money in college tuition.


NP. If someone just cares about math, as it sounds like you do, then AP is fine. If someone wants a more well-rounded experience, doing advanced coursework in a range of subjects with an emphasis on writing, then IB is fine. Why do you care what decisions other people's kids are making?


If someone cares about math, then IB is not fine.

Why are you objecting to people posting on a thread where the OP literally asked for opinions on IB programs?


I posted above -- DC cares about math. Dual math/CS major, now senior in college with a 4.0 GPA. They also wanted a challenging curriculum, and I wanted DC to focus on writing (their weaker area), which DC also thought was a good idea. So, they went to RMIB.

If your school doesn't offer AP BC Calc, it won't matter if they take IB math anyways. Like I said, a lot of the kids at RMIB took IB HL math, BC Calc, and MVC.


If I understand correctly your kid took Precalculus, AP Calculus BC, IB Math HL and Multivariable, so they took more non IB advanced classes than IB advanced classes. Besides RMIB there’s no other school that offers both AP Calculus BC and Multivariable.

The average IB program is not the same as RMIB, you seem to be confused about this.


IB program = another part of mcpsopticsphere. Quality of teaching is lacking.


Yes, and quality of curriculum also matters. IB programs are lacking in that area, and have limited course offerings. It’s the same teachers for IB or AP, and quality of teacher can’t be easily fixed.


No it's not always same teacher for IB or AP
Anonymous
Post 03/31/2025 12:45     Subject: IB Programs

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:
Anonymous wrote:BCC parent here. Our college counselor said go for AP for strongest applications and that the top 20 have difficulty figuring out what to do with IB applicants. AP may be a scam like past posters say but it is the way it works.


BCC parent here. Our kid did full IB and it was a good experience for itself and also had good success woth college admissions.

If it’s really true a college counsellor said T20 colleges “don’t know what to do” with IB DP candidates then that says more about tue college counselor than IB.


Speaking of BCC.

You know IB Math is crap when the first year of the Math HL AA is … AP Calculus BC! I wonder why.

Also, no IB Chemistry at higher level offered.

If you want to do STEM, go full AP don’t waste your time with IB busy work like art, theory of knowledge, creativity activities and extended essay.
.

I mean I don’t really disagree that if you are a stem-focused kid then the DP might not be for you but even assuming you are right that IB and AP math curricula overlap, I’m not sure why that indicates IB is crap?


What does it indicate to you? Virtually every decent IB program like RMIB makes AP Calculus BC a prerequisite.

If IB Math prepares students well, there would be no motivation to change to Calculus BC.

But since IB math is not very good and many incoming students are accelerated in math, it makes most sense to keep them on the AP path and do IB Math in 12th grade only because it’s required for the diploma.


I have no idea what you are trying to say but if you think everyone should take BC calculus in 10th grade then I’m not that interested


Let me clarify it for you. At BCC, the IB Math consists of one year of AP Calculus BC, and one year of IB Math HL, instead of the typical two years of IB Math HL.

Interested or not, at BCC you can’t do IB Math HL without taking AP calculus BC. That’s because the IB curriculum is lacking and needs to be supplemented.



Can't students take 2 years of SL IB Math? Or is that level not offered in IB programs at MCPS' IB high schools?

No, they are one year classes.


SL courses are recommended to have at least 150
hours of instructional time, and HL courses are recommended
to have at least 240 instructional hours.
In most cases both SL and HL courses consist of the same ed-
ucational aims, core syllabus and curriculum and assessment
models. HL courses typically also include a range of additional
elements designed to allow students to explore areas of inter-
est within the subject in more depth.


https://www.ibo.org/globalassets/new-structure/programmes/dp/pdfs/slhl-brief-en.pdf

IB HL math covers several years of math -- from algebra to calc. Here's a good explanation:

https://www.quora.com/How-different-or-similar-are-IB-Math-SL-and-AP-Calculus-AB

- IB Math SL: Covers a broader range of topics, including algebra, statistics, and functions, in addition to calculus. It also includes a strong emphasis on mathematical reasoning and communication.
- AP Calculus AB: Primarily focuses on differential and integral calculus. It is more specialized and in-depth in calculus topics compared to IB Math SL.

- IB Math SL: While it includes calculus, it also covers other areas of mathematics, providing a more holistic view of the subject.
- AP Calculus AB: Goes deeper into calculus concepts and prepares students for more advanced calculus courses in college.

Above is why kids also take BC Calc. IB is about broader thinking. AP Calc just focuses on calc.

BTW, my kid was at RMIB, took HL IB math, as well as AP BC calc -- both exams, got a 7 and 5 respectively (also took multivariable calc and got 800 math SAT score). They are very strong in math and is a dual math/CS major in college, now a senior (4.0 - I put that there to show that DC is really a strong math student so that people realize that strong math students can also go the IB route).


The strong math students in IB take starting with 9th: Precalculus, AP Calculus BC, Multivariable, IB Math HL.

In AP they take Precalculus, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics. There is the option for post AP classes from Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra and Differential Equations. If you’re interested in math that’s a better route instead of reviewing the quadratic equation in IB Math HL, which btw is not about broader thinking, it just a review of the lower level math like numbers, algebra, geometry. It’s like integrated math classes, but done poorly.

