Knowing what classes to take in high school isn't always easy. Honors, Advanced Placement, A-levels, International Baccalaureate - what's with all the different categories?
We're here to help. AP and IB classes offer an advanced education that's tougher than the average high school class. Since they're more rigorous, AP and IB classes look good to college admissions officers. Translation: If you want to get into the college of your choice, it's worth considering this kind of coursework!
But how do AP and IB classes differ - and what about Honors classes?! (Hint: We've got an entire guide to Honors versus AP courses.) Here, we're going to get into the differences between IB and AP courses and how to decide which option is right for you. Let's get to it.
What are IB classes?
The International Baccalaureate program was launched in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1968 (fancy!), with the goal of helping students become future leaders and informed global citizens. The international program came to the United States in 1971.
Today, IB programs are most common in high school. The IB Diploma Program is designed for students in their junior and senior years of high school.
The formal IB diploma program covers six areas: science, math, the arts, language and literature, language acquisition, and individuals and societies. This core IB curriculum is supplemented by subject areas like creativity and community service. IB students can choose to take standard level or higher-level courses.
It's good to know that you have to complete at least three high level courses to get the IB diploma. If you don't want to do the full IB diploma program, you can still take individual courses.
Be aware that not all colleges give credit for individual IB courses. Some may only give credit if you do the full IB diploma. The amount of credits will vary according to the school.
So, is IB for you? Here are some of the pros and cons to help you decide. Advantages of an IB education include:
- Make your transcript stand out. You're showing admissions counselors that you're motivated to go the extra mile and take a tougher course that goes beyond the standard offering.
- Gain a second language. Since it's focused on creating globalized citizens, second language acquisition is a key part of the program. Dreaming of a summer in Paris or Rome? Here's your chance to learn the lingo.
- Improve your overall scholastic performance. IB suggests that students who complete their curriculum often perform better in school.
Now, for the bad news. First, know that the IB program is still super limited in the U.S. Only 943 IB schools in the country offer the IB diploma program for high school students.
Also, expect IB classes to be more intense and require more of your time and energy than the usual high school class. If you're already struggling to keep up, this may not be for you.
What are AP classes?
Like IB coursework, advanced placement courses offer a more intense, college-level curriculum than your average high school class. AP classes are more widely available than IB in U.S. high schools, although you still won't find AP options at every school.
You also have the option to take an AP exam, which you can self-study for and take without enrolling in the course. Yeah, we know what you're thinking: Why would you want to add a stressful test to your already busy academic life?
We're going to let you in on a secret: If you score high enough on an AP exam, you may get college credit. The exam scores go from one to five, five being the best. Most colleges require AP students to get at least a four to qualify for credit - but every school has its own rules. You can't get credit by taking the course alone.
Here are some other perks of the AP program:
- Boost your GPA. AP credits can increase your GPA, which can be a critical factor in the college admissions process. They're more heavily weighted than the standard high school class. You can get up to a full point higher on your GPA with a good grade in an AP class.
- Get college-ready. AP courses are designed with college-level coursework in mind. They demand more reading, writing, and critical thinking skills than a standard high school class. Tests, quizzes, research papers, extended essays, and similar assignments help prep you for college.
- Enhance your transcript. Even if you don't take the AP test, completing an AP course shows admission counselors that you're serious about your schooling. This can help you stand out from the crowd when applying to schools.
Since nothing is perfect in this world, there are - of course - some drawbacks to AP. Although AP classes are more widely available than IB, not every school offers them.
AP classes are also more work-intensive. AP students have to do extra studying for the AP exams, which are usually at the end of May. If you find it difficult to juggle all your obligations, like extracurricular activities, adding a heavy AP course load to the mix can be challenging.
What are the key differences between IB and AP classes?
If you want to join the ranks of the high-achievers (we respect the hustle!), IB and AP classes are both strong choices. Either option will give you a more intense education than the average high school class. Both look good on your transcript, will catch the eye of admissions committees, and can give you college credits.
That said, IB vs AP have distinct differences. Here are some of the highlights:
- Availability. AP classes are usually easier to find than IB programs. Plus, you can take an AP exam even if your school doesn't offer the corresponding AP course. See what your high school offers.
- Structure. You can take individual IB or AP classes, but IB also offers the choice of a structured IB Diploma for high school students.
- Recognition. Every college or university has its own policies on recognizing AP or IB courses. IB has a list of universities that recognize their diplomas online. AP recommends checking directly with the respective college or university to see their acceptance of AP credits.
- Course type. AP and IB have distinct course offerings. You can view a list of the full AP offering, from computer science to English, via the College Board website (College Board is the organization that runs the AP program). Learn about the IB courses here.
- Language emphasis. The IB program has an international focus, so learning a second language is a big part of it. While there are individual AP language courses you can take, they are totally optional.
Factors to consider when choosing between IB and AP classes
When deciding between IB versus AP classes, the first thing to think about is availability. Does your school offer an IB program? If not, AP is the logical fallback. If your school offers both, here are some things to consider when deciding which option is for you:
- Learning style. If you're a more independent learner, taking an AP or IB class here or there might be a good fit. If you want something more rigorously structured, the IB Diploma option is your better choice.
- Personal interests. A look at the AP and IB course offering can help you determine if they have the type of classes you're interested in.
- Future career goals. Your future career goals can influence what kinds of classes are right for you. If you're planning to go pre-med, for example, subject groups like biology and chemistry are a logical choice. Does your school's AP or IB program offer them? Double check to make sure.
Finally, whether it's AP or IB, you've got to consider whether you've got the time and energy needed to commit to a high-level class. The next section has some tips to help you figure out if you're up to the challenge.
Tips to help you make the right decision
If you still aren't sure whether AP or IB is right for you, consider a self-assessment. Look at your academic strengths and weaknesses, think of other advanced coursework you've done, and assess your transcript and GPA as a whole to see if you're cut out for these top-tier classes.
If you're still not sure, talk to your teachers or guidance counselors for advice. They can help you figure out whether you're a good fit for an advanced program and can discuss the benefits and drawbacks with you in greater detail.
Discover ways to impress your future school on College Rover
You've taken the high-level courses. You've gotten the grades. You've done the extracurriculars. Now, the time has come: college applications! Feeling nervous? We've got you covered. With College Rover, you can compare schools, from the Ivy League to state schools, to see which ones are a good fit for your goals.
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