What's better for studying Physics: AP or IB?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the comparison between the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and Advanced Placement (AP) courses in the context of preparing for college-level physics, particularly for students interested in Astrophysics. Participants explore the strengths and weaknesses of each program, including their focus on different skills and the relevance of course content to university studies.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the IB program emphasizes writing skills, which may differ from the focus of AP courses.
  • Another participant shares their experience that universities value AP Physics 1 and 2, suggesting that these courses align closely with introductory university physics courses.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about the differences between IB and AP courses, particularly in algebra-based physics, and question the necessity of taking AP courses if already enrolled in IB.
  • There is a suggestion that students should consider the specific colleges they plan to attend and their policies on accepting AP or IB credits.
  • One participant advises that taking AP Physics C could be beneficial, especially if students have a solid foundation in calculus.
  • Another participant mentions the possibility of taking AP courses online while enrolled in the IB program, although this requires finding an appropriate online school.
  • There is a discussion about the availability of community college courses for high school students in the U.S., although one participant clarifies their current residence in South America.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the value and relevance of AP versus IB courses, with no consensus reached on which program is definitively better for preparing for college physics.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight various assumptions regarding the content and rigor of IB and AP courses, as well as the importance of calculus knowledge for success in college physics. There are also references to specific educational policies that may vary by location.

Diego Fernandez
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Currently, I'm in the IB program and I've never taken any AP courses back at my old school. Since I'm planning on studying Astrophysics in College, I was wondering which one prepares me the best for things concerning subjects in math and physics? After doing some research, I found that IB focuses more on your writing skills rather than anything else.
 
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I know from experience that universities pay a lot of attention to you if you've taken AP Physics 1 and 2 and are starting C senior year, because C is basically the two intro courses you take at a university level. Idk how IB compares with 1 and 2 though. I can't imagine that they're much different because there's only so many approaches to take with algebra based physics imo. So if you've already taken IB I dont' even know what AP 1 and 2 would do for you. If you can get into AP C though, do it.
 
Moriarty said:
I know from experience that universities pay a lot of attention to you if you've taken AP Physics 1 and 2 and are starting C senior year, because C is basically the two intro courses you take at a university level. Idk how IB compares with 1 and 2 though. I can't imagine that they're much different because there's only so many approaches to take with algebra based physics imo. So if you've already taken IB I dont' even know what AP 1 and 2 would do for you. If you can get into AP C though, do it.

Thanks for the info. Is it possible to take AP courses while I'm doing IB in school? I heard you can take AP courses online.
 
Like I said, if you're already doing IB I don't see a reason to take AP Physics 1 or 2 because the material is too similar. Physics C has a requirement that you know algebra based physics before hand and take AP Calculus AB-BC concurrently or previously. I would advise sticking with IB for now and if you have another year in high school to take calculus at least as well as Physics C if you can get permission. At least get the Calculus in before you go to university because it makes a difference between people who do well in intro physics in college or not. Not that it's impossible, but it really helps, especially in an honors class.

Here's the only official info I could find for doing courses online. You'll have to find a school that offers it online and enroll with them:

http://www.collegeboard.com/html/apcourseaudit/online_learning.html
 
I think you should look at the college (or colleges) you think you will attend, and look at whether they accept AP or IB credits. I have taken C mechanics, and it was very rigorous and helped me transition to college physics very comfortably, so I would have to recommend AP physics C, both mechanics and E & M if possible.
 
Diego Fernandez said:
Currently, I'm in the IB program and I've never taken any AP courses back at my old school. Since I'm planning on studying Astrophysics in College, I was wondering which one prepares me the best for things concerning subjects in math and physics? After doing some research, I found that IB focuses more on your writing skills rather than anything else.
Not sure what it means but I will assume you are from the us because you used the term ap. Here in California (not sure if it applies in all states) a high school student could take classes at a community college for free or low cost.
 
MidgetDwarf said:
Not sure what it means but I will assume you are from the us because you used the term ap. Here in California (not sure if it applies in all states) a high school student could take classes at a community college for free or low cost.
Nope, I live in South America but I had been living in the US for about 13 years before I came to start High School here.
 

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