IB Diploma vs. A levels vs. AP
The International Baccalaureate Diploma, A levels, and Advanced Placement are all options. Perhaps three of the most well-known international curriculums in the world, with the exception of IB, which is the newest of the three (the official IBO website states that it was established in 1968, while AP and A levels have been around since the 1950s).
On Quora, I've seen a couple of questions like, "Which one should I do?" and "Which degree would universities prefer?"
“What are the advantages of the IB Diploma over the AP and A levels?”
So, what's the distinction between the two? Is there any advantage to doing either? If you had an option, who would you choose?
So, there you have it. We'll look at certain considerations that can assist you in making your decision. Many of the factors that influence your decision are entirely up to you. I'll explain why in a moment, but first, let me explain why. If you don't like reading, here's a quick video to watch.
It's a video I find on YouTube that does an amazing job of summarizing the distinctions between the AP and IB Diplomas. Now, I understand that this is an AP vs. IB video, but the reasoning used to explain AP can also be applied to A levels. Have fun!
Okay, then. Are you finished with the video? So, let's get started. By the way, I fully disagree with the video's claims about IB sleep.
I can certainly relate to this because I didn't get much sleep in IB either, but I do maintain that getting enough sleep in IB is very likely. It's been done since. Have faith in me.
How do you do it? You'll have to revisit my previous reports on time control and procrastination.
Is it more important to you to get into university or to learn any valuable skills?
This is a rather subjective question. Many former IB Diploma students may contend that they gained little knowledge from the program. Personally, I understand why, since I have my own issues with IB.
However, as the video explains, you essentially become a well-rounded student rather than a specialist student, which is what A levels and AP aim for.
In addition to what is mentioned in the film, many of the skills you gain in IB can easily be translated to university. That isn't to say that A levels and AP exams aren't valuable in this situation. As mentioned in the video, they have a different program that is equally well equipped for teaching students how to cope with university work.
It all boils down to this. Are you concentrating on honing a few talents or broadening your horizons? There is no correct or incorrect answer to this question. You will do better in university if you do either. It is entirely dependent on your personal interests.
Do Universities Prefer One Over The Other?
If colleges really preferred one degree to another, that would be well recognized. Why will colleges bother listing a long list of acceptable high school diplomas if they're just looking for a few?
Is it really necessary to mention such degrees in the first place? No way!
As a result, universities treat students with A degrees, AP, and IB Diplomas in the same way. Not in the sense that they are equivalent, but more that you have a wide range of university choices regardless of which one you select.
Naturally, regardless of which one you chose, you must achieve the highest possible scores, but there is no choice when it comes to which one would offer you an advantage in university.
All three will be accepted by universities and schools, but that will rely on the university. Check to see if the one you're applying to accepts them first.
If you're based in the United States, it's widely assumed that APs have an advantage over others. Aside from that, it largely depends on how well you do. It makes no difference what program you follow.
Will I Have An Advantage Over Other People At University If I Have An IB Diploma?
University is a totally different college experience. That is something you must keep in mind. It's not that IB is fully preparing you for university.
AP standards aren't either. The intention is to bring you into a mentality where you're used to a lot of training and researching while still learning a few things in the process.
However, I think you will take away a few points from the IB that will greatly assist you in university. I can conceive about the whole Extended Essay phase from the top of my mind.
I'm not thinking, "Oh well, you wrote a 4000-word post, so you're absolutely superior."
No, it's not true.
This is not the case.
What you LEARN during the process is extremely valuable.
Consider the simplest of citations. Is it a talent that you can pick up on your own? And, of course. There is a case to be made for this, leaving the EE process essentially inefficient. Nonetheless. This is something I would disagree with.
What are the odds that the majority of students will dedicate their own time to learning how to correctly cite sources, thus reducing the possibility of plagiarizing, the everlasting intellectual sin?
If you ask me, it's really tiny.
The EE method instills in you the value of analysis, critical thought, and citation. It's to the point that it's causing you anxiety. What if in the long run? You've just learned a valuable experience for dealing with all of the essays you'll be assigned at university.
And it's only ONE thing that I can think about that makes a difference.
There's a lot more, because that all depends on the topics you study. CAS and TOK have long-term advantages as well. Anyone for time management? That is unquestionably beneficial.
But I'm getting off track. It all depends on your personality. You may dislike education to the point of denying its utility, or you may despise it to the point of complaining and grumbling, like most IB students do, but yet understand the importance of their IB education.
So, would you get a leg up on the competition? No, according to some disappointed former IB pupils. Yes, according to some ex grateful IB cult-like worshippers.
What about me? I'm unbiased. I assume that the amount of commitment you put forward in order to excel in the IB will mold you into a well-prepared pre-university student. For the first year, at least.
Is It Worth It To Take The IB Diploma?
I saw a Really subjective topic on Quora. Come on, let's be honest. If this were a YouTube video, the comments section would be a war zone.
If you approach the IB Diploma with the mindset that the IB is to blame for all of your uncertainty, fear, exhaustion, and demotivated mood, and that the program is a lousy high school education, then the answer is clearly no.
On the other hand, you could finish an exhausting two years with excellent grades and a significant amount of self-improvement, as well as acceptances from all of the United States' Ivy League colleges. You will, of course, respond affirmatively.
This is my answer. It all depends on the surroundings. It would be a disaster if the school is terrible at teaching IB. Clear to the stage. It'll be a tragedy. Whether you're in a class of peers who just seem to live to whine and drag you down. What's more, guess what? It'll always be terrible!
That's a bit of a stretch, isn't it? That is, though, what I mean by contextual. You'd never be able to draw a conclusion when there are so many variables.
BUT... However. Yes, if we're talking only academically. It's well worth the effort. As an IB undergraduate, you have the opportunity to develop a high degree of discipline. When it comes to self-study and specialization, the same can be done for A levels and AP, but it is based on your own personal agenda.
Do you simply want to get into university without having to do the IB work? Then you already know what your options are.
As a former IB grad, I can attest to the fact that the IB Diploma does establish you as a well-rounded academic performer. A levels and AP can also do this, but they do so in separate ways.
So there you have it. Some fodder for thinking. Yeah, it is worthwhile in terms of academia. I agree that if you put in the effort and keep on top of all IB throws at you, you will feel 100% satisfied in the end.
But it is all up to you. Like they say, you're the only one who can turn a terrible situation into a positive one.
Comments
Post a Comment