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

September 6, 2022

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:

AP Art History
AP Biology
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
AP Chemistry
AP Chinese Language & Culture
AP Comparative Government & Politics
AP Computer Science A
AP Computer Science Principles
AP English Language and Composition
AP English Literature and Composition
AP Environmental Science
AP European History
AP French Language & Culture
AP German Language & Culture
AP Human Geography
AP Italian Language & Culture
AP Japanese Language and Culture
AP Latin
AP Macroeconomics
AP Microeconomics
AP Music Theory
AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based
AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based
AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism
AP Physics C: Mechanics
AP Psychology
AP Research
AP Seminar
AP Spanish Language & Culture
AP Spanish Literature & Culture
AP Statistics
AP Studio Art: 2-D Design
AP Studio Art: 3-D Design
AP Studio Art: Drawing
AP U.S. Government & Politics
AP U.S. History
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 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:

Language A: literature
Language A: language and literature
Literature and performance
Classical languages
Language B
Language ab initio
Business management
Digital Society
Economics
Geography
Global Politics
History
Information technology in a global society
Philosophy
Psychology
Social and cultural anthropology
World religions
Biology Chemistry
Chemistry
Computer Science
Computer Science Design technology Environmental systems and societies
Physics SL/HL pdf
Sports, exercise and health science
Mathematics: analysis and approaches
Mathematics: applications and interpretation
Dance
Film
Music
Theatre
Visual arts
Creativity, activity, service
Extended Essay
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.

bookmark

Dave Bergman

Dave has over a decade of professional experience that includes work as a teacher, high school administrator, college professor, and independent educational consultant. He is a co-author of the books The Enlightened College Applicant (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016) and Colleges Worth Your Money (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020).