Just a reminder, the IB PROGRAM as well as AP classes, are looked upon very favorably by the academies. Matter of fact, they are looked upon quite favorably by most colleges/universities. I know MANY big name prestigious schools, that in the application, right after your name and personal information, the first 3 questions are:
1. Were IB and/or AP classes available to you at your school?
2. If available, did you take IB and/or AP classes?
3. If available, and you did not take them, why?
Of course, some take individual IB classes, just like some take individual AP classes. That's up to your school on whether it's allowed or not. But those who are actually in the "IB PROGRAM" definitely have an edge. Basically, all classes in the IB PROGRAM are at a higher level than the school's mandatory minimum classes. And AP classes are individual, so some classes on your schedule are higher (AP), while some are the traditional school classes. The academies, and higher end prestigious universities, want to see you taking the most challenging classes available to you. Obviously, if you're in the IB program, you are taking about the most challenging curriculum that you can. Matter of fact; except for the average of 2 electives that you can have, unless you took AP classes as your electives, you couldn't get much more challenging. The IB program is already laid out on which classes you'll take as a minimum.
Now; will math studies suffice for the academy. It can. It's obviously not as good as HL IB Math. But it depends on what the rest of your classes and grades look like. Some take the IB program, but they aren't trying to get the IB diploma. That's where some kids screw up. In order to get the diploma, you must take and pass, along with tests, a certain level of HL. Some schools actually run an IB program intent on getting an IB diploma; while some others offer the IB Classes and program for kids to take more like AP classes. But the truth is, a 3.75 GPA in the IB PROGRAM is better than a 4.0gpa in school district minimum required courses.
This is why the school profile is requested by the academy. They want to know if the 4.0gpa minimum standard class kid is getting a class rank of #1 or Tied for #1 with the kid who has a 4.0gpa in the IB PROGRAM or who has ALL AP classes.
And remember too; the GREAT EQUALIZER!!! Because only a small percentage of high schools offer the IB program; and not all schools offer ALL possible AP classes; the great equalizer are your ACT and SAT scores. "Please, don't talk about not being a good standardized test taker". That's a different subject and something you have to deal with. But those ACT and/or SAT scores carry more weight academically than most everything else. Even with knowing the school profile, it's hard for the academy to tell if your 3.9-4.0gpa is because your school is "EASY" or because you're uber smart. But if they see you have a 3.9-4.0gpa in IB or all AP classes, and your composite ACT score is 31+ or SAT total is 2100+, then they are pretty confident that you're going to do quite well academically.
In a nut shell, I've seen 3.6gpa students with a 31+ACT/2000+SAT stand a better chance of an appointment than a 3.8gpa with 25-26ACT / 1800 SAT. So, if you're concerned because you took math studies instead of HL IB Math; then relax. All you have to do is make up for it with your ACT and/or SAT scores. Now; if you're going to have a 25 ACT composite and think you're in good shape because you've met the "Minimum Standards" for the academy, you've got another thing coming. Not that you can't get an appointment with a 25-26ACT. You can. But most of the applicants in the country are going to do better than that. The AVERAGE ACT composite when combining ALL cadets at the academy, is a 29 ACT. The average GPA of ALL the cadets when they came from high school is 3.86. So forget about "Minimum Standards". The only time minimum standards mean anything or apply is when you walk on water in ALL other areas, and the "Minimum Standard" is in 1 area. Then you can get away with having the minimum standard in something. But for the 1000-1200 average cadets entering the academy, "Minimum Standards" is a moot point.
Here are the REAL AVERAGES of those entering the air force academy.
CFA: (MEN) AVERAGE:
Basketball throw: 67 feet
Pullups: 11
Shuttle Run: 8.9 sec
Situps: 80
Push ups: 60
1 mile run: 6:40
Academics:
ACT English: 30
ACT Reading: 30
ACT Math: 30
ACT Science/Reasoning: 29
SAT Verbal: 639
SAT Math: 664
And while we're at it, 83% of all cadets were varsity letter athletes. 15% were class officers in high school. 12% were at Boy/Girl State/Nation. 65% were in the National Honor Society. etc.... So, as you can see, minimum standards aren't really a consideration. The majority of appointees exceed the minimum standards by a lot.
So don't worry about 1 class. The academy cares about the "WHOLE PERSON". A traditional college, you basically just need to meet THEIR MINIMUM STANDARDS, and have the money to pay for it. There are obviously a limit to how many can be accepted. But generally, if you have the grades and the money, you can get in. The academies on the other hand, you are 100% COMPETING for a slot. You can have a 3.9gpa and 31ACT and still not get in, because those you are competing against have BETTER scores or BETTER leadership experiences. Again; don't worry about 1 class. Worry about your ENTIRE RESUME. Best of luck. Mike....