The Difference Between AP and IB and How to Decide

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Two popular options often present themselves to students and parents: Advanced Placement (AP) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. We start hearing about them early on in a child’s education career, and for parents who didn’t go through the process, it can get a bit confusing when trying to help their child decide which path to take.

Let’s take a look at each program and even whether it’ll be possible to tackle both simultaneously.

AP courses are designed by the College Board in the United States. They cover a wide range of subjects, from history and English to science and mathematics. Each course is focused on a specific academic discipline and aims to provide students with college-level content.

These exams are scored on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the highest. A score of 3 or above is generally considered passing, and many colleges and universities offer college credit or advanced standing for qualifying scores.

AP courses offer flexibility as students can choose to take just one or several courses based on their interests and strengths. They are widely recognized in the US and are also gaining popularity globally. The college credit potential can save students time and money during their college years.

The IB program is an international educational framework. It offers four programs: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme (DP), and the Career-related Programme (CP). The most well-known is the Diploma Programme for high school students.

The DP curriculum requires students to study six different subject groups, including language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, and the arts. Students must also complete an Extended Essay; Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course; and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) requirements. This holistic approach aims to develop students’ intellectual, social, emotional, and physical well-being.

IB students are assessed both internally by their teachers and externally through exams. The final scores range from 1 to 7 for each subject, and there are additional points for the Extended Essay and TOK. The total score possible is 45.

If a student has a clear passion for a particular subject area and wants to explore it in-depth, AP courses can be a great choice. For example, a student who loves physics and wants to take advanced physics courses in high school may benefit from AP Physics. On the other hand, if a student is looking for a more comprehensive and interdisciplinary educational experience that emphasizes critical thinking, global perspectives, and personal development, the IB program might be more suitable.

The decision about whether to choose the AP or IB route can typically be considered starting in middle school or early high school, around Grades 8-9.

This is when students start to have a better understanding of their academic strengths and interests. For example, if a student has shown a particular aptitude in science and a strong desire to explore advanced topics in this area, they can start to evaluate if they want to take AP science courses in the future.

In the case of the IB program, since it has a more comprehensive and structured curriculum, early consideration allows students to plan for the various requirements such as the language, arts, and CAS components.

However, it’s also possible for students to make the decision later, especially if they only start to seriously consider advanced academic options in Grade 10. However, starting the decision-making process earlier gives students and parents more time to prepare for the chosen path, whether it’s arranging for appropriate preparatory courses or extracurricular activities that align with the requirements of AP or IB.

Now I know there are some parents out there who are asking themselves this question: “Can my kid do both?”

While it may technically be possible, if the school offers both, it’s not recommended. Both AP and IB programs are academically challenging. AP courses are college-level classes focused on specific subjects. IB, on the other hand, has a comprehensive curriculum that includes requirements like the Extended Essay, TOK, and CAS. Taking both means handling a very heavy workload. For example, a student might have to study for AP exams in May while also working on IB internal assessments and other IB-related projects throughout the year.

Both the AP and IB programs have their unique features and advantages. Families should carefully consider the student’s interests, future educational plans, and workload-handling capabilities when deciding which program to pursue. It’s a decision that can have a significant impact on a student’s high school experience and their future academic and career opportunities.

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