Pepperoni or cheese? Stay up late to finish that essay or wake up early? Taking IB vs AP classes? All important questions in the life of a high school student, but here we’re only going to help you tackle that last one.
And before we dive in, we do want to remind you that with a little research and some careful consideration of what your goals and interests are, this doesn’t have to be an agonizing decision. Whatever you decide between IB classes and AP classes, you’ll benefit from the ways these courses challenge you to think about the world. And that, after all, is what school should do, right?
If you’re reading this post, you’re likely weighing the pros and cons of IB vs AP classes. Maybe you have your eye on a specific college and are thinking about whether AP classes are the way to go from an admission standpoint. Maybe you’ve heard IB classes are an awesome way to delve a little deeper into issues you get excited about. Or maybe you’re reading this post and just asking yourself, “What is an IB class? What’s an AP class? What’s with all these abbreviations?”
We’re here to help!
Below, we’ll explain the differences between AP classes and IB classes in high school and help you consider which might be right for you. And while you’re probably thinking about how these classes will help you get into college (which is definitely important), we also want to remind you that building your transcript isn’t the only reason to take AP or IB classes.
These courses are a lot of work, and you want that work to be meaningful. There’s nothing worse than sitting through a really tough class that bores you to tears (we’ve all had them), so make sure you’re also considering which AP and IB classes you’ll actually find engaging and interesting. Then the hard work doesn’t seem so hard!
What are IB classes?
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB) is really an entire course of study instead of individual classes. Unlike AP classes, which let you pick and choose which classes you want to take from a huge list of AP options, IB classes are part of an entire curriculum, so it’s a longer-term commitment (something to keep in mind). IB classes and the IB diploma program aim to help students think broadly about their education, about the issues that impact their world, and about being ethical and responsible world citizens. Sound good? Well then keep reading!
While breadth is an important part of IB classes, they don’t sacrifice depth. IB classes in high school challenge students to learn a lot about a lot, but this isn’t about memorizing then reciting specific content. IB classes give students a chance to pull together the threads of all they learn, make connections, engage in original research, and apply that knowledge across disciplines. In these ways, IB classes are a more holistic approach to learning.
Does all that make IB classes in high school sound intimidating? We get it if so—IB classes are meant to be challenging, but in the best ways possible. They give you a lot of say in how you focus your efforts, so you get to be in charge in ways other high school classes don’t let you. Keep reading for a breakdown of the requirements and we think you’ll end up being excited instead of freaked out about taking IB classes.
How does the IB program work?
First, the big, guiding ideas and ideals. The IB curriculum has something called the DP Core, which is basically the three key elements/requirements that run through all IB classes and lead to the successful completion of the program.
These three biggies are:
Theory of Knowledge
Creativity, Activity, and Service
and The Extended Essay
If you choose to take IB classes, you’ll learn all the details about these. Let’s get to the classes themselves.
There are six subject groups in the IB curriculum:
Studies in Language and Literature—you’ll study literary texts to develop critical-thinking skills; to appreciate how written expression can teach you about culture, ethics, and different world views; and to learn about how stylistic choices contribute to a work’s greater meaning
Language Acquisition—you’ll take classes in Modern or Classical languages that teach you about the connection between language and culture, in addition to learning the actual language. Pretty cool, right?
Individuals and Societies—this is where IB classes give you a lot of choice. You can take classes in business management, economics, geography, global politics, history, information in a global society, philosophy, psychology, social and cultural anthropology, and world religions. So many awesome options!
Sciences—if you’re into science of any type, this subject group is your jam. There are classes in biology; computer science; chemistry; design technology; physics; sports, exercise, and health science; and environmental systems and societies
Mathematics—we think the most interesting thing about IB math classes is their goal: They want students to learn more than just formulas; instead, they see math as a way to think practically, theoretically, AND creatively
The Arts—again, so many amazing choices: You can choose from dance, music, film, theater, and visual arts
The IB program believes that developing a student’s artistic self is as important as developing their Math self, their English self, their Science self. They’re all connected, and all allow for creativity AND intellectual development. Being into Math doesn’t mean you can’t also indulge in your love of French, your secret desire to be an anthropologist, and your confident belief that you are very definitely the next Mozart/Toni Morrison/Martin Scorsese. THIS is what makes IB classes so cool!
What is AP?
AP (or Advanced Placement) classes are designed to offer students college-level courses in high school. Many high schools offer a bump in GPA for students who take these courses, and some colleges and universities offer college credit if a student earns a high enough score on their AP exams. While some schools offer IB classes, many more continue to offer AP classes (although there is a shift away from AP classes that’s starting to happen that we’ll talk about below). There are currently 35 AP courses that students can choose from, but keep in mind that most high schools do not offer all of these AP classes.
Students can choose AP classes in:
The Arts (you could take Music Theory, for example)
English (there is a Literature course and a Language course)
History and Social Sciences (maybe you’ll take Psychology or European History)
Math and Computer Science (Calculus, Statistics, Comp Sci, oh my!)
Sciences (there are 4 physics options, but so much more!)
and World Languages and Cultures (you could take AP classes in 7 different languages including Spanish, Latin, and Chinese).
As you can see, there are a lot of choices and many ways to tailor your years in high school through AP classes.
