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** It is recommended that you read through "IB Overview" and "AP Overview" and have some understanding of the two programs, before reading this page! **
Important Advice for Students (and parents)
"AP or IB?"
Important Advice for Students (and parents)
"AP or IB?"
Students should NOT choose AP over IB, simply because they think or heard that AP is more "helpful" in getting into colleges. Even though a majority of the 150 most competitive colleges and many other colleges have moved away from giving ANY credit to either AP or IB scores due to the discrepancy between AP courses and the actual college courses, many students and parents still prioritize AP because they think they get college credits with AP but not IB. Although that was true, way back in the days, that many colleges did not offer course credits for IB scores; however, this is not because IB is less rigorous or less "helpful" than AP, nor because IB is not a college-level program. In recent years, IB courses and IB Diploma Program have been considered more rigorous than AP courses.
Students should NOT choose AP over IB, simply because they think or heard that AP is more "helpful" in getting into colleges. Even though a majority of the 150 most competitive colleges and many other colleges have moved away from giving ANY credit to either AP or IB scores due to the discrepancy between AP courses and the actual college courses, many students and parents still prioritize AP because they think they get college credits with AP but not IB. Although that was true, way back in the days, that many colleges did not offer course credits for IB scores; however, this is not because IB is less rigorous or less "helpful" than AP, nor because IB is not a college-level program. In recent years, IB courses and IB Diploma Program have been considered more rigorous than AP courses.
AP is more similar to how college "courses" run, as they focus on one specific field or topic within the subjects, and the course exams. (AP Calculus, AP Statistics, AP Art History, AP European History, AP English Language, AP English Literature, AP Physics C Mechanics, AP Physics C Electricity and Magnetism, etc.). For example, (many years ago) AP Calculus 2 was considered to be similar to college Calculus 2. Therefore, colleges provided Calculus 2 course credit if a student proves that they received a sufficient AP score. I.e., the student has successfully taken the course exam and passed the course. However, not just in Calculus but in all subject areas, colleges have found through research studies that there is little correlation between AP scores and success in college. Which means, getting college credits should no longer be the reason a student chooses AP.
AP is more similar to how college "courses" run, as they focus on one specific field or topic within the subjects, and the course exams. (AP Calculus, AP Statistics, AP Art History, AP European History, AP English Language, AP English Literature, AP Physics C Mechanics, AP Physics C Electricity and Magnetism, etc.). For example, (many years ago) AP Calculus 2 was considered to be similar to college Calculus 2. Therefore, colleges provided Calculus 2 course credit if a student proves that they received a sufficient AP score. I.e., the student has successfully taken the course exam and passed the course. However, not just in Calculus but in all subject areas, colleges have found through research studies that there is little correlation between AP scores and success in college. Which means, getting college credits should no longer be the reason a student chooses AP.
On the other hand, IB is more similar to how "colleges" run. IB courses generally cover broader fields of studies and interdisciplinary topics that are the foundations of many different college courses and majors, as well as offer various opportunities to discuss and research. For example, IB Applications and Interpretations HL does not cover the entire AP Calculus BC contents (Calculus 2). It rather teaches, in addition to some contents of Calculus 2, much broader areas of Calculus that form the foundations for further study in Calculus and their connections to other fields of studies for various STEM majors, which are not present in AP Calculus courses. For another example, students may earn one or two chemistry course credits with an AP Chemistry score of 5. However, unlike IB Chemistry, AP Chemistry does not cover organic chemistry. As a result, students will lack experience and foundation in organic chemistry, which is generally considered the most challenging foundational course for any chemistry-related major.
On the other hand, IB is more similar to how "colleges" run. IB courses generally cover broader fields of studies and interdisciplinary topics that are the foundations of many different college courses and majors, as well as offer various opportunities to discuss and research. For example, IB Applications and Interpretations HL does not cover the entire AP Calculus BC contents (Calculus 2). It rather teaches, in addition to some contents of Calculus 2, much broader areas of Calculus that form the foundations for further study in Calculus and their connections to other fields of studies for various STEM majors, which are not present in AP Calculus courses. For another example, students may earn one or two chemistry course credits with an AP Chemistry score of 5. However, unlike IB Chemistry, AP Chemistry does not cover organic chemistry. As a result, students will lack experience and foundation in organic chemistry, which is generally considered the most challenging foundational course for any chemistry-related major.
The IB program generally requires more critical and creative thinking, responsibility, and diligence. The AP Program generally requires more practice and drills of specific skills and techniques and fast-paced learning. Students must carefully consider and consult with teachers for guidance on which program best suits their character and personality, since some students may excel in the learning environment of AP, while some may excel in that of IB.
The IB program generally requires more critical and creative thinking, responsibility, and diligence. The AP Program generally requires more practice and drills of specific skills and techniques and fast-paced learning. Students must carefully consider and consult with teachers for guidance on which program best suits their character and personality, since some students may excel in the learning environment of AP, while some may excel in that of IB.
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