Sure strong math students can go the IB route at RMIB where they’ll load on AP and post AP/IB classes like Multivariable. The strong math students taking the IB route at Kennedy end up in a bad spot exhausting the most advanced IB Math SL offering in 10th grade.


well, I didn't actually take the HL IB math class, DC did, and didn't say it was just a review of their 7th grade Algebra class. That's hilarious.

Doesn't Kennedy have AP BC Calc?


Not sure why you bring up that you didn’t take the HL IB Math class, but it shows, you clearly don’t know what you’re talking about. You’re only here to post what your kid didn’t say four years ago. Indeed, that’s hilarious.

IB math covers learning standards like exponent laws and linear equations that sound like the broad thinking content from Algebra 1 class that some students take in 7th grade. I’m sure you’ll find that hilarious too. Of course RMIB will substitute that content with AP Calculus BC, but that’s not the case with every IB program.

If the Kennedy kid takes AP Calculus BC, what reason would they have for enrolling in IB math SL, or IB in general?

To get the IBDP and if they like math?


What’s the IBDP piece of paper good for? If the student likes math and took AP Calculus BC, then IB Math SL is a joke and a waste of time. They are better off with AP Statistics or Multivariable Calculus at the local community college. It’s a greater benefit to their education, college admissions, and will save them money in college tuition.


NP. If someone just cares about math, as it sounds like you do, then AP is fine. If someone wants a more well-rounded experience, doing advanced coursework in a range of subjects with an emphasis on writing, then IB is fine. Why do you care what decisions other people's kids are making?


If someone cares about math, then IB is not fine.

Why are you objecting to people posting on a thread where the OP literally asked for opinions on IB programs?


I posted above -- DC cares about math. Dual math/CS major, now senior in college with a 4.0 GPA. They also wanted a challenging curriculum, and I wanted DC to focus on writing (their weaker area), which DC also thought was a good idea. So, they went to RMIB.

If your school doesn't offer AP BC Calc, it won't matter if they take IB math anyways. Like I said, a lot of the kids at RMIB took IB HL math, BC Calc, and MVC.


If I understand correctly your kid took Precalculus, AP Calculus BC, IB Math HL and Multivariable, so they took more non IB advanced classes than IB advanced classes. Besides RMIB there’s no other school that offers both AP Calculus BC and Multivariable.

The average IB program is not the same as RMIB, you seem to be confused about this.


IB program = another part of mcpsopticsphere. Quality of teaching is lacking.


Yes, and quality of curriculum also matters. IB programs are lacking in that area, and have limited course offerings. It’s the same teachers for IB or AP, and quality of teacher can’t be easily fixed.
Anonymous
Post 03/31/2025 12:36     Subject: IB Programs

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:BCC parent here. Our college counselor said go for AP for strongest applications and that the top 20 have difficulty figuring out what to do with IB applicants. AP may be a scam like past posters say but it is the way it works.


BCC parent here. Our kid did full IB and it was a good experience for itself and also had good success woth college admissions.

If it’s really true a college counsellor said T20 colleges “don’t know what to do” with IB DP candidates then that says more about tue college counselor than IB.


Speaking of BCC.

You know IB Math is crap when the first year of the Math HL AA is … AP Calculus BC! I wonder why.

Also, no IB Chemistry at higher level offered.

If you want to do STEM, go full AP don’t waste your time with IB busy work like art, theory of knowledge, creativity activities and extended essay.
.

I mean I don’t really disagree that if you are a stem-focused kid then the DP might not be for you but even assuming you are right that IB and AP math curricula overlap, I’m not sure why that indicates IB is crap?


What does it indicate to you? Virtually every decent IB program like RMIB makes AP Calculus BC a prerequisite.

If IB Math prepares students well, there would be no motivation to change to Calculus BC.

But since IB math is not very good and many incoming students are accelerated in math, it makes most sense to keep them on the AP path and do IB Math in 12th grade only because it’s required for the diploma.


I have no idea what you are trying to say but if you think everyone should take BC calculus in 10th grade then I’m not that interested


Let me clarify it for you. At BCC, the IB Math consists of one year of AP Calculus BC, and one year of IB Math HL, instead of the typical two years of IB Math HL.

Interested or not, at BCC you can’t do IB Math HL without taking AP calculus BC. That’s because the IB curriculum is lacking and needs to be supplemented.



Can't students take 2 years of SL IB Math? Or is that level not offered in IB programs at MCPS' IB high schools?

No, they are one year classes.


SL courses are recommended to have at least 150
hours of instructional time, and HL courses are recommended
to have at least 240 instructional hours.
In most cases both SL and HL courses consist of the same ed-
ucational aims, core syllabus and curriculum and assessment
models. HL courses typically also include a range of additional
elements designed to allow students to explore areas of inter-
est within the subject in more depth.


https://www.ibo.org/globalassets/new-structure/programmes/dp/pdfs/slhl-brief-en.pdf

IB HL math covers several years of math -- from algebra to calc. Here's a good explanation:

https://www.quora.com/How-different-or-similar-are-IB-Math-SL-and-AP-Calculus-AB

- IB Math SL: Covers a broader range of topics, including algebra, statistics, and functions, in addition to calculus. It also includes a strong emphasis on mathematical reasoning and communication.
- AP Calculus AB: Primarily focuses on differential and integral calculus. It is more specialized and in-depth in calculus topics compared to IB Math SL.

