Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - Demo - (Page 37)

planning ahead for college by Michelle Muratori, Ph.D. International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement Programs W ith so much pressure to get into a selective college or university, many academically talented students feel overwhelmed making decisions about their high school programs. Students have more options to challenge themselves than ever before with Advanced Placement (AP) courses widely available in schools and online and a growing number of International Baccalaureate (IB) programs across the U.S. and abroad. Students often ask whether colleges look more favorably on applicants with an AP or an IB background. College admissions officers will value strong grades in either AP or IB courses, given that other parts of your application are solid. And remember that other factors are weighed into the decision. So the question, “Which path is best from an admissions perspective?” should be replaced with, “Which path is best for me?” The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Students enrolled in the two-year IB Diploma Programme (DP) must follow a relatively prescribed curriculum covering six domains: language A1, second language, individuals and societies (e.g., history and economics), experimental sciences, mathematics and computer science, and the arts. Additionally, students must complete an extended essay, follow a theory of knowledge course (TOK), and participate in creativity, action, and service (CAS), which compose the DP’s core and are central to the program’s philosophy. With its holistic focus, the IB program emphasizes the integration of content across subjects and prepares its students to be citizens of the world. The Advanced Placement Program The AP program, which offers 7 college-level courses and exams across 22 subject areas, does not require students to take a minimum number of courses; it is possible for students to receive AP preparation in one or two subjects rather than across the curriculum. Offering such flexibility, the program can be tailored to the needs of talented students with uneven abilities as much as it can accommodate the needs of students who excel across subject areas. In making decisions about AP courses, students should consider: • a school’s AP course offerings and flexibility in allowing students to take AP courses before one’s junior or senior year, and • their academic strengths, access to AP courses online, level of involvement in other activities, and stamina and energy. March/April 2008 Making a Choice Because fewer schools offer IB programs than AP courses, many academically talented students are spared having to choose. Nevertheless, students planning to take AP courses still have important decisions to make. If you take this path, consider how many AP courses you can fit into your schedule so that you feel challenged without experiencing burnout. If you overload yourself with AP courses, you may end up compromising your health and happiness, not to mention your performance in your AP courses and on AP exams. If you are on the fence about taking that extra AP course, ask yourself if you will be jeopardizing your success and overall well-being. If you have the option to choose between IB and AP, think about how each program’s features are aligned with your learning style, abilities, interests, and goals. Both are rigorous college preparatory programs that expose students to advanced content and foster the development of higher-level thinking; both require students to think analytically and independently. In addition, just as IB students are able to earn a special diploma, which is recognized by universities throughout the world, students who attain certain levels of success in the AP program may be designated AP Scholars and/or earn the AP International Diploma. With these similarities noted, there are differences worth considering. Since one is not required to complete AP courses to sit for AP exams, IB students are permitted to take AP exams; however, the opposite is not true. AP students may not sit for IB exams. Moreover, colleges and universities have their own policies with regard to awarding credit for AP and IB coursework, so if this factor will weigh heavily into your decision, research the policies of each institution to which you may apply. When making difficult decisions about your education, a good rule of thumb is to remember that in order to be at peace with your choice, take the path that will augment your academic strengths and bring out the best in you. In doing so, you will be making the right decision. i For more information: Advanced Placement www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.html International Baccalaureate www.ibo.org imagine 7 http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.html http://www.ibo.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - Demo

Imagine Magazine - March/April 2008 Contents Letters Big Problems Big Picture In My Own Words Putting E-Waste in Its Place Big Juice Making Waves What Does "Green" Mean? Into the Woods Swimming with Whale Sharks Crash Course in Costa Rica Selected Opportunities & Resources Hooked on Logistics Off the Shelf Word Wise Middle Ground One Step Ahead Exploring Career Options Planning Ahead for College Students Review Creative Minds Imagine Sudoku Knossos Games

Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - Demo

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