Which is Better: AP or IB?
A prospective client emailed me yesterday with a question that is regularly asked of me when I give presentations on college admission around the Denver area.
Which is better, Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB)? Do colleges find one more impressive over the other?
In my opinion, both the AP and IB programs are equally valuable, in that the exams associated with those courses provide an external measure of quality. Any student who does well on the end-of-course assessments associated with either program can genuinely claim to have done college work in a high school setting.
The structures of the two programs are very different, however. Think of AP and IB this way: AP is a smorgasbord: pick the courses you want, leave behind those that tempt you less. IB, by contrast, is a “prix fixe” menu: you get all or nothing. There is a range of choice within IB, but the entire high school curriculum is dictated by those initial choices.
The fact is that highly competitive AP students are taking 6, 7, 10 AP courses and doing well on the exams (scores of 4 or 5 out of five possible points). Likewise, highly competitive IB students are not only taking the IB courses, but are scoring 5, 6, or 7s (out of seven) on the diploma tests. However, there are also plenty of students who take lots of AP courses who do not do well on the exams (many do not even take them!). Similarly, there are students in IB programs who are unlikely to fulfill all the requirements of the IB diploma.
As to whether colleges prefer AP or IB? Colleges like them both. Both programs represent tough curricular requirements. But in the end, it’s all about the student’s performance: did they perform at the very top of the scale for either program? Did they pass the independently administered exams with flying colors? If so, colleges will be heavily recruiting those students—regardless of the AP or IB label.
One thing parents (and students) ought to keep in mind as they look at schools and at individual teachers: ask about their pass rate. That is, ask what percentage of students enrolled in these programs take and pass (or get perfect scores) on the AP or IB assessments? The answer to this question will be a better indicator of program quality than the label. I have several clients who are getting very high grades in AP courses, but who will never be able to pass the AP exams. Their teachers are simply not up to the job of presenting such a demanding curriculum and helping students achieve to the standards set by that curriculum.
So to reiterate, both the AP and IB programs are excellent preparation for college, and the colleges seek out students to excel in either environment. Students and teachers should look beyond the labels to ask about the quality of the programs on offer. Just as we don’t judge books by their cover, we should not judge a program by its label.
Mark Montgomery
Montgomery Educational Consulting
About the Author
Mark Montgomery
As a former professor, administrator, and high school teacher, Mark has the knowledge and skills to counsel students as they make the transition from high school to college.
169 Responses to “Which is Better: AP or IB?”
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Hello, Jordan.
Thanks for the question. The decision is a tough one. But to my mind, the decision has nothing with its acceptability at colleges. The IB, most definitely, is universally accepted, respected, and admired among university admissions personnel at all levels of our higher education system. Your preparation will put you in good stead for things like admission and scholarships both, assuming you are getting good grades and your predicted IB exam scores are high.
Further, IB is great for both science and math–at least as preparation for college. The curriculum is clearly different between IB and AP, but that does not mean that one is better. Different is different–and has nothing to do with quality.
The decision you face depends only on your preferences. Do you want the focus and intensity of the IB curriculum that will clearly take you to a “higher level” in the subjects you choose? Or do you want the more smorgasbord approach of AP, where the depth is not quite as profound, but the quality just as good (remember “different” does not refer to a difference in quality). Which structure is for you? Which curriculum do you prefer? Either program will prepare you to compete at the highest level in college and beyond, and either will give you solid preparation in science and mathematics.
Decide which you prefer, and go with that.
Best,
Mark
hello to you, too, Megan!
My question got cut off, sorry about that. I had wanted to ask you about the differences on the AP exam and the IB exam. As in types of questions and difficulty, and how they affect you in college.
I recently received the most wonderful experience of travelling in “Eastern
Europe” these past few wees. I’ve always been shaky about my future, but thankfully with this trip my goals are becoming a bit clearer. And as of this moment I want to focus on getting a great education (not just good grades).
And I also have decided to study in Poland, as naive as this may sound to most. my heart and mind is really set. Luckily this trip was before junior year and I have the opportunity to pursuay my way into the IB program or take the load of AP classes as planned before. But I am not sure which to choose for my new college path.
