AP or IB for admission to CalTech?

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SUMMARY

When considering admission to CalTech for Computer Science, prospective students must weigh the benefits of an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma against Advanced Placement (AP) courses. CalTech does not accept external credit for IB or AP courses, emphasizing the importance of strong ACT or SAT scores for admission evaluation. Students should prioritize achieving competitive standardized test scores over the rigor of their coursework if they lack sufficient scores. Ultimately, admissions decisions hinge more on test performance than on the specific high school curriculum.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of CalTech's admissions criteria
  • Familiarity with the International Baccalaureate (IB) program
  • Knowledge of Advanced Placement (AP) courses
  • Awareness of standardized testing requirements (ACT/SAT)
NEXT STEPS
  • Research CalTech's official admissions guidelines
  • Explore the differences between IB and AP programs
  • Study effective strategies for improving ACT/SAT scores
  • Investigate the impact of high school coursework on college admissions
USEFUL FOR

Prospective CalTech students, high school counselors, and parents navigating the college admissions process, particularly those focused on Computer Science programs.

gmr535
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I want to study Computer Science at CalTech and I wanted to know whether getting an IB diploma is worth it. Is it better to get IB or sacrifice a bit of rigor for more flexibility in the classes I choose? I know CalTech doesn't accept credit aside from their own placement test so purely in terms of admissions what is better?
 
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If you don't yet have the ACT and/or SAT scores to get in, I would focus on that. Otherwise, the admissions office won't even get to evaluating your transcripts.
 

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