Hey, so my school offers both AP classes and the IB program - I'm wondering could someone explain what the IB exam involves? Specifically, I'd like to know about the strengths of this program and how colleges look at it versus AP? Thank you!
Sure, I'd be happy to help.
The IB, or International Baccalaureate program, is an internationally recognized curriculum that is focused on building well-rounded students with a global perspective. The program is divided into two parts: the Middle Years Program (MYP) for students aged 11-16, and the Diploma Program (DP) for students aged 16-19. I assume you're interested in the latter, as it culminates in final exams and potential college credit, much like AP courses.
IB Diploma Program participants choose from six subject groups: Studies in Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and the Arts. Students are required to take a course (and exam) in each of these groups. Three to four of these should be at the "higher level" (HL), with the rest at the "standard level" (SL). Higher-level courses are more rigorous and dive deeper into the content.
A major thing that distinguishes IB from AP is the "core" of the diploma program, which includes Theory of Knowledge (a course that encourages critical thinking and examining the nature of knowledge), the Extended Essay (an independent research project resulting in a 4,000-word paper), and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service), requiring students to engage in arts, athletics, and community service. These core components are mandatory for the full IB diploma.
IB exams are scored on a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 being the highest. Similar to AP exams, earning a certain score can grant you college credit, depending on the specific policies of each institution.
When it comes to how colleges view IB versus AP, both are highly respected, as they demonstrate a rigorous course load and the ability to handle college-level work. Some colleges might prefer one over the other, but the difference is not significant on a macro scale.
The choice could come down to what suits your learning style and interests better: if you prefer a more holistic, wide-ranging and interlinked approach, then IB might be a better fit. On the other hand, if you like to study specific subjects in detail and have more flexibility in course selection, then the AP program might be more suitable.
I hope this breakdown was helpful! Feel free to ask if you have more questions.
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