I have always taken honors and recently finished my first AP class with a “B”, and thanks to all the hard work (I transferred mid-year from a World History Honors Class to an AP European History Class and had to make up all the work in a quarter’s time) I happily passed the exam with a 4.
The only thing that may also be stopping me is my not such a looker total GPA of a 3.39 non-weighted & an academic of 3.21 non-weighted. I have two years to raise this dramatically. My plans if to be non-IB would look very much similar to this:
Junior Year:
-Trigonometry/Math Analysis
-Spanish III Honors
-English III Honors
-AP U.S. History
-AP Biology
-AP Art History
Senior Year: (if Junior year is successful)
-AP Calculus AB
-AP Spanish Language
-AP English Language or Literature
-AP Gov./AP Economics
-AP Environmental Science
-AP Psychology
I will also be studying German language, Spanish Literature, Chemistry, and Studio Art on my own, mainly in the summertime. And if I feel confident enough to take the AP exam, I will. Mind you I am attending a very hard working public high school known for both its AP passing rates and excellent IB program. I am also Mexican-Asian, I don’t know if that’s vital information outside of the United States.
I’m just not sure if this or the IB program would be more suitable for me to get into an international university.
Thank you for your time,
Madeline
I have a completely different thread. My son attended the French Lycee in the US and has passed the FRENCH baccalaureate. How does this compare with the IB? He has been admitted to an American college already. How do we correlate his results with US counterparts in terms of a) course placement and b) college credit equivalents?
Can you comment on the comparison between the authentic French bac and the IB?
His school has had for recent history 100% success in the French bac (all students must take it) and our son finished with honors (mention) but was in the middle part of his class.
Hello, Didi,
Historically, the IB has roots in the French Bac. However, the two are quite different, as you know. As for your question as to how the French Bac will translate into course placement and credit equivalents, I’m afraid that the only folks who can answer that question are the academic advisers at university your son will attend. They make those policies and decisions. You might connect directly with the international student advising office to help you and your son navigate the transition between the French and US systems.
Best of luck!
Mark
Hello, Madeleine,
I think it’s wonderful that you are interested in studying in Eastern Europe. How is your Polish? Are you fluent? Keep in mind that the AP program will not translate to the European system, and that the requirements to enter a EU university are completely different from those of a US university. The IB will be helpful, but unless you have Polish (for example) as your first language within the IB, then you are unlikely to be accepted to anything except a special track of courses that some universities offer in English–targeted at foreigners. You will need to be very, very well-informed if you want to study for your first degree in Europe. Just as US universities will not accept foreigners unless they are able to prove proficiency (fluency) in the English (the language of instruction), Americans will be expected to follow coursework in Polish (or Dutch or German or Czech) immediately upon entering the university. I hope this is helpful information for you! Best of luck, and congratulations on your new-found passion.
Hi, Megan.
The IB is very well regarded by colleges, and generally it is regarded much more highly than students who take 3 or 4 AP classes. If you want scholarships, you will need to perform at the highest level–in either AP or IB. And working at that level can, as you say, be stressful.
As for IB being better preparation for history and English than science or math, tell that to my students who are in the IB that are going for engineering or math or physics or pre-med. They are getting accepted…and many are offered money…to study science.
You see, Megan, it’s a choice you have. Which do you prefer? Read over my description and explanation of the two programs, and determine which you would really prefer. Either path can help you reach your goal. But the path is only a path. You have to muster the energy and resources within yourself to succeed. Again, this is a matter of preference, rather than a strategy for getting admitted or receiving more scholarships. Either path will work.
Hope this helps, and thanks for asking the question.
AP exams are taken at the end of the course. IB exams are taken at the end of the senior year. Both types of exams are difficult. As to how they will affect you in college, I have to go back to my previous statement: it all depends on your performance. If you well on either sort of exam, you will be well-prepared for college. If, on the other hand, you bomb…well, then, the preparation is not so great. Choose the path that makes the most sense for you, and college will take care of itself.
Good luck!
Dear Shane,
To go right to your questions, Vanderbilt does not automatically admit IB students any more than AP students. They are looking beyond the curriculum to the performance, and then to other aspects of your application and how you fit into their community. So take the curriculum that you enjoy more and that fits you best–academically. Taking classes just to be with friends is probably not the best way to consider academic “fit.” Take the courses that best coincide with your learning preferences and style, and preferred level of intensity.
