Unique IB vs AP Situation

Pre-College Topics High School Life
1

<p>Hi,
I’m a rising sophomore in Fairfax County. I recently got accepted in Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology as a sophomore. </p>

<p>TJ is a very good school with a rigorous curriculum and many different courses to do. It is an AP school, but the courses it offers goes beyond the normal AP curriculum, as it as classes on Quantum Mechanics and Neurobiology. It sounds perfect, but for me, there is a catch. Since I am entering TJ as a sophomore, I will be behind some of my classmates, as I have to take the mandatory Design and Tech. and Computer Science courses as a sophomore or in summer school. I plan on taking my Computer Science course summer of junior year, and my Design and Tech course during my sophomore year. Some of my other classmates have already taken both of those classes, and are currently taking Chemistry in summer school, so as to be able to load up on AP’s during sophomore year. The TJ grading scale is also, as I am lead to believe, very strict. Every assignment completed is marked to a high level, making the possibility of getting straight A’s rather challenging. (I got straight A’s in my freshman year at my base school)</p>

<p>On the other hand, I could remain at my base school. If I choose this option, I will be pursuing the full IB Diploma. Sadly, that is all this school offers. (no AP’s) At my base school, I will probably, if I continue my current work ethic, be able to get straight A’s for my sophomore, and maybe even junior and senior years. I am involved in a lot of clubs at my base school, and I think I could shine. However, the competitive and STEM environment (which I bask in) is not present here. </p>

<p>I am unsure as to whether I should remain at my base school, and pursue the IB Diploma, or move on to TJ, and pursue a math and science oriented curriculum with the AP Program. Please Help.</p>

2

<p>get IB Diploma. 4.0 and do the STEM stuff at the college of your dreams in 3 years</p>

3

<p>Challenge yourself! Go for TJ! You seem to like the classes offered there, and there’s plenty of competition. Plus, the AP program. Don’t wait to do STEM stuff in college. Do it now. If you remain at your base school, you may end up regretting it later. However, keep in mind that you may not get all A’s in TJ. It’s much harder there.</p>

4

<p>It sounds like at your base school you have a lot of opportunity to stand out… you might even be valedictorian! I think you should decide if prestige (GPA, leadership roles, val, etc) means more to you than attending TJ, and prospering in the sciencey environment. Also consider the amount of stress and work you would have to handle in each place.</p>

5

<p>I dropped IB for AP but because MY schools IB is bad for STEM oriented kids. I would have been forced into histroy HLs! in the other hand some IB programs got some good STEM classes. So IB does depend on location. That said:</p>

<p>I say go to TJ. Your have an opportunity few kids </p>

<p>Ultimately the question here is to what extent is math and science your passion? If that is to a great extent you will have no probs “catching up" and you’ll in the be more happy at TJ in the long run.</p>

6

<p>TJ is the best school in the nation. An opportunity like this knocks but once.
But no matter what you decide I wish you the best of luck.</p>