<p>Well, in Maharashtra State Board, the evaluation of papers is way tougher in 11th and 12th grades. 80% in State Board is equivalent to perhaps 93% of CBSE. Obviously, we Indians know that state boards are tougher than national boards or IB, but do the American colleges know? :3</p>
<p>^You needn’t have to clarify how tough your school curriculum is. That job belongs to the counselor who writes the student evaluation letter. IB is not necessary, it is only a program and just because a school has it, does not prove that that school is brilliant; in fact, there are also sub par IB program sponsored institutes that do not prepare their students properly. Mushrooming can mean both a good thing and a bad thing. I would be wary with how they are evaluated on whim. You can compensate your scores with other standardized exams to atleast show that what your counselor has supported indeed is true and worth of value.</p>
<p>@savemylife- Colleges do not hate state boards. Colleges hate students who fail to take those courses offered at their schools that are more on the rigorous side. Every single thing on your application is viewed in context of your circumstances</p>
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Come out of that fancy world. It doesn’t happen. They just say so.</p>
<p>@hopingforbetter: Here is a better way to clarify some misconceptions presented here. You need to look at how average incoming students are differentiating themselves. Then, you need to evaluate how you are doing in comparison. This DOES NOT mean that you should do something exactly like them. Rather, your activities should be similar in prestige to theirs at your country. If it isn’t, do not bother applying. There are an endless amount of activities to do anywhere you are; it takes imagination. This is primarily what colleges want to see. Are you a future change maker or have you yet to learn that? All types of standardized courses allow you to show academic rigor and preparation, so do not worry about that if you are capable of doing well in them with respect to all those taking the same type of exam.</p>