Getting into IB Courses

Hi, I'm a bit confused about the different academic tracks. What is an IB course and how challenging would you consider them compared to AP courses? Any advice would be appreciated!

Hello, IB (International Baccalaureate) courses are part of an international education curriculum. They are typically two-year courses taught in high schools that end with an exam. Some high schools offer the entire IB curriculum and diploma, while others may just offer individual courses.

Like AP (Advanced Placement) courses, IB courses are considered rigorous high school coursework and can potentially give you college credit, depending on your score on the final exam and the policies of the college you attend. However, there are some differences between the two programs.

In terms of difficulty, it could vary greatly depending on the student, the subject, and the specific teacher. That said, in general, IB courses might be considered more challenging than AP courses due to their scope and structure. While AP courses are subject-focused and test mostly content knowledge, IB courses often require a more comprehensive understanding of the subject, emphasizing critical thinking, writing skills, and the application of knowledge.

Moreover, the IB diploma program requires students to take courses in six subject groups: Studies in Language and Literature; Language Acquisition; Individuals and Societies; Sciences; Mathematics; The Arts, along with three core requirements (Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)). This breadth and depth of study might add to the challenge.

That said, it's important to remember that colleges look favorably upon students who challenge themselves academically. Taking rigorous courses like AP or IB classes can demonstrate to colleges that you're serious about your education and you're willing to push yourself.

So, whether you choose AP or IB courses, it would depend on your academic interests, the courses your school offers, and the type of learning and testing styles that resonate with you. If your school offers both options, you might want to try out a course from each type to see which fits you best.