Difference Between IB and AP
IB and AP Programs. IB Elite Tutor is a top institute. For more than a decade, we have offered AP Tuition as well as Ib tutors online to almost all IB subjects. We have teachers from the best international schools & reputed institutions.
What Is the IB Program?
The International Baccalaureate or IB Program fosters critical thinking skills and helps students become global citizens and leaders. IB courses are most common in high schools, but IB programs can also be found in elementary and middle school.
What are AP Classes?
Advanced Placement classes offer college-level courses in high school. Learners can take the national AP exam for the class they have completed at the end of each course. Exams are scored from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest. College credit can be earned for students who score a sufficient amount on the AP exam. Students must earn a minimum of a 3 or 4, depending on which college they are applying to be eligible for college credit.
There is a difference between AP and IB Programs
Today, the AP Diploma program and IB Diploma programs are well-known. Both programs are open to students in 11th-12th grade. Students receive credit for college based on their performance. Both programs provide advanced education and scholarships for students with a strong academic record. There are many similarities between the programs, but there are still some differences. This article will answer all your questions and clarify any doubts so you can make the best decision.
Popularity of IB & AP Programs
- The AP program is well-known in America. Because of its flexibility, it is very popular. Students don’t need to go to school every day. They can instead prepare themselves.
- AP is very popular as it doesn’t force students to choose unnecessary subjects. Students can choose the subjects they want to study and then prepare for them.
- On the other hand, IB follows an extensive syllabus throughout the year. Students must attend school regularly and need to keep in touch with their teachers.
- IB has many activities and tasks that students must complete on their own time. Students get points for completing these activities and assignments.
- Students choose 6 subjects in IB and prepare for them with all activities and assignments.
- Students have it more difficult as they must follow a strict syllabus throughout the year to achieve their desired score.
Costs or expenses in Advanced Placement & International Baccalaureate
IB is more costly than AP when it comes to the course cost. AP is based upon Independent classes and offers only one subject, or subjects according to the desire of the students. It is also relatively affordable. IB schools are very expensive and require that children pay high fees. Children will find it very costly to attend IB classes because they are required to take 6 subjects. Each subject also has its own requirements which can be quite expensive.
Assessments and tests in IB/AP Programs
- The IB offers a complete curriculum. Students must take the exam. To earn grade points, students must attend classes and take the exam. Six exams covering six subjects are offered. Each subject is worth 1- 7 grade point.
- Students must score at minimum 4 in each subject to pass the exam. The core subjects have three points, which include comprehensive essays and creative writing. Students find IB extremely difficult and complicated.
- Ap offers students the option to choose their subjects. Students can pick one or two subjects depending on their subject preference.
- AP provides a 5.3 grading scheme to students who choose to attend college. It is easy for students to pick the subject they want without being forced into other subjects. Students get high grades in their chosen subject and can easily go to college with excellent grade points.
- IB offers two levels of study, a higher level (or HL) and a standard level (or SL). However, the top colleges around the globe give preference to students who have completed AP or HL. Students who choose SL may have a problem in the future.
- AP is a completely multiple-choice-based exam where children have options and must choose the best option based on their knowledge. Although IB is not an open-ended exam, it forces you to think critically and analyze. The IB Exam has many types of questions.
Both Programs have a teaching methodology
IB’s comprehensive curriculum emphasizes deep concepts and knowledge-based learning, as I have mentioned. Students are provided with textbooks and a set syllabus. Students are expected to learn the curriculum and earn the highest grades throughout the year. So IB is quite textbook based. AP emphasizes facts-based learning when it comes to AP. Students collect information and create notes and assignments using that information. IB also focuses on concepts. Students at AP learn facts and then expand their knowledge.
Workload in AP/IB
AP and IB are very demanding in terms of the workload and the pressure they place on children. It is a brain-intensive course that requires you to gather facts and then enhance your knowledge based on those facts. It’s simple to follow, as children only have to learn a few topics and the chapters and topics are separated over the course of the year.
IBO, on the other hand, provides a lot of pressure. Students need support in managing all the details. It can engage your brain with a variety of brain-work activities and assignments. We must attend regular classes and complete all tasks. You will have a negative impact on your performance and grade if you don’t do this intelligently and effectively.
Both Programs Offer College Credit
Final grading in AP or IB is crucial in obtaining college credit and ultimately the college of your choosing. Students put in a lot of effort to get into the college they want. AP offers a great reward for its students. It’s easy to get into your dream college if you’ve received a high reward from your AP. IB students have difficulty due to the two-level course offerings and the district marking system. Few colleges prefer students who are only HL. Those who choose SL in IB have to be skeptical about their chances of being selected.
The program’s goal
- While each program has its own goals and purposes, IB and AP share a common goal: student development. Although AP is simpler and more affordable, it is still very popular in America.
- IB, on the other hand offers an International curriculum that includes all languages. AP focuses only on specific subjects. IB prepares students to be able to understand other subjects that can help them in the future. They also provide Ib internal assessment to the students.
- Students learn critical thinking and analysis skills through the IB. It prepares students to think critically. IB places great importance on extra-curricular activities.
- I hope this article has cleared up any doubts you may have about AP and IB. Each has their place, but you can decide which course to take after reading this article.