AP and IB: Understand the Difference

II. Understand the Advanced Placement program (AP)

1. Overview

AP (Advanced Placement) course is a program in the United States and Canada created by the College Board, which offers college-level curricula and examinations to high school students.  Similar to the SAT Subject Tests, there are AP tests that cover a range of subjects from Biology to European History to Music Theory.  There are currently over 38 AP test options, though few high schools offer classes in every subject.

Students that study the AP program will usually undertake three to four courses each year, in the final year up to seven courses may be studied.  Each course is developed by a committee composed of university faculty and AP teachers and covers the breadth of information, skills, and assignments found in the corresponding university course.

2. Why choose Advanced Placement?

Nearly all U.S. and Canadian colleges accept AP scores for placement or credit, as do many international universities. AP might be the right choice if your child is over-scheduled: unlike the IB Diploma Program, which includes extracurricular commitments, AP is solely curricular.

Another point worth considering is that similar to A-levels, students can take AP exams without being enrolled in an AP class. If students have proficiency in a language that’s not offered by their school or they want to self-study for a niche subject such as art history, then the AP program will give them more flexibility.

3. International schools in Ho Chi Minh city that offer AP program

• American International School
• APU International School
• International School Ho Chi Minh City – American Academy
• Saigon South International School
• The American School

III. How the IB and AP Programs Differ

• Availability

Both IB and AP courses offer students the opportunity to challenge themselves with higher-level classes.  College admissions officers often look favorably upon applicants who participate in these programs.  According to the National Association of College Admissions Counselors, grades in college prep courses such as AP and IB classes were listed as being of considerable importance by nearly three-quarters of admissions officers.

Compared to the AP curriculum, the IB program is relatively small in the US.  Fewer than 1,000 US schools offer the IB program while more than 20,000 high schools include AP coursework as an option.  Conversely, the IB curriculum is much more prevalent internationally.  According to the IB Organization, over 5,000 schools in 158 countries offer the IB curriculum.  So, participating in AP courses may be more accessible for students in the US, while the IB is globally more accessible.

• Content and Structure

The AP and IB curricula are designed differently, leading to some distinguishing characteristics.  AP offers 38 classes that are subject-specific and designed to be taken on an individual basis.  IB offers 56 classes (counting HL and SL separately) which are generally broader and require a holistic approach.

The IB program entails a more structured process, whereby students choose 6 subjects and go to classes and study their chosen subjects over 2 years, completing coursework (including research and presentations, for example) along the way.  Additional required elements of the IB program include participating in extracurricular activities that focus on creativity, action and service (CAS); Theory of Knowledge (TOK); and the Extended Essay.  TOK encourages students to reflect on diverse ways of knowing in their own culture, in the cultures of others and in the wider world.  This course prepares students to be aware of themselves as critical thinkers.  The Extended Essay is an independent research project in an IB subject of the student’s choice that they conduct under the guidance of a supervising teacher.  The process is intended to promote high‐level research and writing skills, intellectual discovery and creativity.

Nguyễn Hải Nam – one of our College Compass students – is a real-life example of a Vietnamese student taking an IB program for 2 years in United World College East Africa. In his episode with Chuyện du học podcast, Nam shared many detailed and valuable information about the IB program. If you have interest, listen to Nam’s episode at:

In contrast, there is no comprehensive program for the AP curriculum.  Instead, students select specific courses in an a la carte fashion and mastery is determined by one exam at the end of the course.  However, anyone can register for and take an AP exam – completing the course is not required to sit for the exam.  So in some cases students who are interested in AP credit but do not have access to the course at their school can self-study for the AP exam and take it on their own.

In short, IB and AP have different study goals. IB has more emphasis on writing and developing critical-thinking skills – and not just on the exams themselves.  In contrast, the AP is a program focused on teaching students specific content and testing their knowledge via exams.

• Requirements for completion

• Expense

Another difference is that IB exams are more expensive for US students than AP exams.  Students pay $94 to take an AP exam, according to the College Board, whereas, students pay a $119 per subject exam fee for the IB program.

However, many schools have financial aid and fee-waiver programs for these exams, so your actual cost could be lower.  Also, remember that these fees, albeit steep, are much less than the cost of taking the equivalent course in college.

IV. What experts say at Everest Education

When it comes to applying to college, just like with the SAT/ACT, there’s no curriculum that colleges prefer.  Admissions officers know that students are learning in a variety of curricula across the globe, and they evaluate applicants with that context in mind.  When choosing between AP and IB curriculum, students should take the one that is the better fit for them and their goals.  Both will prepare students for the rigors of higher education.

At Everest Education, we have years of experience working with students from international schools who are taking a wide variety of curricula, from AP and IB to A-levels and beyond. “Regarding holistic development, the IB is the most comprehensive, because it’s an entire curriculum.  It does not just focus on individual subjects but offers a framework for different subject groups and extra components.  IB might be a more realistic preparation for liberal arts college and ensures a well-rounded education.  However, depending on what you do outside of academics, AP can be equally indicative of your academic ability. If you choose AP programs, you can of course also do extra-curricular activities to enrich your qualifications.

It is important to keep in mind that although schools are eligible to offer the AP or IB program, not all of the subjects are available at every school. There will be some subjects available in certain schools, so make sure that your desired subjects are available in the program you choose.”, according to Ms. Shannon Rybacki, Chief Operation Officer at Everest Education.

At Everest Education, we have many years of experience providing test prep and tutoring programs for homeschooled students and students from top international schools in Ho Chi Minh city, including BIS, ISHCMC, SSIS, AIS,…  Our tutors are experts in math, writing, science, and English – all of the subjects your child needs to master if they’re planning to take the SAT, IELTS, AP, or IB exams.  Our test prep courses create customized study plans to get each student the maximum score improvements possible.  When facing high-stakes academic exams like these, with Everest Education your child will be equipped with the tools to succeed.

Reference:

https://www.shemmassianconsulting.com/blog/ib-vs-ap

https://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/high-school-notes/2014/09/02/discover-the-difference-between-ap-and-ib-classes

https://www.ivywise.com/blog/