- IB Math SL: While it includes calculus, it also covers other areas of mathematics, providing a more holistic view of the subject.
- AP Calculus AB: Goes deeper into calculus concepts and prepares students for more advanced calculus courses in college.

Above is why kids also take BC Calc. IB is about broader thinking. AP Calc just focuses on calc.

BTW, my kid was at RMIB, took HL IB math, as well as AP BC calc -- both exams, got a 7 and 5 respectively (also took multivariable calc and got 800 math SAT score). They are very strong in math and is a dual math/CS major in college, now a senior (4.0 - I put that there to show that DC is really a strong math student so that people realize that strong math students can also go the IB route).


The strong math students in IB take starting with 9th: Precalculus, AP Calculus BC, Multivariable, IB Math HL.

In AP they take Precalculus, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics. There is the option for post AP classes from Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra and Differential Equations. If you’re interested in math that’s a better route instead of reviewing the quadratic equation in IB Math HL, which btw is not about broader thinking, it just a review of the lower level math like numbers, algebra, geometry. It’s like integrated math classes, but done poorly.

Sure strong math students can go the IB route at RMIB where they’ll load on AP and post AP/IB classes like Multivariable. The strong math students taking the IB route at Kennedy end up in a bad spot exhausting the most advanced IB Math SL offering in 10th grade.


well, I didn't actually take the HL IB math class, DC did, and didn't say it was just a review of their 7th grade Algebra class. That's hilarious.

Doesn't Kennedy have AP BC Calc?


Not sure why you bring up that you didn’t take the HL IB Math class, but it shows, you clearly don’t know what you’re talking about. You’re only here to post what your kid didn’t say four years ago. Indeed, that’s hilarious.

IB math covers learning standards like exponent laws and linear equations that sound like the broad thinking content from Algebra 1 class that some students take in 7th grade. I’m sure you’ll find that hilarious too. Of course RMIB will substitute that content with AP Calculus BC, but that’s not the case with every IB program.

If the Kennedy kid takes AP Calculus BC, what reason would they have for enrolling in IB math SL, or IB in general?

To get the IBDP and if they like math?


What’s the IBDP piece of paper good for? If the student likes math and took AP Calculus BC, then IB Math SL is a joke and a waste of time. They are better off with AP Statistics or Multivariable Calculus at the local community college. It’s a greater benefit to their education, college admissions, and will save them money in college tuition.


NP. If someone just cares about math, as it sounds like you do, then AP is fine. If someone wants a more well-rounded experience, doing advanced coursework in a range of subjects with an emphasis on writing, then IB is fine. Why do you care what decisions other people's kids are making?


If someone cares about math, then IB is not fine.

Why are you objecting to people posting on a thread where the OP literally asked for opinions on IB programs?


I posted above -- DC cares about math. Dual math/CS major, now senior in college with a 4.0 GPA. They also wanted a challenging curriculum, and I wanted DC to focus on writing (their weaker area), which DC also thought was a good idea. So, they went to RMIB.

If your school doesn't offer AP BC Calc, it won't matter if they take IB math anyways. Like I said, a lot of the kids at RMIB took IB HL math, BC Calc, and MVC.


Yet these kids generally end up at UMD, which is respectable but a far cray from the colleges IB advertises in info nights like Ivys, MIT, Berkeley etc.


DP. Do any of those colleges come to the annual IB college fair?
Anonymous
Post 03/31/2025 12:34     Subject: IB Programs

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:BCC parent here. Our college counselor said go for AP for strongest applications and that the top 20 have difficulty figuring out what to do with IB applicants. AP may be a scam like past posters say but it is the way it works.


BCC parent here. Our kid did full IB and it was a good experience for itself and also had good success woth college admissions.

If it’s really true a college counsellor said T20 colleges “don’t know what to do” with IB DP candidates then that says more about tue college counselor than IB.


Speaking of BCC.

You know IB Math is crap when the first year of the Math HL AA is … AP Calculus BC! I wonder why.

Also, no IB Chemistry at higher level offered.

If you want to do STEM, go full AP don’t waste your time with IB busy work like art, theory of knowledge, creativity activities and extended essay.
.

I mean I don’t really disagree that if you are a stem-focused kid then the DP might not be for you but even assuming you are right that IB and AP math curricula overlap, I’m not sure why that indicates IB is crap?


What does it indicate to you? Virtually every decent IB program like RMIB makes AP Calculus BC a prerequisite.

If IB Math prepares students well, there would be no motivation to change to Calculus BC.

But since IB math is not very good and many incoming students are accelerated in math, it makes most sense to keep them on the AP path and do IB Math in 12th grade only because it’s required for the diploma.


