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Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
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UCLA
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Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Will IB English HL benefit my application?

Quick question—I'm choosing my classes for next year and wondering if taking IB English HL is worth the stress. Does it look good on college apps, and how is it seen compared to AP or honors classes? I'm aiming for top-tier schools and want to make sure my schedule is impressive enough. Any thoughts?

a year ago

Certainly, taking IB English HL can be a strong asset to your application, especially for top-tier schools. It's recognized as a rigorous course that demands analytical and critical thinking skills. By successfully taking and excelling in this course, you are signaling to colleges your readiness for university-level work.

IB courses are considered at least on par with AP courses in terms of rigor. Schools often appreciate the IB's emphasis on depth of knowledge and international perspective. That said, keep in mind that you should balance your course load. Aiming for excellence in all areas of your application, including maintaining a high GPA, is critical too.

If this course complements your strengths and academic interests, it could be a worthwhile challenge. If you have a passion for literature and writing, the skills and insights gained from IB English HL could potentially shine through in your personal statement and essays, adding depth to your application.

a year ago

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CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.