I hope this helps.
Hello, Lane.
Your parents’ move will have an impact on your transcript, and you will have to take the time to explain what happened on the application so that the admissions folks can follow the decisions. They will likely not hold the change against you. The way to ensure that this does not happen is to get recommendations from your old school, as well as from your new school, to support your application. Your counselors will play an important role in explaining the change to colleges. You need to gain their support and assistance.
As for your chances at UPenn, everything depends on your performance–and upon all the other subjective factors that go into an admissions decision. None of this is a science, so don’t spend too much time worrying. Instead, focus on doing well, focus on documenting the move, and focus on doing the things you love.
Thanks for writing in!
This is a bit of a different thread. I am a sophomore in high school in America and my goal is to go to university in France. I am not fluent yet, but by the end of my high school career I would have taken 5 years of French. I know that French students take the baccalaureate to get into university. My school doesn’t offer it, but would I need the baccalaureate? My school does offer the IB program, but would that be accepted instead of the bac? I think I could get the bac via CNED, but would that be necessary if I’ll take the ACT? And what would be the process of applying for a French university? Thank you.
Dear Diane,
I’m not an expert in French university education and entrance requirements. But since I do read French and at one time was a student in Grenoble, I had a look at the Université de Stendahl in Grenoble. They have a portion of their site directed at foreigners from outside the European Union. Check this out: http://www.u-grenoble3.fr/1197885708681/0/fiche___article/
Perhaps the best source of information (according to the web page) will be the Embassy of France in Washington, DC. Give them a holler.
Bonne chance!
My son is a sophmore and has the opportunity to take an AP US History class. He also has three honor courses, biology, spanish and geometery. He is taking CP English. He is apprehensive about the AP history class and concerned that keeping up with the work load of the AP class could hurt his average in his other classes. If he drops the AP class he would have to take an CP history class, honors is not offered in US History. What would you suggest?? Is it more important to keep his GPA up by taking the CP class or should he challenge himself with the risk of lowering his GPA…he also plays football and track and is in the middle of completing his Eagle Project.
Dear Mark,
I am an IB student of two weeks, and would like to drop out of IB Diploma program. I am leaving in six months to go to a college. I didn’t know that I was accepted so I decided to go to the program. So, I was wondering if i have to still take an exit exam or not? And, I was wondering if taking a few AP classes would be a better idea than taking the IB?
Shelly,
If you are dropping out of the program, there is no need to take an exit exam. I’m confused by your question. if you are going to college, do you need to take any AP classes. I guess I would need more information in order to be able to advise you. Thanks for writing in!.
Dear Susan,
I cannot really answer your question other than to say that you have identified the decision point. As a general rule, I invite students to step up to the challenge. But there are other circumstances that might indicate the opposite. You have obviously grasped the issue. I wish you and your son the best.
Mark
Trying to chose a HS for my daughter. One school is ranked in the top 10 of the US for choice programs the other an average school with an IB program too. Does it matter what school you go to if both have an IB program?
Hello, Kristine. Thanks for the question. In general, what will matter most is how well your daughter performs in the IB program. As it is internationally normed, an IB test result in Des Moines is the same as in Dakar or Durban or Dheli. So in that regard, if both schools are IB, it doesn’t matter a whit which school she attends.
That said, what will help her perform is the quality of the instruction: does the faculty have the experience in getting students to achieve the highest results? Some “average” public schools are just as good–if not better–than some of the most expensive private schools in this regard. So ask the schools you are considering about their average IB exam scores–especially in the subjects your daughter is most likely to pursue.
I would also keep in mind that the top 10 high schools have perhaps 25 kids who apply to Harvard every year. Statistically, your daughter may have less of a chance of getting into Harvard from a top 10 high school than if she attended an IB school in Bismarck, North Dakota. Top kids at top schools compete with each other for the top slots: no top college will accept 25 kid from the same high school, no matter how highly qualified they may be.
Hope that helps in your decision making process. Good luck.
Hello, I would like to go to the IB program in another school, but I’ve heard that the quality may not be consistent as others. I’ve also looked up on school rankings, that school is further behind than a school that offers AP. Are these programs considered in rankings?
