Which IB classes to take?

Crazardo

5-Year Member
Joined
Feb 27, 2012
Messages
8
Right now I'm in 10th grade and we have to choose our classes for next year. Would these courses be okay If I wanted to join the Air force academy?

Here are the subjects I am most interested in:
IB History (Americas) HL
IB Language Arts SL
IB Spanish SL
IB Math SL
IB Geography HL (Is this good for the Air force academy?)
IB Chemistry or Biology HL

I also read that I needed a computer science course. I could possibly squeeze one in.
 
I'm not familiar with IB since my son's school offered AP classes only, but I would say take Chemistry instead of Biology. You will take Chemistry at the AFA no matter what your major is, so its definitely good to have some background in it. Is IB Math SL calculus? That's definitely another class to take since you'll be taking Calc at the academy if you were to get in. Basically with HS classes, you want to take a rigorous, college-prep schedule that will challenge you yet still allow you to be successful. You don't want to take all honors type classes and end up with a C average. The academy will be looking to see that you can handle a challenging schedule of classes, activities, sports, etc. since you'll be juggling a lot at the academy also.
 
Right now I'm in 10th grade and we have to choose our classes for next year. Would these courses be okay If I wanted to join the Air force academy?

Here are the subjects I am most interested in:
IB History (Americas) HL
IB Language Arts SL
IB Spanish SL
IB Math SL
IB Geography HL (Is this good for the Air force academy?)
IB Chemistry or Biology HL

I also read that I needed a computer science course. I could possibly squeeze one in.

I totally agree with AFAYahoo. Regarding the Comp Sci class: My son (class of 2015) did not take one and still was accepted. I believe they removed that requirement with the class of 2016. Check the catalog which is avaiable at: http://www.academyadmissions.com/img/assets/PDF/Entire_Catalog.pdf

Good Luck! :thumb:
 
Our school, which my son went to and participated in, had the IB program. They didn't allow an individual to take "IB Classes". You were either in the IB program like my son and took ALL IB classes, or you were a regular student; in which case you could take AP classes.

If you don't plan on being in the IB program. then I would suggest looking at taking AP classes instead of IB classes. When it comes to individual classes, AP classes are better recognized. Like I said, IB is normally a "PROGRAM". The academy loves the IB program, but they are accustomed to individuals in the program taking all the classes; 200 hours of volunteer time (CAS); a project that takes 2 years to do; etc... They aren't use to individuals taking an individual IB class. They may..... or may not.... put the same emphasis on an individual class as they do the program. That's why I recommend AP classes if you aren't going to be enrolled in the actual IB program. good luck. mike...
 
I totally agree with AFAYahoo. Regarding the Comp Sci class: My son (class of 2015) did not take one and still was accepted. I believe they removed that requirement with the class of 2016. Check the catalog which is avaiable at: http://www.academyadmissions.com/img/assets/PDF/Entire_Catalog.pdf

Good Luck! :thumb:

Agree with all the posters above - Definitely take Chemistry over Bio - Chem ( and College Algebra) is a bugaboo for most freshman at civilian institutions since so many don't adequately prepare themselves for a college level curriculum, don't bite off more than you can chew in classes either. However, if you can stand the load and keep your grades up, it will reflect well on your academic preparedness.

My son was able to keep up and has taken all Honors, AP, and Dual Enrollment (plus university classes over the summer on his own time) classes for his 4 years at HS. However, I've had to come in at 2:00 am in morning, dig his face out of his books, cover him up, and turn the lights off. It is even tougher with 4 years of varsity football participation - I've often felt that we sometimes ask too much from our top flight kids and don't leave them much time to be kids, however, there's no denying the opportunities that level of effort and commitment bring them though. I guess it's a tradeoff

Just do your best, be a well rounded individual, don't try to do a million things at once because you'll just burn yourself out - challenge yourself in school, but don't set yourself up for failure. Remember, the Academy wants people who they know can be taught and absorb what needs to learned and who have a real life outside of academics - how many very experienced posters have stated repeatedly that the SA's will select an individual with a 3.6 GPA and a well rounded background over a 4.0 GPA and nothing else.

Take a good classload but leave yourself time to do other things as well! Whether you receive an appointment or not - you'll thank yourself in the future... JMHO

Best

:biggrin:
 
Right now I'm in 10th grade and we have to choose our classes for next year. Would these courses be okay If I wanted to join the Air force academy?

Here are the subjects I am most interested in:
IB History (Americas) HL
IB Language Arts SL
IB Spanish SL
IB Math SL
IB Geography HL (Is this good for the Air force academy?)
IB Chemistry or Biology HL

I also read that I needed a computer science course. I could possibly squeeze one in.

I agree with all the posters above. I'm including the Academic prep section from the 2011-2012 United States Air Force Academy Catalog.

academic preparation
A college preparatory education in high school provides the best background for the Academy’s academic challenges. We
strongly recommend you take four years of English which should include a college preparatory course in writing; four years
of math to include a strong background in geometry, algebra, trigonometry, and pre-calculus—algebra, trigonometry and
pre-calculus are absolutely essential to success as this is the foundation for all the science, technology, engineering and math
courses required of you at the Academy. If you are able, we also suggest you take calculus; four years of science which should
be lab based and include biology, chemistry and physics; three years of social studies to include a course in U.S. history. A
computer course is also helpful. You are encouraged to take the most advanced curriculum possible and to strive for the best
grades possible. If offered, honors, Advance Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate and dual enrollment courses will
enhance your academic preparation and help prepare you for the standardized tests. Also, develop effective study habits and
efficient time management. Because the ACT or SAT tests are an important indicator of your academic ability, you should plan
to take them early. Each of these tests has a slightly different emphasis, so you should take both to reflect your true potential.
You may take these tests several times to try to improve your scores. Your highest scores will be accepted. You must have the
results in our records to be considered for an appointment. When you register for the tests, request your scores be sent to the
Air Force Academy. The SAT code for the Academy is 4830, and the ACT code is 0530. See your guidance counselor, Air
Force Admissions Liaison Officer (ALO), or base education officer for registration procedures and test dates.

Check the catalog for more info at: http://www.academyadmissions.com/img/assets/PDF/Entire_Catalog.pdf
 
Crazardo, I would also recommend the full IB program if you can take it. My son got the IB Diploma and he is now a 2 degree (Junior). He has said several times that the rigor of the IB program paid off for him at USAFA.

Best of luck,
Bill
 
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