IB vs AP: What do you need to know?

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Determining the right courses to take in high school (or which high school to go to, one that offers APs or one that has an IB program) can be challenging, especially if you have a lot of options. When trying to decide between advanced course options, both IB (International Baccalaureate) and AP (Advanced Placement) offer college-level coursework that is well regarded by colleges and universities. In this blog we dive into the differences between the two and how to make the best choice for your goals.

What is the IB program?

The IB, or International Baccalaureate, Program is an internationally recognized education program that focuses on strong academic performance combined with global citizenship. While many will have their first experience with IB courses in high school the program’s curriculum can be used with learners as young as 3 years old. Students who complete all the requirements can earn an IB Diploma, which is internationally recognized. This international recognition makes it an excellent choice for students interested in completing their university education outside of the United States. The academic rigor of the courses makes them a good choice even if you’re not planning to go abroad; they’re well recognized by US universities and, like AP classes, can provide college credit to students who earn a high score on their final exams (typically 5 or higher out of 7).

What are AP classes?

Advanced Placement (AP) classes are college-level courses designed for high school students. The curriculum is structured so that all students who take an AP class learn the same material. The courses are fast-past and academically challenging. Students who take the AP exam that corresponds with the class they took have the chance to earn college credit for the class if they score well (typically a 4 or 5 out of 5). Exams are offered once a year in May for all the subjects and are proctored by your school. Currently these exams are paper but many are moving to digital exams in May 2025.

IB vs AP: Main Differences

There are many differences between IB and AP, not least of which is the way they approach learning. This table shows the primary differences and similarities between the two.

AP vs IB: Which is harder?

This depends on your learning style and goals. IB focuses more on critical thinking and application of material than AP courses. This makes them more challenging for some students, while others appreciate that it is less focused on passing a test and lots of memorization. Both are considered to be college level coursework.

AP vs IB: Which is better for college admissions?

Both look great for college admissions. AP and IB courses are considered college-level coursework. Doing well in them looks good to colleges. Performing well on the exams can earn you college credit in both cases. For many students, the “better” choice is what is available. If both are, there are several criteria you can follow to determine which is the right choice for you (find those criteria below). Lastly, if neither of these are offered at your school, AP does let you take the exam without having taken the course and this is a good option for some students.

IB vs AP: What to choose? 5 Tips from A College Admissions Expert

If your school offers both IB and AP courses or if you are choosing between two high school options with one offering an IB program and one offering AP classes, use these five tips from John Morganelli, Jr., Director of College Admissions at Ivy Tutors Network, to determine which one is best for you.

1. Consider Your Academic and Career Goals

• Planning to Study Abroad? The IB Diploma is often preferred by universities outside the U.S., especially in Europe, Canada, and Asia, due to its global recognition and standardized curriculum.
• Focusing on U.S. Colleges? AP courses align well with U.S. admissions, offering flexibility to showcase strength in specific academic areas.
• Undecided? If unsure, think about the broad vs. specialized nature of the programs:
  • IB emphasizes balanced interdisciplinary education.
  • AP allows specialization in areas of strength or interest.

2. Assess Your Learning Style

• IB: Ideal for students who thrive with structured learning, research projects, critical thinking, and long-term assignments like the Extended Essay. The interdisciplinary connections appeal to those who enjoy connecting ideas across subjects.
• AP: Great for students who prefer mastering individual subjects, focusing on content-heavy learning, and excelling in standardized testing.

3. Evaluate A School’s Offerings

• Some schools offer only IB, only AP, or both. Consider:
  • Availability of Courses: Are the courses aligned with your interests (e.g., IB History vs. AP European History)?
  • Teacher Expertise: Does the school have experienced IB/AP teachers who can help you excel?
  • Community Fit: IB often fosters close-knit cohorts, whereas AP students may have more flexibility to mix with different peer groups.

4. Understand the Time Commitment

• IB: The IB Diploma demands significant time for CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service), Extended Essay, and Theory of Knowledge, in addition to regular coursework.
  • If you're balancing extracurriculars or work, IB’s structured workload might feel overwhelming.
• AP: Offers flexibility to take a manageable number of courses, making it easier to balance with other commitments. However, taking multiple AP courses can also be intense.

5. Check University Credit Policies

• Research how your target universities treat IB and AP:
  • IB: Universities often grant credit for scores of 5–7 on Higher Level exams and sometimes accept the full diploma for advanced standing.
  • AP: Credits are typically granted for scores of 4 or 5, but policies vary widely. AP credits are common in the U.S. but less predictable internationally.
• Use tools like university websites or admission handbooks to compare credit policies.

In Summary:

• Prefer Global Recognition? → IB
• Value Flexibility? → AP
• Love Research & Writing? → IB
• Strong in Test-taking? → AP
• Career Aspirations in a Global Context? → IB

Talk to your school counselors, teachers, and alumni to determine which is best for you. Anyone who can take into consideration your personal strengths and goals can add value to this decision. Ivy Tutors Network can help in several ways:

• Work with a college admissions coach to determine what most benefits your personal goals.
• If you’ve already decided on an AP course or courses, take a diagnostic test to predict how you’ll do on test day and create a personalized study plan if necessary.
• Hire a test prep tutor for any areas you struggled with (this can be combined with a diagnostic test or not, as you prefer). A test prep tutor can be especially helpful if you took an AP class that was first semester only and you’ve had all of second semester to forget the material!

Ivy Tutors Network’s skilled tutors and college admissions experts are here to make high school and college a time of academic success.