Choosing High School in BC

darks0ulz
Sun, 24 Jan 2010 02:20:31 +0000

IB has worldwide recognition. If you’re gunning for HYPSM or any other equivalent school, then it’ll help to have either AP or IB to be competitive with the plethora of other applicants.

In IB, you’re exposed to more topics and given more opportunities. I ended up doing research under a professor for my Extended Essay (a 4000 wrd paper req’d for graduation). Nevertheless, there are downsides. Stress is a big factor (final exams are worth approx 50-80% of your final mark depending on the subject) and your son would have to learn how to deal with it. But it’s a good preparation for life post-secondary. It’s not a program for everyone though.

If IB isn’t an option (or if it’s too inconvenient), there is always the option to self-study APs and just take the exam. However, schools won’t hold if over your head if those programs aren’t available and that your son is take the most rigorous course load available.