IB vs AP – Which Classes are Best for College Admissions in 2022-23?

Students at most American high schools have the option to take rigorous college-level coursework. The two common options that extend beyond the honors level are Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB). Both programs allow students the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school. Broadly, this blog will thoroughly explore IB vs AP and will help you decide which may be the better fit for your needs.

We will also explore the following specific topics:

• What is an AP Class?
• What is an IB Class?
• The IB Diploma
• Is IB harder than AP?
• Is IB better than AP?
• What is the cost of IB and AP?
• Do colleges prefer IB or AP?

Let’s begin with an overview of the more common program found in the United States.

What is an AP Class?

AP or Advanced Placement courses are a series of 38 courses created by the College Board, the same company that administers the SAT. These courses have existed since the mid-1950s but have become immensely widespread across American and Canadian high schools in the 21^st century.

AP classes are available at roughly two-thirds of the public high schools in the United States. Many private schools offer them as well. Over 2 million students per year sit for at least one exam.

The 38 courses on the menu are as follows:

1. AP Art History
2. AP Biology
3. AP Calculus AB
4. AP Calculus BC
5. AP Chemistry
6. AP Chinese Language & Culture
7. AP Comparative Government & Politics
8. AP Computer Science A
9. AP Computer Science Principles
10. AP English Language and Composition
11. AP English Literature and Composition
12. AP Environmental Science
13. AP European History
14. AP French Language & Culture
15. AP German Language & Culture
16. AP Human Geography
17. AP Italian Language & Culture
18. AP Japanese Language and Culture
19. AP Latin
20. AP Macroeconomics
21. AP Microeconomics
22. AP Music Theory
23. AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based
24. AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based
25. AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism
26. AP Physics C: Mechanics
27. AP Psychology
28. AP Research
29. AP Seminar
30. AP Spanish Language & Culture
31. AP Spanish Literature & Culture
32. AP Statistics
33. AP Studio Art: 2-D Design
34. AP Studio Art: 3-D Design
35. AP Studio Art: Drawing
36. AP U.S. Government & Politics
37. AP U.S. History
38. AP World History

Students can take an exam at the end of the course that is scored a 1-5 scale. You also have the option of self-study for the exam. You do not need to be enrolled in an AP course to take AP test.

For more on AP classes, visit our archived blogs:

• What are the Easiest AP Classes?
• How Many AP Classes Should I Take?
• Where Should I Take AP Classes Online?

What are IB Classes?

The International Baccalaureate program was developed in the late 1960s in Geneva, Switzerland. As of September 2022, more than 5,500 schools in 160 countries around the globe offered IB programmes. Just 700 American high schools offered IB courses back in 2010. Today, that number has more than doubled.

Just as with AP courses, students can take an individual IB course. However, they also have the option to enroll in a full diploma programme (more on this in a moment). The individual courses that are available are as follows:

1. Language A: literature
2. Language A: language and literature
3. Literature and performance
4. Classical languages
5. Language B
6. Language ab initio
7. Business management
8. Digital Society
9. Economics
10. Geography
11. Global Politics
12. History
13. Information technology in a global society
14. Philosophy
15. Psychology
16. Social and cultural anthropology
17. World religions
18. Biology Chemistry
19. Chemistry
20. Computer Science
21. Computer Science Design technology Environmental systems and societies
22. Physics SL/HL pdf
23. Sports, exercise and health science
24. Mathematics: analysis and approaches
25. Mathematics: applications and interpretation
26. Dance
27. Film
28. Music
29. Theatre
30. Visual arts
31. Creativity, activity, service
32. Extended Essay
33. Theory of Knowledge

Many of the aforementioned courses are available at two levels of difficulty – Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL).

The IB Diploma

Students ages 16-19 have the option to complete a two-year IB Diploma Programme (DP). This involves taking courses in six academic areas as well as an interdisciplinary course called Theory of Knowledge, m essay project, and community service/school involvement.

There are three components that comprise the Diploma Programme core:

• Theory of Knowledge
• The extended essay
• Creativity, activity, and service

There are six total subject groups within the IB curriculum:

• Studies in language and literature
• Language acquisition
• Individuals and societies
• Sciences
• Mathematics
• The arts

Students take exams in the 6 majors areas. Those exams are scored on a 1-7 scale. A “4” in generally considered passing and a total of 24 (over the 6 exams) is required to earn the diploma.

Is IB Harder than AP?

Those taking AP courses can pick and choose their courses. This allows them to take advanced courses in their areas of interest/strength. Those taking IB courses on an individual basis can do the same. However, students pursuing an IB Diploma must engage in rigorous study in each discipline.

Is IB Better than AP?

No, there is no meaningful case to be made for either program being “better” than the other. The quality of an IB or AP course is highly dependent on the teacher delivering the instruction.

What is the cost of IB and AP?

The standard cost of an AP exam in the US or Canada is $97. International students pay $127 per test. Two tests cost $145 a piece—AP Seminar or AP Research.

Do colleges prefer IB vs AP?

Highly-selective colleges want applicants to have engaged in the most rigorous coursework available to them. Both IB and AP accomplish that mission. The vast majority of schools will also offer college credit for strong results on IB or AP exams.

College Transitions Final Thoughts – IB vs AP

Both programs offer American students the opportunity to advance their critical-thinking ability while in high school. Either program is a viable pathway to engaging in a rigorous high school curriculum that will position you well for admission into competitive colleges.