When it comes to applying to college, one key way to stand out is by showing colleges that you’ve taken challenging coursework. While high schools offer different options for rigorous courses, International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) are two of the most common (and most standardized) options for challenging courses in high school. So, what are the differences between IB and AP, and which one should you choose? In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about IB vs. AP classes.
What is IB?
The International Baccalaureate (or IB) program is a diploma program recognized and practiced worldwide. Students can start the IB curriculum junior year and complete the program in two years. The curriculum strives to create open-minded, well-rounded, life-long learners through a core curriculum that requires a Theory of Knowledge course, research project and paper, and engagement in extracurricular activities related to creativity, action, and service as well as through student-chosen curriculum in six subject areas.
There are two levels of difficulty of IB courses—Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL)—and of 6 selected courses, 3-4 must be HL. IB courses are graded on a 7-point scale and a minimum total of 24 points is needed to graduate with an IB diploma. Scores are determined by a combination of internal school assignments and a comprehensive exam taken at the end of the two-year program. Colleges may award credit for entry-level courses based on IB scores.
What is AP?
The Advanced Placement (or AP) program is a US-based program created by the College Board, the organization that administers the SAT and PSAT. AP courses are pretty much an opportunity to take college courses while you are still in high school. AP courses follow the same course schedule as normal classes at your high school but offer a college-level version of the material.
For example, if your next science course would be Physics, you could take AP Physics 1 instead. The AP program offers 39 different courses across many disciplines. There is no standard requirement for how many you take, so it depends on what your high school offers, your school’s individual policies regarding eligibility for AP courses, and your interests/academic strengths.
AP students are graded in two ways: 1) they receive a grade for their transcript using their school’s grading policies and scale and 2) they take a national AP exam, similar to a final in college, at the end of each course for potential college credit. AP exams are scored on a 5-point scale, and many colleges will offer credit for the equivalent entry level course for a score of 4 or higher (some offer credit for a 3). AP courses are very structured with specific curriculum teachers must cover for students to be successful on the exam.
IB vs. AP Classes: What are the Differences?
IB has a full curriculum that must be completed, including special projects, papers, and extracurricular activities.
AP courses are taken individually based on the student’s preferences and strengths (long-term vs. short-term commitment).
IB exam is taken at the end of all curriculum.
AP exams are offered at the end of each individual course.
IB allows for more flexibility and the opportunity to explore your place in the world through courses.
AP classes focus on learning the material that will be on the exam.
IB courses are taken junior and senior year.
AP courses can be taken at any time in high school (depending on what your individual school offers).
IB costs $119 per course you are tested on during your comprehensive exam (and other aspects of the program have fees).
AP exams currently cost $96 per test and there are fee waivers available for qualified students.
IB is more collaborative.
AP is much more individual in nature.
IB is only available in large high schools that can offer enough courses for students to earn the IB diploma.
AP courses are more widely available with millions of students taking exams each year.
Is IB or AP Harder?
It depends. High Level IB courses are considered more challenging than the AP course counterparts. On the other hand, the Standard Level IB courses are usually considered easier than the similar AP courses.
Do Colleges Prefer AP or IB?
Colleges don’t have a preference for one over the other. Both are seen as rigorous, college-preparatory courses and will stand out on your transcript. Some studies show that students who take IB courses are accepted at a higher rate to Ivy League schools than students who take their school’s on-level curriculum. There has been no comparison between the acceptance rates of AP and IB students, so if you have your eyes on an Ivy and your school doesn’t have IB, don’t worry.
One thing to note when it comes to AP and IB courses is while both can give you college credit, it is always at the discretion of the individual colleges. Some colleges no longer offer any college credit for these courses (though they still expect you to take them) and others may accept the courses for credit based on your major. Some colleges require 5s on AP exams for credit and many colleges will only award IB credit if you completed the curriculum and earned a diploma. You should look up the credit policies at your colleges of interest to know what to expect.
Should I Take AB or IB Courses?
If your school only offers one, that is what you take. If you have the option of both, it’s a personal choice based on what you want to gain from the experience.
If you like a lot of structure, want to deep dive into subjects, and look forward to the opportunity to pick and choose which subjects you take at such a rigorous level, AP might be a good option.
If you want a full program where all the pieces work towards a big picture goal, want to explore your place in the world, and want more interactive projects and assignments, IB might be the better choice. Be sure to take into account your extracurricular activities and other commitments. IB courses have extra requirements for activities and service outside of class, so you should make sure it won’t prevent you from continuing other activities you that can also help with college admissions.
Can I Take both AP and IB Courses?
Technically, if your school offers IB and AP courses (and your school policy allows it), you can do both. It could even be beneficial to have experience with certain aspects of both. However, it can be challenging to complete all of the components of the IB diploma and study sufficiently to excel on your AP exams. It really depends on your abilities, other commitments, and time management skills. Your grades and scores should not suffer just to say you did both. If you can successfully manage both, great! If not, it is better to excel in one than be mediocre in both.
Conclusion
Whether it is AP, IB, or some other college-level coursework, the important thing is to have rigorous coursework (that you do well in) to stand out in college admissions. The academic side of college admissions starts day one of high school.
Deciding between IB and AP classes can impact college readiness and admissions. As a Forbes 2025 Best College Admissions Consultant, HelloCollege provides personalized guidance to help students make choices that maximize both learning and opportunity.We’ll help you create a curriculum plan that fits you and your college goals. And our academic tutors are master of all different subject. Schedule your free consultant today for help with all parts of your college exploration and admissions processes.