I have no idea what you are trying to say but if you think everyone should take BC calculus in 10th grade then I’m not that interested


Let me clarify it for you. At BCC, the IB Math consists of one year of AP Calculus BC, and one year of IB Math HL, instead of the typical two years of IB Math HL.

Interested or not, at BCC you can’t do IB Math HL without taking AP calculus BC. That’s because the IB curriculum is lacking and needs to be supplemented.



Can't students take 2 years of SL IB Math? Or is that level not offered in IB programs at MCPS' IB high schools?

No, they are one year classes.


SL courses are recommended to have at least 150
hours of instructional time, and HL courses are recommended
to have at least 240 instructional hours.
In most cases both SL and HL courses consist of the same ed-
ucational aims, core syllabus and curriculum and assessment
models. HL courses typically also include a range of additional
elements designed to allow students to explore areas of inter-
est within the subject in more depth.


https://www.ibo.org/globalassets/new-structure/programmes/dp/pdfs/slhl-brief-en.pdf

IB HL math covers several years of math -- from algebra to calc. Here's a good explanation:

https://www.quora.com/How-different-or-similar-are-IB-Math-SL-and-AP-Calculus-AB

- IB Math SL: Covers a broader range of topics, including algebra, statistics, and functions, in addition to calculus. It also includes a strong emphasis on mathematical reasoning and communication.
- AP Calculus AB: Primarily focuses on differential and integral calculus. It is more specialized and in-depth in calculus topics compared to IB Math SL.

- IB Math SL: While it includes calculus, it also covers other areas of mathematics, providing a more holistic view of the subject.
- AP Calculus AB: Goes deeper into calculus concepts and prepares students for more advanced calculus courses in college.

Above is why kids also take BC Calc. IB is about broader thinking. AP Calc just focuses on calc.

BTW, my kid was at RMIB, took HL IB math, as well as AP BC calc -- both exams, got a 7 and 5 respectively (also took multivariable calc and got 800 math SAT score). They are very strong in math and is a dual math/CS major in college, now a senior (4.0 - I put that there to show that DC is really a strong math student so that people realize that strong math students can also go the IB route).


The strong math students in IB take starting with 9th: Precalculus, AP Calculus BC, Multivariable, IB Math HL.

In AP they take Precalculus, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics. There is the option for post AP classes from Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra and Differential Equations. If you’re interested in math that’s a better route instead of reviewing the quadratic equation in IB Math HL, which btw is not about broader thinking, it just a review of the lower level math like numbers, algebra, geometry. It’s like integrated math classes, but done poorly.

Sure strong math students can go the IB route at RMIB where they’ll load on AP and post AP/IB classes like Multivariable. The strong math students taking the IB route at Kennedy end up in a bad spot exhausting the most advanced IB Math SL offering in 10th grade.


well, I didn't actually take the HL IB math class, DC did, and didn't say it was just a review of their 7th grade Algebra class. That's hilarious.

Doesn't Kennedy have AP BC Calc?


Not sure why you bring up that you didn’t take the HL IB Math class, but it shows, you clearly don’t know what you’re talking about. You’re only here to post what your kid didn’t say four years ago. Indeed, that’s hilarious.

IB math covers learning standards like exponent laws and linear equations that sound like the broad thinking content from Algebra 1 class that some students take in 7th grade. I’m sure you’ll find that hilarious too. Of course RMIB will substitute that content with AP Calculus BC, but that’s not the case with every IB program.

If the Kennedy kid takes AP Calculus BC, what reason would they have for enrolling in IB math SL, or IB in general?

To get the IBDP and if they like math?


What’s the IBDP piece of paper good for? If the student likes math and took AP Calculus BC, then IB Math SL is a joke and a waste of time. They are better off with AP Statistics or Multivariable Calculus at the local community college. It’s a greater benefit to their education, college admissions, and will save them money in college tuition.


NP. If someone just cares about math, as it sounds like you do, then AP is fine. If someone wants a more well-rounded experience, doing advanced coursework in a range of subjects with an emphasis on writing, then IB is fine. Why do you care what decisions other people's kids are making?


If someone cares about math, then IB is not fine.

Why are you objecting to people posting on a thread where the OP literally asked for opinions on IB programs?


I posted above -- DC cares about math. Dual math/CS major, now senior in college with a 4.0 GPA. They also wanted a challenging curriculum, and I wanted DC to focus on writing (their weaker area), which DC also thought was a good idea. So, they went to RMIB.

If your school doesn't offer AP BC Calc, it won't matter if they take IB math anyways. Like I said, a lot of the kids at RMIB took IB HL math, BC Calc, and MVC.


If I understand correctly your kid took Precalculus, AP Calculus BC, IB Math HL and Multivariable, so they took more non IB advanced classes than IB advanced classes. Besides RMIB there’s no other school that offers both AP Calculus BC and Multivariable.

The average IB program is not the same as RMIB, you seem to be confused about this.


IB program = another part of mcpsopticsphere. Quality of teaching is lacking.
Anonymous
Post 03/31/2025 12:20     Subject: IB Programs

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:BCC parent here. Our college counselor said go for AP for strongest applications and that the top 20 have difficulty figuring out what to do with IB applicants. AP may be a scam like past posters say but it is the way it works.


