Help! I'm considering taking an IB course, but I'm not totally sure what it means to be 'International Baccalaureate'. Is it really different from AP classes? How so?
Great question! The International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) are both rigorous course programs that can earn high school students early college credits. However, they differ in format, content and educational approach.
The IB program is a comprehensive two-year curriculum that ends with externally evaluated examinations. It offers a holistic approach to learning and you’ll take classes across six different subject groups: Studies in Language and Literature; Language Acquisition; Individuals and Societies; Sciences; Mathematics; and The Arts. In addition to courses in these subjects, students enrolled in the Diploma Programme (DP), the most common form of IB, undertake an extended essay, follow a Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, and participate in Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS).
Contrarily, AP classes allow students to take courses a la carte. They can choose to take as many or as few as they like in any subject they choose, each ending with a singular, subject-specific exam. While AP classes are focused on acquiring and testing knowledge in specific subject areas, IB is more about the process of learning itself.
In terms of college admission, both can showcase your willingness to undertake challenging coursework. However, IB emphasizes breadth of knowledge while AP may allow you to delve deeper into subjects of your choice. Furthermore, some universities may have different policies for awarding college credit based on your scores in these programs. It could be helpful to check the policies of the colleges you're interested in.
Lastly, moderation of the curriculum is also different between the two. AP exams are scored on a 1-5 scale, while IB exams are graded on a scale of 1-7, and your overall IB score will be a combination of several weights and components.
So, in choosing between the two, ask yourself these questions: Do I prefer to explore many different subjects, or focus deeply on a few? Do I prefer coursework that emphasizes the learning process and personal development, or one that is more knowledge based? Reflecting on these aspects can help you make a more informed choice.
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