“IB or AP?”
Are you confused about what to choose for your high school education: IB or AP?
This article has got you covered. Here is everything you need to know about IB and AP to make the best and most informed decision possible.
What is IB?
The International Baccalaureate (IB), most commonly referred to as the IB, is an international curriculum. The IB offers 4 different programs – Primary Years Program (PYP) for students aged 3-12, Middle Years Program (MYP) for students aged between 11 and 16, Diploma Program (DP) and Careers Program (CP) for students aged 16 to 19. When asking the question of what to pursue for grades 11 and 12, one of the most common debates is between the IBDP and AP. This article will, thus, focus on the IBDP and not the PYP, MYP, or IBCP.
The IB Program offers a unique curriculum that is student-driven and heavily research-oriented. The DP program’s curriculum is structured to help students become critical thinkers or “inquirers” as the DP likes to call it, and globally-minded citizens of the world. The way that the DP is structured is unlike what you will see in any other curriculum.
The IB has 6 main subjects and a core. Complementing the subjects and the core in the most integral way possible is the IB learner profile
In the IB, you are to choose 6 subjects from 6 groups offered. The groups are
Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
Group 2: Language Acquisition
Group 3: Individuals and Societies
Group 4: Sciences
Group 5: Mathematics
Group 6: The Arts
Each subject is a two-year course. Meaning, that you will cover the syllabus for each year over two years instead of the traditional one-year system. You have the choice of choosing an additional subject from either the sciences or individuals and societies if you do not wish to pursue the arts. And for each subject, you choose whether you decide to pursue it at a Higher Level (HL) or Standard Level (SL). You are required to pick 3 HL subjects and 3 SL subjects.
What is the difference between HL and SL subjects?
- The HL subjects are more advanced compared to the SL subjects.
- You will cover additional topics – sometimes existing topics in more depth, and some topics and chapters exclusive for HL students.
- You have longer teaching hours to cover this extra material.
- You may have additional assessed components as well. For example, in subjects such as English A: Language and Literature, you have an additional component (called the Higher Level Essay) to write.
- The weightage of your assignments and external exams differ in HL and SL.
As a side note, choosing the HL and SL should be done carefully since they can affect your college applications, specifically in terms of subject requirements for prospective programs. Make sure to do thorough research on the university requirements, and your capabilities, and speak with your career counsellors or IB program coordinator to ensure that you are making the best choice.
Subjects in the IB
In Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature, you can choose from one of the following:
- Language A: Literature – The IB offers you the option to pick from one of 55 languages. You will study texts that represent different literary forms, periods, and places. The subject will focus on a detailed analysis of the literary works and a study of the techniques involved in literary criticism.
- Language A: Language and Literature – The IB offers you the option to pick from one of 17 languages. You will study an array of ‘literary texts’ (such as plays, poems, and novels) and ‘non-literary texts’ (such as advertisements, comics, and movies).
- Literature and Performance – In this variation of the subject, you will study the relationship between literature and theatre. In this subject, you will read and analyse literary works across all genres, perform scenes from plays, and transform a non-literary work into a performance. This subject is available predominantly in English. However, you can also study it in Spanish or French only for the May examination session upon special request.
Generally, this group requires you to possess a good grasp of the language that you choose since lexical and/or literary analysis is done at a little high level. Students generally either choose their mother tongue or a language, such as English, that they have been studying throughout their schooling life.
In Group 2: Language acquisition, the IB offers the following subject variations:
- Classical Languages – Languages such as Greek or Latin can be studied in this course
- Ab Initio (AB) – This is a course where you learn a language from the ground up. This variation is designed for learners who are beginners in the language.
- Language B – Unlike Ab Initio, this variation is for learners who have had experience learning the language before, and hence tends to be a level or two higher than Ab Initio
Group 3: Individuals and Societies allows you to learn one of the many social sciences subjects offered. This subject allows you to learn about society, the economy, and the behaviours of human beings and helps you develop your critical thinking skills.
