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I go to a school that doesn't offer the IB program but has a pretty good AP program (around 15 courses). I know I can't get the IB diploma if I don't take the IB courses, but can I just take the tests to just show colleges that I can do all the stuff...?

Also, I'm only a sophomore so I could actually switch to an IB school that's pretty close to my house but switching high school's could sometimes be hassle-full and troublesome due to transfering credits and such so is IB really that much of a giant advantage for applying to colleges compared to AP??

By Athlonmj (Athlonmj) on Sunday, February 15, 2004 - 11:34 pm: Edit

Uh, IB does not have an advantage over AP, and I don't think colleges will look favorably upon you going to another school to take IB tests while your own school has a plethora of AP exams for you to take.

By Northstarmom (Northstarmom) on Sunday, February 15, 2004 - 11:39 pm: Edit

No, you can't take the IB tests without the program. The tests without the IB education would also be fairly meaningless because IB is much more than j passing tests. What makes IB special is the broad and deep curriculum in all areas, the international focus as well as the in depth research, oral and written skills that the program requires in all subject areas.

IB and AP are very different experiences.From what I have seen, colleges don't favor one over the other.

Unless you want the unusual educational experience that IB offers, don't transfer. IB is a wonderful curriculum, but it's not something that everyone would enjoy nor is it something to grit your teeth through as part of a misguided hope of using it to gain better admissions prospects than AP would offer.

By Vinny919 (Vinny919) on Sunday, February 15, 2004 - 11:51 pm: Edit

Well my school is too easy...I'm taking 3 AP's and 3 honors in my soph year and I know I can do more...so I thought about transfer. But is it not really worth it? I don't want to have a disadvantage whatsoever applying to the top schools in the nation.

By Vinny919 (Vinny919) on Monday, February 16, 2004 - 12:42 am: Edit

bumpity bump bump, bump bump

By Athlonmj (Athlonmj) on Monday, February 16, 2004 - 12:46 am: Edit

As long as you're taking the most rigorous curriculum that your school offers, you're fine. Plus, 3 AP sophomore year is pretty impressive.

By Largegreenturt (Largegreenturt) on Monday, February 16, 2004 - 04:02 am: Edit

double post

By Largegreenturt (Largegreenturt) on Monday, February 16, 2004 - 04:02 am: Edit

personally, I love the IB. I'm doing the whole diploma and I am convinced that is was my IB status that got me into Northwestern. Just my opinion though.

By Arizonainsanity (Arizonainsanity) on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 03:24 pm: Edit

I agree with Largegreenturt. Foremost, all the people who said that IB wasnt worth it or that it had no advantage obviously is unaware of this program and its advantages.

furthermore, no, you can not take tests without being in the actual program.

also, if you are claiming your school is that "easy"..then what are you worrying for?

also, if you are already a sophomore, there is no point of you to switch schools becuase IB starts from freshman year, and in that case I suggest you not do it.

stop worrying about disadvantages that can not be dealt with..focus on the advantages you have!