At high schools across the world, advanced coursework is offered through either the International Baccalaureate (IB) program or Advanced Placement (AP) courses. While both are intended to challenge students and prepare them for college, they differ in structure, expectations, and overall approach to learning.
The IB program, developed by the International Baccalaureate Organization, is a structured, two-year curriculum taken during junior and senior year. Students are able to select specific IB courses they would like to take, or to participate in either of the IB programs offered: the IB Diploma Program (IBDP) or the IB Career Program (IBCP).
Students pursuing the full IB diploma take six subjects across different areas, along with three core requirements: the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) hours.
The Career Program is designed for students interested in combining academics with a specific career focus. Instead of taking six IB classes, CP candidates complete at least two along with a career-related study such as business, culinary, automotive technology, and more.
AP courses, administered by the College Board, are structured differently. They are offered individually by subject solely. Each course mirrors an introductory college class and ends with a standardized exam scored one to five.
The manner of assessments is one of the biggest differences between the two programs. IB courses use a combination of internal and external evaluations that emphasize critical thinking. Students complete Internal Assessments (IAs), which are graded by teachers and moderated externally by the IB organization, as well as final exams that are typically essay- or oral-based.
Colleges may award credits for both programs, though policies vary depending on the university. AP scores are often more likely to earn credit as many schools have standardized policies regarding which scores warrant college credit and how much credit each exam provides.
Credit for IB courses is generally harder to gain as many colleges only award for Higher Level (HL) exams with high scores and may not give credit for Standard Level (SL) classes. Some universities also limit the number of IB exams that can count for credits, making it less predictable than AP in terms of accumulating college credits.
At IB schools like South Lakes, these programs shape the academic experience by allowing students to hone in on not only subject knowledge but also research, critical thinking, and real world skills that can help prepare them for success following graduation.