Hi, Kaitlin. You ask a good question, but it’s really the wrong one. Don’t worry about rankings: worry about pass rates for both IB and AP. Ask what percentage of diploma candidates at the IB school actually attain the diploma. Ask what the score distribution is. You want to find out whether the faculty is able to lift you to the point where you can perform well at an international standard.
Same with the AP. Find out which teachers are getting good pass rates, and of those who do pass, what percentage get a 5 on the test? This pass rate can and will be different in each subject.
Getting good grades in and IB or AP program doesn’t really matter if you can’t pass the exam. Similarly, the school as a whole might not be that great, but if the AP teachers or the IB teachers are excellent, then who cares about the ranking of the school? In the end, it’s your performance that counts!
Good luck!
Perhaps another thing to consider when choosing an AP course or school is the perentage of the total student body taking the AP tests. In other words, look at the philosophy of student access to the courses. Some teachers might get a very high pass rate and large perentage of fives, but they limit the number of students they let into their course to only the top few. If you only let the best 15 students of the school into your course, it is not going to be too suprising if most of them get fives. An AP course that has a more inclusive philosophy will have a greater NUMBER of fives, but a lower PERCENTAGE of fives. This is why the percentage of fives in BC Calculus (a naturally self-selecting course as only the top math students make it to that level) is going to be higher than the percentage of fives for a course where any student is allowed to take it.
Hello, Teacher.
You make an excellent point: different schools have different philosophies in allowing students access to AP courses, and the statistical issues you raise help to demonstrate how numbers can mislead if not carefully interpreted within the context in which the numbers were generated.
Thanks for taking the time to write in!
i am in 8th grade and currently looking at going to an IB shcool or going to a good high school with an AP program. You said to find out how good the program is you said we should find the success rate for passing the tests but how do you find that out? How do you also find out if you would be able to make it in an IB program? Aso how do IB and AP programs differ? My parents want me to get as much collage credit as possible but we are uncertin how much collage credit you can get from each program? What ever you can answer is appreciated and any reconendations or advice you would like to give is welcome . Thanks
Hi, Elizabeth,
Choosing between AP and IB is also a matter of preference: do you want at rigorous “prix fixe” menu of courses, or do you want to take AP subjects in which you have strength and avoid courses in which you have weaknesses (which is more of a “smorgasbord” approach)?
Also, with regard to college credits, both AP and IB can be great. But some colleges and universities may not accept those “credit” for actual advanced standing…it all depends on where you attend (see my articles about PSEO).
As for assessing the quality of the AP and IB programs, just ask the principal or the IB coordinator for figures on pass rates. If they hem and haw, that’s not a great sign. And keep in mind that pass rates can be affected by policies about who is accepted or denied entry to AP or IB courses. A more open enrollment policy will lead to a lower pass rate, generally speaking.
I hope this helps. I work with a lot of younger kids in your circumstances with this issue. If you have any questions or would like to consider working with a consultant, please let me know.
Best of luck!
so basically what this article is saying both AP and IB are great for colleges and it doesn’t really matter what you take as long as you pass right?
Hi, Marian. You are correct! But I’d amend your statement: it’s not just about passing, but it’s about enjoying the curriculum you are taking and doing as well in it as you possibly can. Colleges like to see you challenge yourself, do well, and develop interests in things you enjoy and in which you naturally excel.
Best of luck to you!
We have one small IB school in our area. We also have traditional high schools that have AP classes. Our student is in 9th grade and we are trying to decide between the smaller IB school with less opportunities for extra curricular activities, and the larger traditional high schools with AP classes and lots of extra activities. She is a 4.0 student who is self-motivated and very hard working. At this time she wants to explore a career in the medical field, although not as a physician.
How do we decide which school would be better? What do we ask the schools and what do we look for, especially since the IB school is just graduating the very first senior class (15 students total) and the traditional high schools have 100′s of graduating seniors although not all will have taken AP courses.
Hi Mr. Montgomery,
I don’t know what to choose! I go to a school in south florida that offers both programs and both are great. The IB program just rececntly started off only a couple years ago, but by what they tell me it has been a great start. Recently they asked me to make a decision, AP or IB….. i don’t know what to do! I want to go into engineering and am taking a course offered in engineering at my school now. What do you think? Should i do AP or IB?