BCC parent here. Our kid did full IB and it was a good experience for itself and also had good success woth college admissions.

If it’s really true a college counsellor said T20 colleges “don’t know what to do” with IB DP candidates then that says more about tue college counselor than IB.


Speaking of BCC.

You know IB Math is crap when the first year of the Math HL AA is … AP Calculus BC! I wonder why.

Also, no IB Chemistry at higher level offered.

If you want to do STEM, go full AP don’t waste your time with IB busy work like art, theory of knowledge, creativity activities and extended essay.
.

I mean I don’t really disagree that if you are a stem-focused kid then the DP might not be for you but even assuming you are right that IB and AP math curricula overlap, I’m not sure why that indicates IB is crap?


What does it indicate to you? Virtually every decent IB program like RMIB makes AP Calculus BC a prerequisite.

If IB Math prepares students well, there would be no motivation to change to Calculus BC.

But since IB math is not very good and many incoming students are accelerated in math, it makes most sense to keep them on the AP path and do IB Math in 12th grade only because it’s required for the diploma.


I have no idea what you are trying to say but if you think everyone should take BC calculus in 10th grade then I’m not that interested


Let me clarify it for you. At BCC, the IB Math consists of one year of AP Calculus BC, and one year of IB Math HL, instead of the typical two years of IB Math HL.

Interested or not, at BCC you can’t do IB Math HL without taking AP calculus BC. That’s because the IB curriculum is lacking and needs to be supplemented.



Can't students take 2 years of SL IB Math? Or is that level not offered in IB programs at MCPS' IB high schools?

No, they are one year classes.


SL courses are recommended to have at least 150
hours of instructional time, and HL courses are recommended
to have at least 240 instructional hours.
In most cases both SL and HL courses consist of the same ed-
ucational aims, core syllabus and curriculum and assessment
models. HL courses typically also include a range of additional
elements designed to allow students to explore areas of inter-
est within the subject in more depth.


https://www.ibo.org/globalassets/new-structure/programmes/dp/pdfs/slhl-brief-en.pdf

IB HL math covers several years of math -- from algebra to calc. Here's a good explanation:

https://www.quora.com/How-different-or-similar-are-IB-Math-SL-and-AP-Calculus-AB

- IB Math SL: Covers a broader range of topics, including algebra, statistics, and functions, in addition to calculus. It also includes a strong emphasis on mathematical reasoning and communication.
- AP Calculus AB: Primarily focuses on differential and integral calculus. It is more specialized and in-depth in calculus topics compared to IB Math SL.

- IB Math SL: While it includes calculus, it also covers other areas of mathematics, providing a more holistic view of the subject.
- AP Calculus AB: Goes deeper into calculus concepts and prepares students for more advanced calculus courses in college.

Above is why kids also take BC Calc. IB is about broader thinking. AP Calc just focuses on calc.

BTW, my kid was at RMIB, took HL IB math, as well as AP BC calc -- both exams, got a 7 and 5 respectively (also took multivariable calc and got 800 math SAT score). They are very strong in math and is a dual math/CS major in college, now a senior (4.0 - I put that there to show that DC is really a strong math student so that people realize that strong math students can also go the IB route).


The strong math students in IB take starting with 9th: Precalculus, AP Calculus BC, Multivariable, IB Math HL.

In AP they take Precalculus, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics. There is the option for post AP classes from Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra and Differential Equations. If you’re interested in math that’s a better route instead of reviewing the quadratic equation in IB Math HL, which btw is not about broader thinking, it just a review of the lower level math like numbers, algebra, geometry. It’s like integrated math classes, but done poorly.

Sure strong math students can go the IB route at RMIB where they’ll load on AP and post AP/IB classes like Multivariable. The strong math students taking the IB route at Kennedy end up in a bad spot exhausting the most advanced IB Math SL offering in 10th grade.


well, I didn't actually take the HL IB math class, DC did, and didn't say it was just a review of their 7th grade Algebra class. That's hilarious.

Doesn't Kennedy have AP BC Calc?


Not sure why you bring up that you didn’t take the HL IB Math class, but it shows, you clearly don’t know what you’re talking about. You’re only here to post what your kid didn’t say four years ago. Indeed, that’s hilarious.

IB math covers learning standards like exponent laws and linear equations that sound like the broad thinking content from Algebra 1 class that some students take in 7th grade. I’m sure you’ll find that hilarious too. Of course RMIB will substitute that content with AP Calculus BC, but that’s not the case with every IB program.

If the Kennedy kid takes AP Calculus BC, what reason would they have for enrolling in IB math SL, or IB in general?

To get the IBDP and if they like math?


What’s the IBDP piece of paper good for? If the student likes math and took AP Calculus BC, then IB Math SL is a joke and a waste of time. They are better off with AP Statistics or Multivariable Calculus at the local community college. It’s a greater benefit to their education, college admissions, and will save them money in college tuition.


