IB or AP

Similarities of AP and IB

  • Both are rigorous programs devoted to educational experience with high performance expectations for students and faculty
  • Both attract highly motivated students who wish to excel academically
  • Both receive additional weight in calculating GPA
  • Both involve highly dedicated and creative teachers committed to their students, disciplines, and profession
  • Both use external assessments and evaluators to score assessments
  • Both offer extensive professional development opportunities for teachers and administrators
  • Both are recognized by most US universities for consideration for college credit or advanced standing
  • Both rely on objectivity and fairness in scoring assessments, removing personality and personal influence from the assessment system. Scores are based on the quality of wok evaluated against a set criteria or standard.

Differences between AP and IB

AP National standard of excellence

  • AP consists of independent courses for students who may excel in only one or two academic disciplines
  • College level courses
  • AP scores are based solely on the AP exam
  • AP exams are multiple choice and short-answer or essay exams
  • Exams are based on in-depth mastery of specific concepts within a given subject
  • Any student may take AP exams; IB students may take AP exams
  • AP teachers work within their discipline; independent of other academic areas
  • AP students form peer groups within individual classes
  • AP recognizes high achievement on AP exams through the AP scholars program
  • Policies are determined by national educators



Differences between AP and IB

International standard of excellence

  • IB is a 2 yr well-rounded education program with 6 areas of study, an extended essay, TOK and CAS
  • Comprehensive curriculum of college level work
  • IB scores are based on classroom work and on IB exams
  • IB exams are all short answer or essay exams
  • Exams are based on broad general understanding of concepts and fundamental themes
  • Only IB students enrolled in IB courses may take IB exams and receive IB credit
  • IB teachers work as a team to connect curriculum across the disciplines
  • IB seeks to create a cohort or peer group around all academics
  • Successful IB candidates receive an IB diploma for the full program or IB certificate for individual courses taken
  • Opportunities exist for the participation of the teacher and local school in shaping curriculum and international policies