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

[Diego Fernandez]

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.

 

[Moriarty]

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.

 

[Diego Fernandez]

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.

 

[Moriarty]

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

 

[playoff]

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.

 

[MidgetDwarf]

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.

 

[Diego Fernandez]

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.