The subjects offered are:
- Business Management
- Economics
- Geography
- Global Politics
- History
- Information Technology in a Global Society
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Social and Cultural Anthropology
- World Religions
- Environmental Systems and Societies*
Group 4 consists of the Sciences. This group is self-explanatory. You can choose either a physical science or a technological science from this subject list:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Design Technology
- Environmental Systems and Societies*
- Physics
- Sports, Exercise, and Health Science
* Before we move on to the next two groups, please note that the subject Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) is an interdisciplinary subject and falls under both the humanities and sciences. You have the choice to do ESS under either group 3 or group 4, but not both.
Group 5: Mathematics is also self-explanatory. However, IB’s take on DP mathematics is unique. The IB offers two variations of mathematics:
- Analysis and Approaches (AA) – deals with detailed and complex mathematical concepts, derivations of formulae and theorems, and proofs. If you have a deep appreciation of maths, Math AA is your perfect choice.
- Applications and Interpretations (AI) – focuses on practical applications of mathematics in the real world. If you enjoy statistics and financial maths and love to learn where and how Math is used in everyday life, Math AI is your perfect choice.
University and program requirements for Math will differ. As an example, for business majors and humanities majors, Math AA is not necessary because these degrees do not require you to have in-depth knowledge of all mathematical concepts. However, for engineering degrees, Math AA HL is the norm. Doing Math AA HL would also get you more credit points, so it is generally recommended that you take Math AA HL for Science degrees. Before choosing Math AA or AI, and choosing HL or SL, refer to university requirements for your choice of major, and speak to your career counsellors or program coordinators to make the best decision.
And finally, Group 6: The Arts, offers subjects in the fields of visual arts and performing arts. If you are an art enthusiast, you can have a blast choosing from the following courses:
- Dance
- Film
- Music
- Theatre
- Visual Arts
Core Subjects
In addition to the main six, another group of IB subjects exists: the Core Subjects. This is made up of the following subjects:
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
- Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS)
- Extended Essay (EE)
What is the Theory of Knowledge (TOK)?
The Theory of Knowledge does not fall under any of the six subject categories we discussed earlier. However, it is integrated into each subject. TOK is epistemological and explores the nature of knowledge and knowing, encourages critical thinking, and delves into what qualifies as evidence, fostering a deeper understanding of knowledge and its applications. In this subject, you will cover a core theme (Knowledge and the Knower) plus six optional themes:
- Knowledge and Technology
- Knowledge and Language
- Knowledge and Politics
- Knowledge and Religion
- Knowledge and Indigenous Societies
What is Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS)?
In this core component, you are encouraged to learn holistically through engaging in activities, called “experiences”, related to creativity, activity, and service (~50 hours altogether). The main assessment of this subject is a CAS project that ties all three components together. If you play your cards well, you will be able to develop your college applications portfolio or your resume while doing the CAS, what a bonus!
For every CAS experience you do, you are supposed to keep evidence (pictures, reflections, etc.) to submit as proof of activities. This will help your CAS supervisor validate your experiences. You are not awarded any grade for the CAS. However, if the CAS requirements are not met, you will be denied your diploma regardless of the scores you achieve.
What is the Extended Essay (EE)?
The third and final component of the IB Core is the Extended Essay. This is the biggest research essay you will write in the DP. For your EE, you are supposed to write a 4000-word research essay. You will develop your own research question based on one of the subjects you are taking, and write an essay exploring it. While you have to do it yourself, your EE mentor or supervisor will be there to help you. Do not worry, you do not have to write 6 Extended Essays because you are studying 6 subjects. You only have to pick one subject you wish to do your EE. The EE is the equivalent of writing a thesis paper for a high schooler and will help you gain a lot of skills in research and essay writing.
Examinations in the IB
In the IB, two examination sessions are held in a year – the May session and the November session. When you take the examination will depend on what your school decides. Ensure to check with the school administration about which session the examinations will be taken since it may impact your college applications, decisions, and intake.
