IB/AP exams
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IB/AP exams
| Mon, 02-26-2007 - 12:41pm |
DS17 is taking IB classes, but missed the IB exams. I'm wondering if he should sign up for the AP exams. He's getting A/B grades in IB Chem, Bio, calculus and English, but Iv'e heard that the pass rates (score 3 or higher, I think) on the AP exams is pretty low--maybe 15-20%. At $83 per test, I don't want him to take them just for the sake of taking them, and I don't know how similar the IB and AP cirricula are. Do kids study ahead to prepare for these like they do for the ACT? I think DS23 took only AP Physics so the experience with him doesn't help much. Anyone have any insight on this? Thanks.

Janet,
I don't know how much help I will be but ... my DD (15yo sophomore) is taking an AP course in European History this year. The school actually fronts the expense for the AP exam (haven't heard any different, anyway) which is in May. (I keep reminding DD - 'only three more months!')
From what I understand, there is huge prep for the AP exam -- weekend study sesssions led by the teacher, practice exams, etc.
I'm not sure, but I think the IB program is a different program altogether than the AP.
Sorry I wasn't more help!
You might want to try posting this on the Parents of College Kids board. I've posted questions there a time or two and was given some good advice.
Julie
**Edited to delete duplicate post**
Well, I now stand corrected. We actually do have to pay for the AP exam and the school is charging us $100! I guess it has decided to make a profit on these kids.
Edited 2/27/2007 11:32 am ET by hydrangea_blue
I don't have any tips for you but have you spoken to his Guidance Counselor to ask him/her for some advice. Perhaps an internet search on the topic would help as well.
Congrats to your son for his awesome grades!
Mom to a College Student (Shayna), 10th Grader (Isreal)
I do not know anything about IB exams because it is not offered at my kid's school, but my children studied hard for their AP exams. If your son plans on taking it I would have him study hard and by the prep books. My children's teachers have review sessions on the weekends leading up to it, mock exams after school, supply prep books, and study in class. Here they are $90 a test and all of my children (4) take at least one throughout the school year. Its costly, but I have just learned to accept the cost, but I do expect results. Good luck to him.
Stephanie
Thanks for the info. I'll let him know that he better not sign up unless he plans on studying a lot.
After following OP's suggestion and posting on the Parents of College Students board, we followed others' advice and went to B&N to peruse the prep books. DS decided he doesn't want to try chem or calc--just english language and bio. He's not a great tester anyhow, and reviewing his grades I noticed that his exams are often Cs, but the labs and homework help to bring up his course grades to As/Bs. I think two exams will be plenty for him.
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