Needing help in choosing high school courses

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around selecting high school courses for a student interested in pursuing a career in Physics, specifically Astrophysics or Theoretical Physics. The focus is on comparing the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, particularly in Physics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests choosing the course that offers the most learning opportunities, implying that IB might be the better option.
  • Another participant, who has experience with the IB diploma program, argues that IB is superior to AP classes, highlighting the depth of topics covered in IB HL and the benefits of the Extended Essay (EE) and other components like CAS and ToK.
  • A different participant counters this by advocating for AP Physics C, stating it is calculus-based and more rigorous, with universities often granting credit for high scores on AP exams, unlike IB Physics HL.
  • This participant also emphasizes the need to evaluate AP and IB classes on an individual basis, suggesting that the quality of courses can vary significantly between schools.
  • Another contributor mentions that some colleges offer specific scholarships for IB students but expresses skepticism about the value of the IB program for US students aiming for physics, recommending AP calculus and physics instead.
  • This participant also suggests the possibility of taking additional math and physics classes at a local college/community college to enhance learning.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the merits of the IB program versus AP courses, with no consensus reached on which pathway is superior for preparing for a career in Physics.

Contextual Notes

There are varying perspectives on the rigor and benefits of IB versus AP courses, with some participants noting that the effectiveness of each program can depend on individual school offerings and personal educational goals.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering high school course options in preparation for STEM careers, particularly in Physics, as well as educators advising students on course selection.

Bazinga98
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Needing help in choosing high school courses!

I am currently a freshman going into my sophomore year. Since I was in the seventh grade, I knew I wanted to pursue some kind of career in Physics. By now I have narrowed down to a career in Astrophysics or Theoretical Physics. My problem is choosing the right high school courses in order to prepare myself for these careers. I have been debating whether I should take the IB programme or just AP courses at my high school. At my high school, their highest level of Physics is Physics C-Mechanics whereas in IB, they offer Physics (HL). Which pathway of education should I follow?
 
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Which course let's you learn the most? Choose that one. You make it sound as IB would be that choice.
 
I can speak from experience, as I took the IB diploma program. It depends slightly per school, but in general, IB is much, much better than just AP classes. IB HL, which does not require calculus, covers very cool and relevant topics that AP-C does not. You also have the amazing opportunity of doing an EE in Physics. Not to mention that you will be a well-round student after things like CAS and ToK, which colleges love. IB is absolutely worth the workload.
 
I guess I'll give the opposing opinion for AP, which is what I am taking. Ap Physics C is calculus based and, as far as I know, more rigorous than IB. This is why most universities will give credit for getting a 4/5 on the exam while I do not think similar credit is granted for IB Physics HL. It is true that physics C only covers mechanics and (depending on the school) E&M but it explores these topics in depth. Also, I disagree with generalities such as "IB is much, much better than just AP classes" since you really have to compare AP vs IB classes on an individual classes. Sometimes IB classes will be superior to AP and vice versa. I found this comparison interesting: http://www.usc-waves.org/joomla/dmdocuments/IBvsAPphysics.pdf
 
Some colleges have specific scholarships for IB students as well.

Having tried the IB (I switched to A-Levels), I don't think it's worth your while if you're in the US, and are looking to do physics, when you can just take AP calculus and physics (both exams, mechanics and E&M, are calc-based, no?), and on top of that, cross-register for *more math/physics* classes at the local college/community college.

Your goal is to learn and get into a "good" college. You don't need a huge time sink like the IB for that.

Do yourself a favor and read this:
http://calnewport.com/blog/2010/02/...acurricular-activities-in-college-admissions/

http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/04/...g-research-time-and-the-art-of-becoming-good/

His book is also incredible, and I wish I had both the Superstar one and the Straight-A student one when I started secondary school. (i.e, 6th grade here)
 
Thank you all so much for your replies! I have asked so many teachers about this concern, but not even my teachers can give me enough insight on what to do. So again, thank you!
 

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