IB or AP?
Would it be better for college admissions to get the IB diploma and have a lower rank and gpa, or take AP classes and have a higher rank and gpa?
For context, would it be better to take mostly/all honors and IB classes (and 2-3 APs) and have a lower rank (like 100-200/600 students) and lower gpa? Or to take 9-10 AP classes and mostly/all honors and have a higher class rank (like 10-20/600 students) and 4.0 gpa?
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3 answers
IB, no questions needed.
AP. AP classes are the most known so it has a better chance for most college admissions. Of course, IB diplomas still have a good weight, but if taking AP classes give you a higher rank and GPA, then definitely go for that one.
Explain to me and others confused by this question why your schools weighs IBs lower than APs? I've heard of some high schools giving a 2 point bump for IBs, a 1 point bump for APs, and 1/2 point for honors. I've also heard of HS's weighting IBs , APs, and Honor 1 point bump making getting an A in either three equivalent.
I've never heard of being penalized for taking IBs that are typically more challenging than honors classes and even most APs depending on whether is SL or HL.
If this is not the case, why would you end up with a much worse rank for taking the hardest curriculum? Makes no sense.
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Thanks for asking for clarification. My school weighs IB and AP classes the same, giving a 1 point boost to your gpa for taking them. They are not weighed differently. Honors courses at my school are worth half a point. Hope this helps!