Karina,
This tough decision is not one I can really help you with after a quick email. You are asking the right questions, and there are probably many more you could be asking. The most important one, however, is which program do you think you’d prefer? Which one would you like better? Make the decision based on current information and preferences, not on some sort of bet or gamble about your future. Either will prepare you for college–and engineering. If you think I can be of more specific help, give me a shout through my contact page at http://greatcollegeadvice.com/contact .
Thanks!
Hello.
I can’t really advise you, other than to ask these questions:
1. Which curricular format does your daughter seem to prefer?
2. Which school would make her happier, in terms of her social life and her preferred activities?
The fact is that this choice is not critical. What will matter in the college admissions process is her performance in either curriculum, as well as her activities outside of school: what is she doing to stand out from the crowd?
I’m sorry not to be more immediately helpful. I wish you the best of luck.
We live in Maryland. My is selected in the Magnet program. He is selelcted to Poolesville High School for the Humanities, Ecology, Math and Science programs and he is also selected to Richard Montgomery IB program. We are confused which one to choose either Pooleseville Math and Science or Richard Montgomery IB
Hello, and thanks for your question! This is a good one. It’s all about what will most maximize your son’s strengths. An IB program will offer rigorous – and rigid – programming. I compared it to a “prix fixe” menu at a restaurant, from which a student chooses among certain offerings, which will then dictate what he can take next. By comparison, an AP program is more like a buffet, where a student is able to choose how much science, math, or humanities she is hungry for. Both options can be tasty and fulfilling, but only you and your son can decide what kind of environment will help him excel. If you are interested in exploring these ideas further, please give me a call!
Hello Mark,
My child is entering kindergarten in the fall. We have a public school in our Indiana district that is in its 4 year of running, 1st year of being accredited by IB, for the primary years k-6. The other option for our child is a private catholic school which has an excellent reputation and of course is funded by parents. Our concern is that the public school system must reduce the budget by 25 million. We are concerned about what impact this will have on the public schools ability to maintain the IB program. My other question is whether children at the levels of k-6 will really benefit from an IB program. Thanks
Hello Mark, I am a sophomore at Shanghai American School and I have one week to decide which courses I will take. I’ve already chosen to take the IB full diploma path and I’ve chosen a few of my courses, such as: HL Theater, HL English (lit and lang), SL Math and Ab Initio Chinese.
Now All I have to choose is my science and my social studies courses, but my biggest doubt is which one I should take as an SL and which one I should take as an HL…
Do you think it is possible for a student to complete the IB Diploma with 4 HL courses, 1 SL and 1 Ab Initio language? Do you think it would be worth it? Would it be too time-consuming? How many kids have succeeded in taking 4 HL courses?
Hi, Marisa.
Sorry I missed you. I was in Shanghai until today! You’ll have to stay in touch; I get there about three or four times a year.
My advice? Don’t kill yourself. Do the recommended three HL subjects. It doesn’t matter what you take: take the course you like the best, and leave it at that. Choose it because you like the teacher, or you like the subject matter.
Spend the extra time–if you have any–doing the things you love.
I know some other kids at SAS…maybe we have some friends in common!
All the best.
Mark
Hi, Dawn.
There is no Primary Years IB curriculum. If your school loses the program, it will not suddenly become a deadbeat school overnight. A discussion of the pros and cons of the IB Primary Years program would be long and involved, and if you’d like to have a personal consultation on the matter, we can set something up. But suffice it to say that the fact of having an IB designation is not what makes for a quality school. Moreover, if the IB designation is lost, the school will not likely change its curriculum–assuming that the changes they made to become an IB school have been positive changes.
Best of luck.
my school offer both AP classes and the IB program. For a person who want to go into the heath and science while having writing as their weakest strength which would be the best option. Also since i want to go to a college in Boston would AP be the best choice?
Amanda,
Both are good choices for health fields and for colleges in Boston. Your choice depends on which program you like better. Reread the post: the choice depends on your personal preferences. Both will prepare you for college–and prepare you well. But which will you like better? Which will help you succeed more? These are questions only you can answer.
Happy deciding!
