Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

AP vs. IB courses - which should I take?

I'm looking at adding some more challenging classes to my schedule, but I'm not sure whether to go for AP or IB courses. What are the main differences between the two, and does one look better to colleges than the other? Thanks for your input!

11 months ago

The choice between AP and IB largely depends on your individual preferences, academic interests, and the availability of each program at your school. Both AP and IB courses are well-regarded by colleges as they demonstrate a higher level of academic rigor and showcase your commitment to challenging yourself in high school. Here are the main differences between the two:

1. Program structure: AP courses are individual, stand-alone classes that you can sign up for, whereas IB is an integrated program with course requirements in various subject areas. To obtain an IB diploma, students must complete coursework and exams in six subjects, along with fulfilling the requirements for the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge course, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) hours. However, you can also choose to take individual IB courses without pursuing the entire diploma.

2. Curriculum: AP courses offer a wide range of subjects to choose from and allow you to focus on specific areas that interest you. There are over 38 AP courses available, but keep in mind that your school may not offer all of them. IB courses are more holistic and inter-connected, with an emphasis on critical thinking, communication, and global perspectives.

3. Exams: AP exams are typically taken at the end of the course and consist of multiple-choice questions and free-response sections. IB exams, on the other hand, are a combination of internal assessments (essays, projects, oral presentations) and external exams (essay-based questions) and are taken at the end of the two-year program.

4. College credit: Both AP and IB courses can potentially earn you college credit, depending on your exam scores and the policies of the colleges you apply to. Generally, you need a 3 or higher on AP exams, or a 4 or higher on IB Higher Level exams, to receive college credit.

In terms of college admissions, both AP and IB courses are viewed positively, as they demonstrate challenge and intellectual curiosity. Colleges do not typically have a preference for one system over the other, so you should choose based on your own academic interests, learning style, and goals. Consider the subjects available at your school, whether you want the flexibility of AP to focus on specific areas or the holistic and interdisciplinary approach of IB, and how much time you can dedicate to the program. Ultimately, the one you choose should align with your interests and strengths.

11 months ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.