NP. If someone just cares about math, as it sounds like you do, then AP is fine. If someone wants a more well-rounded experience, doing advanced coursework in a range of subjects with an emphasis on writing, then IB is fine. Why do you care what decisions other people's kids are making?


If someone cares about math, then IB is not fine.

Why are you objecting to people posting on a thread where the OP literally asked for opinions on IB programs?


I posted above -- DC cares about math. Dual math/CS major, now senior in college with a 4.0 GPA. They also wanted a challenging curriculum, and I wanted DC to focus on writing (their weaker area), which DC also thought was a good idea. So, they went to RMIB.

If your school doesn't offer AP BC Calc, it won't matter if they take IB math anyways. Like I said, a lot of the kids at RMIB took IB HL math, BC Calc, and MVC.


Yet these kids generally end up at UMD, which is respectable but a far cray from the colleges IB advertises in info nights like Ivys, MIT, Berkeley etc.
Anonymous
Post 03/31/2025 12:17     Subject: IB Programs

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:BCC parent here. Our college counselor said go for AP for strongest applications and that the top 20 have difficulty figuring out what to do with IB applicants. AP may be a scam like past posters say but it is the way it works.


BCC parent here. Our kid did full IB and it was a good experience for itself and also had good success woth college admissions.

If it’s really true a college counsellor said T20 colleges “don’t know what to do” with IB DP candidates then that says more about tue college counselor than IB.


Speaking of BCC.

You know IB Math is crap when the first year of the Math HL AA is … AP Calculus BC! I wonder why.

Also, no IB Chemistry at higher level offered.

If you want to do STEM, go full AP don’t waste your time with IB busy work like art, theory of knowledge, creativity activities and extended essay.
.

I mean I don’t really disagree that if you are a stem-focused kid then the DP might not be for you but even assuming you are right that IB and AP math curricula overlap, I’m not sure why that indicates IB is crap?


What does it indicate to you? Virtually every decent IB program like RMIB makes AP Calculus BC a prerequisite.

If IB Math prepares students well, there would be no motivation to change to Calculus BC.

But since IB math is not very good and many incoming students are accelerated in math, it makes most sense to keep them on the AP path and do IB Math in 12th grade only because it’s required for the diploma.


I have no idea what you are trying to say but if you think everyone should take BC calculus in 10th grade then I’m not that interested


Let me clarify it for you. At BCC, the IB Math consists of one year of AP Calculus BC, and one year of IB Math HL, instead of the typical two years of IB Math HL.

Interested or not, at BCC you can’t do IB Math HL without taking AP calculus BC. That’s because the IB curriculum is lacking and needs to be supplemented.



Can't students take 2 years of SL IB Math? Or is that level not offered in IB programs at MCPS' IB high schools?

No, they are one year classes.


SL courses are recommended to have at least 150
hours of instructional time, and HL courses are recommended
to have at least 240 instructional hours.
In most cases both SL and HL courses consist of the same ed-
ucational aims, core syllabus and curriculum and assessment
models. HL courses typically also include a range of additional
elements designed to allow students to explore areas of inter-
est within the subject in more depth.


https://www.ibo.org/globalassets/new-structure/programmes/dp/pdfs/slhl-brief-en.pdf

IB HL math covers several years of math -- from algebra to calc. Here's a good explanation:

https://www.quora.com/How-different-or-similar-are-IB-Math-SL-and-AP-Calculus-AB

- IB Math SL: Covers a broader range of topics, including algebra, statistics, and functions, in addition to calculus. It also includes a strong emphasis on mathematical reasoning and communication.
- AP Calculus AB: Primarily focuses on differential and integral calculus. It is more specialized and in-depth in calculus topics compared to IB Math SL.

- IB Math SL: While it includes calculus, it also covers other areas of mathematics, providing a more holistic view of the subject.
- AP Calculus AB: Goes deeper into calculus concepts and prepares students for more advanced calculus courses in college.

Above is why kids also take BC Calc. IB is about broader thinking. AP Calc just focuses on calc.

BTW, my kid was at RMIB, took HL IB math, as well as AP BC calc -- both exams, got a 7 and 5 respectively (also took multivariable calc and got 800 math SAT score). They are very strong in math and is a dual math/CS major in college, now a senior (4.0 - I put that there to show that DC is really a strong math student so that people realize that strong math students can also go the IB route).


The strong math students in IB take starting with 9th: Precalculus, AP Calculus BC, Multivariable, IB Math HL.

In AP they take Precalculus, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics. There is the option for post AP classes from Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra and Differential Equations. If you’re interested in math that’s a better route instead of reviewing the quadratic equation in IB Math HL, which btw is not about broader thinking, it just a review of the lower level math like numbers, algebra, geometry. It’s like integrated math classes, but done poorly.

Sure strong math students can go the IB route at RMIB where they’ll load on AP and post AP/IB classes like Multivariable. The strong math students taking the IB route at Kennedy end up in a bad spot exhausting the most advanced IB Math SL offering in 10th grade.


well, I didn't actually take the HL IB math class, DC did, and didn't say it was just a review of their 7th grade Algebra class. That's hilarious.

Doesn't Kennedy have AP BC Calc?