Hi, I am thinking about either joining the IB or AP program at my high school. I’ve heard that the top colleges look at IB diplomas as better than many AP classes. Is that right? Should I go for the IB diploma because they are both offered at my school and would it seem like I took the easier route if I took AP?
Thanks!
Aly,
As my post says, the two programs are different. Colleges do love the IB. But they also love AP. There is no right answer to this question…only your preferences…and your performance. Choose the program in which you will perform best.
Good luck!
which one is easier AP or IB? because my counselor gave me a Honors Modern World History but I know that I’m doing well in my regular US History right now.
Hi Mark– can you please help me out—
I’m a parent of a rising 9th grader and there is so much preparation that parents must do in order to help prepare there kid(s) for college.
Well, I was wondering about the same things as these highschools were asking about— AP vs IB.
I placed a call to the admissions dept of a university in GA and here is the response she gave me–
The admission rep stated that most colleges view the following in order to make determinations for acceptance:
grades; the rigor of classes ( honors, AP, IB);sat/act scores
– she told me that if a student has an IB Diploma- ( overall B average)-that is highly regarded over a student that has a A average with all AP courses and has successfully passed most or all of the AP exams.
- The honors courses would fall at the below the AP/IB courses
- She also stated that it is important for the student to be involved in extracurricular activities in school as well as outside of school , such as –volunteering .
- The choice I was struggling with is which school to choose–both schools over IB programs– 1 school is better ( in terms of teachers/safety/ academic progress) than the other school.
So, when I asked the admissions counselor regarding the school ranking. She told me, that the how the schools rank against each other is not important.
Whats most important is that the student takes challenging classes and makes at least an 85 or better in IB and/or AP, and is involved in extracurricular activies/ hobbies/ interests- as well.
so– to me– since the opportunity is available- my dtr has decided to study under the IB program –b/c the she can take both IB and AP courses–and she will be ontrack for hopefully– graduating highschool with the IB Diploma–which is a highly respectable designation and makes her very competitive against others in the college admissions process.
Is my thinking correct?
Hello, Roshall,
Your thinking is correct…with one caveat. What does your daughter want to do? The IB is very rigorous and highly structured. The AP is more of an à la carte system, in which students can play to their strengths and study more subjects over their four years of high school. I would be sure not to neglect your daughters preferences for the kind of curriculum that suits her best. Ultimately it is her performance that counts.
I hope that is helpful.
Hello.
The post indicates that there is no easy answer to the question. All depends on your particular circumstances.
Ok, what Aly said is that both AP and IB were offered at her school. It’s the same at mine. I read what the post said and I completely realize that taking AP is fine and still highly regarded, and probably a better choice for me since I already know what I want to do in life (pharmacist), so I can focus on that area. Plus, I will be a sophomore next year so it’s kind of too late to join. But, would a college penalize me for taking AP instead of IB since it’s the ONLY school to offer it in my ENTIRE state.
I am currently in a public high school, in a country in the middle east, and I was thinking, if I transfer myself to an IB or an AP system in a private school, would that make any difference to let’s say Harvard?
Hello Mark-
My son just finished his junior year in HS and managed to get all A’s in the full IB program. He definitely wants to be an engineer so is questioning the value of taking IB History his senior year. It is a very difficult course and requires alot of time. Our school offers only IB or Honors courses. His counselor recommended he stay with full IB diploma so his college applications would say he was taking the most rigorous curriculum offered. Do you agree? He is not planning to go to any Ivy League, or highly competitive college. Thank you for your help!
Hello Mark,
I am in 9th grade and considering switching out of my current AP school to go to a slightly lower rated IB school. I was wondering if college credit is offered for IB courses as they are in AP courses, and if the IB program is really so rigid as to provide little freedom in choosing classes? Also, I am currently taking many pre-AP classes, so would changing to the IB program and not taking the AP classes I had prepared for look bad to a college?
Thanks
Hello, thank you for all the info: my question is very specific: what do the American colleges prefer an IB de Geneve or the French BAC S ? We have 4 children all scholored in France ; approaching the decision. My daughter is in the IB in Aix en Provence and 3 math oriented boys with the option to continue thru the French system to the BAC S (BAC scientific-math); (Either case, they are bilingual and have the 2 passports etc)Thankyou! Kate