The structure of many AP classes is exactly that—very structured. There is specific curriculum teachers are required to teach and a specific amount of material students are expected to learn. If you’re the kind of student who loves to listen to and absorb knowledge from your teachers, AP classes might be right up your alley. If you get super excited about learning about important historical events, understanding the concrete differences between micro and macroeconomics (who doesn’t?), or totally nailing the formulas related to thermodynamics, AP classes could be perfect for you!
The AP program has also introduced the AP Capstone Diploma Program, which we think addresses some of the gaps in the AP program in creative ways. Students who take this path fulfill the requirements over the course of two years.
The first requirement is an AP Seminar class that basically teaches you how to engage in original research and how to collaborate with other students on projects and presentations (there’s no escaping that group work, so we definitely encourage you to consider this when making your decision).
The second requirement is an AP Research class that lets you use the knowledge you gained in the Seminar class to do a deep dive into a topic of your choosing (with some guidance from your teacher). After crafting a research question, you spend a year learning all you can about your topic and creating a capstone project to show off all of your amazing work.
Once you do all of this, you’re awarded either the AP Capstone Diploma or the AP Seminar and Research Certificate. Both could help you stand out in the college application process. Keep in mind that you don’t have to participate in the Diploma Program to take AP classes—it’s just an added bonus for students who want to make some cool connections amongst your AP classes.
IB vs AP: major differences
While both IB and AP classes allow students to engage in work that is more challenging than the typical high school curriculum, there are some fundamental differences between the two, and these differences are ones you should pay attention to when making your decision.
As noted above, AP classes tend to be very structured, and the expectation is that students will learn a prescribed amount of material by the end of the class. This means there isn’t always the chance to spend more time on a topic the class gets fired up about if it won’t help prepare you for the AP exam.
On the plus side, AP classes don’t require you to commit to a Diploma Program the way IB classes do, so there is less of a long-term commitment with AP classes. This can be a good thing for some students!
On the other hand, IB classes give you a lot more leeway in terms of your overall course load and give you the chance to work in more interdisciplinary ways. The program thinks of the whole student, so there tends to be more opportunity for crossover in IB classes (as opposed to AP classes, which pretty much stay in their lane).
This “whole-student” philosophy also means IB classes want you to think about the ethical implications of your research and learning, something most AP classes don’t explore.
Still unsure about whether IB vs AP is right for you? Understandable. Read on.
Should students take AP or IB?
In the end, the answer to this question depends a lot on the kind of student you are. Here are some factors to consider:
If you are a “lone wolf” and thinking about group work makes you break out in hives, IB classes probably aren’t the best choice, since collaboration is an important element.
If you know too much freedom in a class will make it impossible for you to make any decisions about anything, then the structure of AP classes could be just what you need.
If you like the pick-and-choose model that doesn’t commit you to an entire curriculum, AP classes offer that.
If you love thinking about the big picture of your education and of all the ways to make the various pieces fit into a whole, IB classes might be the perfect choice.
If you think classes should give you content knowledge AND help you think about your place in the world, IB classes are the way to go!
Making this decision means knowing who you are as a student and being honest about which one really speaks to you. Again, don’t just choose what you think will look best on your resume! While high school is part of the journey to college, it’s also important in its own right, and you want to make these years as meaningful as possible.
Just a few other things to consider about AP classes in particular:
There is a noticeable shift away from AP classes in a lot of high schools right now. Educators have expressed concern that AP classes and exams don’t take into account issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. AP Humanities curricula in particular have been the focus of this criticism. This doesn’t mean you don’t gain valuable knowledge in these classes, but if these issues are important to you it’s good to know this ahead of time.
Additionally, because AP classes are so focused on a specific endpoint, the amazing give and take that often happens in classroom discussion sometimes has to be sacrificed for the sake of covering material. This can be frustrating for teachers and students.
Finally, while there are still a LOT of colleges that accept AP credit for college courses, there are a number of colleges that have stopped. And since you won’t know which college you’ll be attending when you have to sign up for your high school classes, you can’t be sure the college you end up at will give you this credit. It’s a little bit of a roll of the dice.
Speaking of colleges…
Do colleges prefer IB or AP?
Generally, colleges do not think of one as better than the other. Both show your willingness to work hard and to take on some pretty significant intellectual endeavors. Both also give colleges a sense of where your interests lie based on the AP or IB classes you choose.
Students who take IB classes in high school have higher acceptance rates into Ivy League schools, but this doesn’t necessarily mean a higher acceptance rate than AP students; it just means that IB students have a higher acceptance rate than the general application pool. So, if it’s an Ivy or bust for you (side note: not how we’d recommend approaching college), IB classes could be an excellent option.
But we’ll say it again … while the college admission piece is an important part of the decision between IB vs AB classes in high school, it shouldn’t be the only part. So many other factors contribute to your college acceptances, so we encourage you to also pay attention to what really floats your boat in terms of the kind of classes you enjoy, find energizing, and pique your genuine interest.
If you let this guide you, you’ll help build your college application AND tend to the things that make you excited about learning. Win-win!
Speical thanks to Jessica for writing this blog post
Jessica has a Ph.D in English from the University of Southern California and teaches English at a Los Angeles-area independent school, where she has also been English department chair and a class dean. Sandra Cisneros is her hero, and she loves books, her awesomely-sarcastic family, the beach, cozy sweaters, and more books. Oh, and her sweet pitbull/lab mix named Ruby.
Top values: Curiosity, equity, wonder