Not sure why you bring up that you didn’t take the HL IB Math class, but it shows, you clearly don’t know what you’re talking about. You’re only here to post what your kid didn’t say four years ago. Indeed, that’s hilarious.

IB math covers learning standards like exponent laws and linear equations that sound like the broad thinking content from Algebra 1 class that some students take in 7th grade. I’m sure you’ll find that hilarious too. Of course RMIB will substitute that content with AP Calculus BC, but that’s not the case with every IB program.

If the Kennedy kid takes AP Calculus BC, what reason would they have for enrolling in IB math SL, or IB in general?

To get the IBDP and if they like math?


What’s the IBDP piece of paper good for? If the student likes math and took AP Calculus BC, then IB Math SL is a joke and a waste of time. They are better off with AP Statistics or Multivariable Calculus at the local community college. It’s a greater benefit to their education, college admissions, and will save them money in college tuition.


NP. If someone just cares about math, as it sounds like you do, then AP is fine. If someone wants a more well-rounded experience, doing advanced coursework in a range of subjects with an emphasis on writing, then IB is fine. Why do you care what decisions other people's kids are making?


If someone cares about math, then IB is not fine.

Why are you objecting to people posting on a thread where the OP literally asked for opinions on IB programs?


I posted above -- DC cares about math. Dual math/CS major, now senior in college with a 4.0 GPA. They also wanted a challenging curriculum, and I wanted DC to focus on writing (their weaker area), which DC also thought was a good idea. So, they went to RMIB.

If your school doesn't offer AP BC Calc, it won't matter if they take IB math anyways. Like I said, a lot of the kids at RMIB took IB HL math, BC Calc, and MVC.


If I understand correctly your kid took Precalculus, AP Calculus BC, IB Math HL and Multivariable, so they took more non IB advanced classes than IB advanced classes. Besides RMIB there’s no other school that offers both AP Calculus BC and Multivariable.

The average IB program is not the same as RMIB, you seem to be confused about this.
Anonymous
Post 03/31/2025 12:04     Subject: IB Programs

Anonymous wrote:Not all schools have options. Ours does not.

True. IMO, that's why RMIB is the best program because at RM, you can also take BC Calc and MVC (that class is always full btw, both periods).
Anonymous
Post 03/31/2025 12:04     Subject: IB Programs

Anonymous wrote:There is a variety of intensity in the IB classes. She will likely be fine if you help her create a manageable course load. The coordinator at your school can give you better insight.


And varies greatly on teachers for those courses. Just as there are effective teachers and not so effective ones from preschool to professional schools.
Anonymous
Post 03/31/2025 12:02     Subject: IB Programs

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:BCC parent here. Our college counselor said go for AP for strongest applications and that the top 20 have difficulty figuring out what to do with IB applicants. AP may be a scam like past posters say but it is the way it works.


BCC parent here. Our kid did full IB and it was a good experience for itself and also had good success woth college admissions.

If it’s really true a college counsellor said T20 colleges “don’t know what to do” with IB DP candidates then that says more about tue college counselor than IB.


Speaking of BCC.

You know IB Math is crap when the first year of the Math HL AA is … AP Calculus BC! I wonder why.

Also, no IB Chemistry at higher level offered.

If you want to do STEM, go full AP don’t waste your time with IB busy work like art, theory of knowledge, creativity activities and extended essay.
.

I mean I don’t really disagree that if you are a stem-focused kid then the DP might not be for you but even assuming you are right that IB and AP math curricula overlap, I’m not sure why that indicates IB is crap?


What does it indicate to you? Virtually every decent IB program like RMIB makes AP Calculus BC a prerequisite.

If IB Math prepares students well, there would be no motivation to change to Calculus BC.

But since IB math is not very good and many incoming students are accelerated in math, it makes most sense to keep them on the AP path and do IB Math in 12th grade only because it’s required for the diploma.


I have no idea what you are trying to say but if you think everyone should take BC calculus in 10th grade then I’m not that interested


Let me clarify it for you. At BCC, the IB Math consists of one year of AP Calculus BC, and one year of IB Math HL, instead of the typical two years of IB Math HL.

Interested or not, at BCC you can’t do IB Math HL without taking AP calculus BC. That’s because the IB curriculum is lacking and needs to be supplemented.



Can't students take 2 years of SL IB Math? Or is that level not offered in IB programs at MCPS' IB high schools?

No, they are one year classes.


SL courses are recommended to have at least 150
hours of instructional time, and HL courses are recommended
to have at least 240 instructional hours.
In most cases both SL and HL courses consist of the same ed-
ucational aims, core syllabus and curriculum and assessment
models. HL courses typically also include a range of additional
elements designed to allow students to explore areas of inter-
est within the subject in more depth.


https://www.ibo.org/globalassets/new-structure/programmes/dp/pdfs/slhl-brief-en.pdf

IB HL math covers several years of math -- from algebra to calc. Here's a good explanation:

https://www.quora.com/How-different-or-similar-are-IB-Math-SL-and-AP-Calculus-AB

- IB Math SL: Covers a broader range of topics, including algebra, statistics, and functions, in addition to calculus. It also includes a strong emphasis on mathematical reasoning and communication.
- AP Calculus AB: Primarily focuses on differential and integral calculus. It is more specialized and in-depth in calculus topics compared to IB Math SL.

