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“AP vs IB Classes: Which One’s Better For You?”
Introduction
Right about now, it’s probably the time in which you’re choosing (or are about to choose) your classes for next year. Everybody’s scrambling and obsessing over which classes to choose, which not to choose; which teachers suck, and which one’s give out the easiest and least amount of homework.
You get the point.
It’s stress time. At least, it always was for me. I always remember myself stressing over which classes I should’ve chosen, which classes my friends were choosing, and which classes would make the most sense for me and my goals.
Let’s just say: I am drastically different compared to the person I was just last year. So, I know that if I were put in the same situation in which I’d have to pick my own class and decide in what classes to spend my next year’s worth of time in, all I can tell you is that my decisions this year would definitely not match last year’s.
That’s why we’re here to help. Specifically, we’ll be helping those deciding between AP and IB. If you’re looking for a general post that helps you decide which classes to choose (subject, not difficulty), you can click here. And, if you want targeted advice for those looking to choose the best AP classes, then you can click here. Without further ado, let’s get it.
AP vs IB
AP Classes are offered by the College Board in the United States and provide students with college-level courses in a wide range of subjects. Students can earn college credits by scoring well on AP exams at the end of the year.
IB Classes are part of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme; offering a comprehensive curriculum that encourages critical thinking, research, and intercultural understanding. The program is recognized worldwide and aims to develop students who can contribute to a global society.
Curriculum & Course Load
AP: Students can choose from over 30 courses in various subjects. This flexibility allows students to focus on areas where they excel or have a particular interest. AP classes are typically one year long.
IB: Offers a holistic curriculum that includes six subject groups, with students required to take courses in each area. The program also includes the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) requirements, making it a more structured and comprehensive two-year program.
Flexibility & Recognition
AP: Known for its flexibility, students can take as many or as few AP courses as they wish. AP credits are widely recognized by colleges and universities in the United States and can lead to advanced placement or credit in college courses.
IB: Highly recognized internationally, the IB diploma is an asset for students applying to universities outside of the U.S. However, the IB program is more rigid, requiring a broad range of subjects and additional components like TOK, CAS, and the Extended Essay.
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AP Classes: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Flexibility in Course Selection: AP offers a wide variety of courses, allowing students to tailor their high school education to their interests and future academic goals.
- Opportunity for College Credit: Scoring well on AP exams can earn students college credit, potentially saving on tuition costs and allowing for a lighter course load in college.
- Strengthens College Applications: Successfully taking AP courses demonstrates to colleges a student’s ability to handle college-level coursework, making their application more competitive.
- Subject-Specific Depth: AP courses provide in-depth study in specific subjects, offering thorough preparation for related college courses or majors.
Cons:
- Variable Credit Acceptance: College credit for AP exams varies by institution, and some colleges may require higher scores to grant credit.
- Intensive Workload: AP courses can be rigorous, demanding significant time and effort from students, which can be challenging to balance with other responsibilities.
- Costs: There are fees for taking AP exams, which can add up, especially for students taking multiple exams.
IB Program: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Holistic Education: The IB program emphasizes a well-rounded education, promoting critical thinking, communication skills, and a global perspective.
- Internationally Recognized: The IB diploma is recognized and respected by universities worldwide, facilitating easier application to institutions abroad.
- Develops Research and Writing Skills: Through the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge components, students enhance their research and writing abilities, preparing them for college-level work.
- Encourages Community Service: The Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) requirement instills the importance of community involvement and personal development outside the classroom.
Cons:
- Program Rigor and Time Commitment: The IB diploma program is demanding, requiring a significant time investment and balancing act with extracurricular activities and personal commitments.
- Limited Flexibility: The IB curriculum is structured, with less room for electives or focusing deeply on a particular subject of interest compared to AP.
- Costs: Similar to AP, there are fees associated with IB exams, and in some cases, additional costs for registration or school support services.
- Not Offered by All Schools: The IB program is not as widely available as AP courses, potentially limiting access for some students.
Reaching A Conclusion
- Research College Credit Policies: Look into how the colleges of your interest credit AP and IB courses. Some institutions may favor one program over the other or offer more generous credit for certain exams.
- Assess Your Academic and Career Goals: Align your choice with your future aspirations. If you have a clear idea of your intended major, AP might allow you to dive deeper into subject-specific knowledge. Conversely, if you value a broad learning experience that prepares you for a range of disciplines, IB could be the way to go.
