AP or IB: Which is the Better One?

by McKenna McKay

The Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs offer unique benefits to students. These are high school programs that provide college-level courses, as well as the opportunity to earn college credit. However, they have different educational goals.

What is an AP Course?

Developed in the United States of America, AP courses were designed to help students prepare for college by allowing them to take advanced classes. Following a curriculum by the College Board, it includes 35 courses and exams in 20 subject areas and is available to students in Grades 10 to 12.

The goal of AP courses is to connect students to college success and opportunity. There is no set program of courses; students can take just one AP class or a dozen of them, depending on their goals, schedule and school. The course culminates in a series of end-of-year exams.

What is an IB Program?

The IB is European-based and was designed to be an internationally recognised diploma. Even in Manila, Philippines, some international schools use it. To earn an IB diploma, students must take a certain number of courses in an array of subjects.

There are four basic IB programs. The Primary Years Program for children ages 3-12; the Middle Years Program for 11-16-year-olds; and the Diploma Program and Career-Related Program for teenagers aged 16-19. These programs prepare children and teenagers for college by instructing them in key subject areas such as science, maths and the arts.

What are the Differences Between AP and IB?

While both AP and IB are about academic excellence, they differ in some notable ways.

In the AP program, students are made to focus deeply on one particular subject. AP courses are singular and offer one level of study, usually for a year. Meanwhile, the IB program takes a holistic educational approach. It allows students to delve deep into a subject and apply it to other areas of study. Many IB courses are continuous, typically lasting two years and offering a standard level and a higher level. Students can enlist the help of someone like this IB tutor Hong Kong to make sure that they are staying on top of their work and go back over any areas that they are less confident in. IB also encourages interdisciplinary learning that is not restricted to the classroom.

Those taking AP classes can take any AP course at their and their school’s discretion.  To be a candidate for an IB diploma, on the other hand, students must take two years of exclusive IB courses, all in accordance with the International Baccalaureate Organization’s rules and regulations.

As for the diploma, IB students get two: the traditional high school diploma and the International Baccalaureate Diploma. AP students, meanwhile, will only get their traditional high school diploma and receive a certificate that has an international reputation.

Which is the Better One?

Both programs prepare students for college. Choosing which one to enrol in depends on where the student plans to study. If the student aims to study in an international school, then the IB program may be right for them. If the student wants more flexibility in choosing courses and is unsure about the commitment to an IB program, then taking AP classes would be best. No matter which program you pick, you’re sure to get a good education that will help you on your road to college.