Expert: Susie Watts - 10/9/2007

Question
I live in Broward County, Florida. I am currently in a Pre-IB (Pre International Baccalaureate) program in 10th grade. This spring I will face a decision that will have a big impact on my future plans. I could stay at my public high school in the International Baccalaureate program and get the IB diploma. I am motivated, I know I could get the diploma. Or I could attend the local community college during my Junior and Senior years, graduating with both a high school diploma and an Associates in Arts degree. That program is called the College Academy. http://www.broward.k12.fl.us/collegeacademy/
I know I can succeed in either environment. I have been a straight A student since elementary school. I have a 5.0 GPA and am #1 in my class. In 9th grade, I took two AP courses- World History and Macroeconomics, and got 5s on the AP exams. I just completed Micro Econ, and am now taking AP Physics B and Statistics along with the Pre-IB curriculum.
My question is how will the decision to drop out of IB an choose College Academy affect my college prospects? Will colleges look down on a community college degree, or will transfer credits be more likely accepted than IB credits?

I want to become an engineer or scientist working with aerospace, astronomy, or nuclear science, possibly working for NASA. I am looking at MIT, Embry Riddle Aeronautical Univ, Air Force Academy, UF, Georgia Tech, Princeton, and Cal Tech for college. If you have any other suggestions, I'm open to them too.
Also, what is your opinion of doing undergraduate work at an expensive private college as opposed to getting a bachelor's at a cheap public school, then going to an Ivy League school for grad school?

Answer
I don't think you can go wrong with the IB program, especially if you are doing as well as you are right now.
Colleges have a lot of respect for this program and the IB diploma.  I would think if your SAT and ACT scores are as high as your grades indicate, you should have many good schools offering you scholarships which could make a private school very appealing.  The most important thing to consider about a college is the one that suits you the best, both academically and personally.  That can be a small private school or a larger public university.