<p>I really need some help in making the right choice ASAP…
I am an American and I decided to study abroad. Currently, I am finishing 10th grade and by July I need to tell my school about my future plans. The option is to either continue my regular studies in my school (by the way, I go to TIS which is in Tehran) … or to enter the IB Program. My average this year was a 96% and the teachers said I am qualified to go to IB. However, I don’t want to stay here or go to Europe for college. I have always wanted to go back to the US and my dream was to go to Stanford so basically I wanna try any way possible to get into Stanford – my priority. The Stanford website didn’t really give me the information I wanted, so I was wondering if I should continue my regular school in Tehran or if I should go the IB route?
Some people said that Stanford doesn’t really care for IB…is that true?
Also, I’m not really sure on what I want to be yet… I was thinking maybe something in the medical field (like dentistry…pediatrician…pyschol ogist… etc. ) or business/law. I’m really good at Biology , but I’m kind of mediocre at Chemistry so that’s kind of what’s preventing me from being 100% towards the medicine field. Also, I’m really into music and if I would want to take music, I couldn’t take two sciences… and I would have to take a 7th course. Is that too demanding? Are 2 sciences even required or can I just take Biology? I’m really looking for some major help!!</p>
<p>How is your current school’s track record for Stanford?</p>
<p>Stanford does tend to take a lot of international students from the big international schools that offer IB program. So that could strengthen your app.</p>
<p>Stanford accepted 4 students from D’s IB program in her year (domestic) so, at least based on that very small sample, it doesn’t appear that they have any biases against IB.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies! I really appreciate it…
M’s Mom: Hm… well then obviously Stanford accepts IB students… but it’s still difficult because it’s a pretty small number!! Do you think my brother, who went to Stanford, will increase my chances at all? </p>
<p>Fall2016Parent: I’m not sure how the record is with Stanford… but I know that normal Iranian schools are very hard and I’ve heard of some of my relatives getting into great colleges… hmm 
I wish the site would give me more information!!</p>
<p>You aren’t getting a lot of responses because there really isn’t a right answer here. You can go either way. Keep in mind that your chances of getting into Stanford are very, very small, so the most important factor is how your decision will impact you if you don’t get in - which school offers you the best alternatives at that point. </p>
<p>Stanford has no problem with IB programs, but if you chose the other, that’s fine too. The bigger issues are your test scores, your GPA, the rigor of your academic program and your recommendations. Which ever program provides the most academically rigorous prep is the one you should go with unless it means giving up something important to you (like music?) and only you can decide how to weigh that.</p>