- IB Math SL: While it includes calculus, it also covers other areas of mathematics, providing a more holistic view of the subject.
- AP Calculus AB: Goes deeper into calculus concepts and prepares students for more advanced calculus courses in college.

Above is why kids also take BC Calc. IB is about broader thinking. AP Calc just focuses on calc.

BTW, my kid was at RMIB, took HL IB math, as well as AP BC calc -- both exams, got a 7 and 5 respectively (also took multivariable calc and got 800 math SAT score). They are very strong in math and is a dual math/CS major in college, now a senior (4.0 - I put that there to show that DC is really a strong math student so that people realize that strong math students can also go the IB route).


The strong math students in IB take starting with 9th: Precalculus, AP Calculus BC, Multivariable, IB Math HL.

In AP they take Precalculus, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics. There is the option for post AP classes from Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra and Differential Equations. If you’re interested in math that’s a better route instead of reviewing the quadratic equation in IB Math HL, which btw is not about broader thinking, it just a review of the lower level math like numbers, algebra, geometry. It’s like integrated math classes, but done poorly.

Sure strong math students can go the IB route at RMIB where they’ll load on AP and post AP/IB classes like Multivariable. The strong math students taking the IB route at Kennedy end up in a bad spot exhausting the most advanced IB Math SL offering in 10th grade.


well, I didn't actually take the HL IB math class, DC did, and didn't say it was just a review of their 7th grade Algebra class. That's hilarious.

Doesn't Kennedy have AP BC Calc?


Not sure why you bring up that you didn’t take the HL IB Math class, but it shows, you clearly don’t know what you’re talking about. You’re only here to post what your kid didn’t say four years ago. Indeed, that’s hilarious.

IB math covers learning standards like exponent laws and linear equations that sound like the broad thinking content from Algebra 1 class that some students take in 7th grade. I’m sure you’ll find that hilarious too. Of course RMIB will substitute that content with AP Calculus BC, but that’s not the case with every IB program.

If the Kennedy kid takes AP Calculus BC, what reason would they have for enrolling in IB math SL, or IB in general?

To get the IBDP and if they like math?


What’s the IBDP piece of paper good for? If the student likes math and took AP Calculus BC, then IB Math SL is a joke and a waste of time. They are better off with AP Statistics or Multivariable Calculus at the local community college. It’s a greater benefit to their education, college admissions, and will save them money in college tuition.


NP. If someone just cares about math, as it sounds like you do, then AP is fine. If someone wants a more well-rounded experience, doing advanced coursework in a range of subjects with an emphasis on writing, then IB is fine. Why do you care what decisions other people's kids are making?


If someone cares about math, then IB is not fine.

Why are you objecting to people posting on a thread where the OP literally asked for opinions on IB programs?


I posted above -- DC cares about math. Dual math/CS major, now senior in college with a 4.0 GPA. They also wanted a challenging curriculum, and I wanted DC to focus on writing (their weaker area), which DC also thought was a good idea. So, they went to RMIB.

If your school doesn't offer AP BC Calc, it won't matter if they take IB math anyways. Like I said, a lot of the kids at RMIB took IB HL math, BC Calc, and MVC.
Anonymous
Post 03/31/2025 11:57     Subject: Re:IB Programs

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:For those of you wondering which ones colleges prefer, the truth is they don't care. What they care about is if your kid took the most rigorous classes that are available in their HS. If it's at an IB school
like Seneca Valley, then those would be your IB HL classes. If not at an IB school like Sherwood, then those would be your AP classes.


What advice do you have for the Seneca Valley student interested in a stem major when their only available HL science class is Biology, and they can’t take AP Calculus BC, only AB?

You really think there won’t be any competition with the Sherwood student that took all AP level of Calculus BC, Statistics, Physics C, Chemistry and Biology? They are coming from the same district after all.

Regardless of what you think colleges prefer, it’s clear which student got the better preparation for their future major and career.


The student who attended the high school with a higher number of minorities will be advantaged in college admissions, as long as they took the most rigorous courses at their school.


That is not true anymore in a higher ed world where the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action from the college admissions process.
Anonymous
Post 03/31/2025 11:47     Subject: Re:IB Programs

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:For those of you wondering which ones colleges prefer, the truth is they don't care. What they care about is if your kid took the most rigorous classes that are available in their HS. If it's at an IB school
like Seneca Valley, then those would be your IB HL classes. If not at an IB school like Sherwood, then those would be your AP classes.


What advice do you have for the Seneca Valley student interested in a stem major when their only available HL science class is Biology, and they can’t take AP Calculus BC, only AB?

You really think there won’t be any competition with the Sherwood student that took all AP level of Calculus BC, Statistics, Physics C, Chemistry and Biology? They are coming from the same district after all.

Regardless of what you think colleges prefer, it’s clear which student got the better preparation for their future major and career.


The student who attended the high school with a higher number of minorities will be advantaged in college admissions, as long as they took the most rigorous courses at their school.