The IB final scores are a mix of internal components and external exams. What the Internal Assessments look like differ based on the subjects you take. For mathematics, sciences, and social sciences, you are required to write mini-research essays. For the Arts, you would be required to submit portfolio works or hold exhibitions showcasing your works, and for the languages, you would give oral assignments called the Internal Orals (IOs). The external exams are the board examinations you would take either in May or November.
The rules and regulations regarding the weightage of the internal components vary according to the subject. The process, outcome, and expectations vary according to the subject too.
What is AP?
The Advanced Placement curriculum, commonly referred to as AP, are college-level courses offered to high school students by The College Board. As you might guess, AP courses are most popular in the US and are an incredible addition to your application if you are targeting US universities. However, do not be mistaken, AP is recognized not just in the USA but all around the world. The College Board website states that 500+ universities in 75 countries accept AP courses.
While the AP’s curriculum is nowhere near as complicated as the structure of the IB, it is just as rigorous, effective, and respected.
AP subjects are to be covered within one year. In AP, each course is a one-time opportunity. If you decide to take AP Chemistry in grade 9, that completes your journey with the course; you will not retake it in the subsequent grades. AP allows you to start taking courses as early as grade 9 and continue through grade 12.
Subjects in the AP
The AP is more flexible in terms of subject choices and places no rigid impositions such as subject groups, subject levels, or limits to the number of subjects you can choose. If you have a wide range of interests, and you would like to explore more subject choices, the AP may be a better fit for you than the IB since the IB does not offer you the flexibility that the AP does. Some extremely competitive and competent students challenge themselves by taking 8 or even 10 subjects per year. Keep in mind that it can get very hectic and stressful to do that number of subjects; most schools advise capping at 5-6 subjects per year.
Suppose your high school offers AP courses alongside the national or regional curriculums. In that case, it is recommended to take up AP courses since it demonstrates to colleges that you are intellectually curious, you can push yourself, balance extra-curricular activities and academics, and that you are very academically inclined and motivated. Taking up AP classes and examinations on the side can boost your application a great deal. Please note that this particular advice applies to non-IB students only. IB students, while permitted to take AP exams, are generally not recommended to in-lieu of the heavy workload and clash in exam schedules. If you plan on enrolling in the IB and you wish to take the AP exams as well, make sure to think through thoroughly and take into consideration your time, your resources, your schedules, and other important factors.
Examinations in the AP
The AP exams, unlike the IB exams, take place only once a year in May. Another factor that differentiates is the fact that unlike the IB, for the AP, you only write year-end examinations. Subjects like literature, however, may require you to also write an essay in addition to exams. Be sure to check the subject-specific requirements from The College Board regarding AP subjects before making a decision. The AP is also focused on teaching specific content and is less skill-based and research-based than the IB. The AP’s goal is to help students prepare for college by allowing them to pursue college-level courses while in high school, and to earn credits that will let them skip introductory courses at college (AP at a Glance).
IB vs AP: Additional Information
In the IB, you can only do two sciences, and not three. If you are interested in pursuing multiple science subjects, then the AP would be a more practical choice. However, if you are research-driven, and would like to develop a strong skill-set that will aid you in university, or wish to pursue international careers such as international business, to name one, the IB would be a better fit for you because of the IB’s emphasis on research, building skills, personality development, and global mindedness.
Please be aware that to take the IB examinations or study the IB course, you must be enrolled in the IB. However, to take the AP courses, you need not be enrolled in the Advanced Placement. College Board also offers an option to take AP tests online, a facility that IB does not provide for Diploma Program examinations.
Universities value both the IB and AP equally. The course credits offered differ largely by university, which is why no numbers can be provided.
Conclusion
It is recommended that you do comprehensive research, think about your career path and goals, and keep in mind all the above-mentioned factors before making an informed decision.
Regardless of whether you choose to take the IB or the AP, the road ahead will be tough but worth it. I wish you all the best.
You may also like…
- Wangari’s thoughts on what IB is like in first generation schools?
- Monica’s advice on the IB Subject Dilemma: HL or SL?