- Evaluate Your Learning Style: AP courses tend to be more focused on mastering content for exams, while IB’s approach is about how you apply and analyze what you learn. Reflect on which method suits you best.
- Consider Your High School’s Offerings: Not all schools offer both AP and IB programs. Examine what’s available at your school and how well those offerings align with your interests and college goals.
AP vs IB: Which One Suits You?
Consider AP if you prefer the flexibility to choose courses that align with your interests or college major. AP might be the better option if you’re aiming for a curriculum that allows you to focus intensively on specific subjects. It’s also ideal if you’re looking to gain college credits in advance, potentially lightening your college course load.
Consider IB if you’re drawn to a holistic educational experience that not only prepares you academically for college but also aims to develop well-rounded individuals with a global outlook. The IB program’s emphasis on critical thinking, research, and writing skills, alongside its requirement for community service, provides a comprehensive preparation for college and beyond.
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Example
Let’s create an sample persona named Elena. Elena is a high school sophomore with specific academic interests, personal traits, and future goals. This persona will help us explore a real-life decision-making scenario about whether AP or IB classes would be a better fit.
Elena: A Persona Overview
- Age: 16
- Grade: Sophomore in High School
- Academic Interests: Elena has a strong interest in environmental science and literature. She is passionate about addressing climate change and hopes to pursue a career where she can make a significant impact. She also enjoys creative writing and often participates in school literary contests.
- Personal Traits: Elena is highly motivated and academically ambitious but also values a balanced life with time for her interests outside of school, like volunteering at the local animal shelter and participating in the school’s debate team.
- Future Goals: Elena aims to attend a top university where she can study environmental science. She is interested in programs that offer research opportunities and internships.
Decision Scenario: AP vs. IB Classes
Elena is at a point where she has to choose between enrolling in AP classes that align with her interests or pursuing the IB diploma, which is offered at her school. She understands that both paths have their merits, but she needs to decide which program aligns better with her academic interests, personal traits, and future goals.
Decision
Given Elena’s strong academic interests, particularly in environmental science and literature, and her future goals, the AP program might offer her the depth and flexibility she needs to excel. The ability to choose courses that align closely with her interests and career aspirations, combined with the potential for college credit, makes AP a compelling option.
My Personal Opinion
WARNING, please DO NOT continue reading if you’re someone whose biased, and easily influenced by outside opinions.
In my honest opinion, I believe that -for a majority of people-, you might get more in return from AP classes than IB classes. The reason I say that is because in exchange for taking extremely difficult, rigorous, and mentally-excruciating classes, you’ll have to give up your mental sanity, freedom, and possibly, one of the most valuable experiences of your life, high school.
Of course, if you’re reading this post and in the middle of this decision in the first place, you probably don’t care about having fun, or doing anything enjoyable. And, I guess that’s fine. But, in my opinion, these years that we consider “childhood” are so invaluable and so precious. Why? Because we’ll never be able to experience them ever again. You’ll never have that experience of walking through those front doors, walking through your schools hallways, or being with the people you’re with everyday ever again.
Aren’t AP Classes The Same Thing?
No, they’re not. AP classes are rigorous and offer a similar level of work, but trust me, it’s manageable. You can still enjoy life, do sports, hangout with friends, and spend your free time productively and appropriately without losing it all in exchange for taking an AP class.
Of course, I must say: I cannot be your decider. After all, you know what’s best for you. Because, the truth is, I haven’t actually taken IB before. I don’t know what it’s really like; and thus, I can only base my opinions off of what people say online.
For that reason, I’ve said all the stuff I’ve said above. And it’s also why I’m going to tell you right now: you should choose what you feel suits you. If you’re a hard worker, are always motivated, and are willing to spend your free time working, studying, and mastering your mental capacity, then go for it. Otherwise, if you’re someone that takes forever to start working, and needs an absolute load of motivation to get off the couch and start working on the computer, I would seriously reconsider any sort of AP class, let alone an IB class.
Conclusion
The classes you choose today, and have tomorrow, are the same ones that’ll decide your next few years. In the end, nothing you do right now matters all that much, even the SAT really; so proceed with caution. But, always be aware that you won’t lose it all just because you chose a class that was too easy or too difficult.
We all have regrets. What matters is what to do afterwards to push forward.
