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Tips For Parents: AP vs. IB - Which is best for my kid?

This Tips for Parents article is from a seminar hosted by Jay Mathews, who compares Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) classes in relation to gifted students.
  • Topics
    • For Parents: Tips for Parents from YS Seminars
    • Support: College Planning
  • Author
    Mathews, J.
  • Organization
    Davidson Institute for Talent Development
  • Year
    2011

Much of the discussion on the Davidson site took me in different directions than I am used to going. Many of the parents were concerned about students who were working far above grade level and trying to figure out how to keep them engaged without being forced to enroll them in college at age 12.

My most important point was that for families needing the maximum flexibility, AP was much better than IB. Students can take the AP courses online. Anyone can sign up to take the exams in May. (I took them at age 52, as a reporter covering AP, to give myself some insights and some street cred.) IB is rooted in a system for 11th and 12th graders. Unless you want to promote your child to those grades right away, you won't be allowed into IB. The IB programs for younger children---the Primary Years Program and the Middle Years Program---are smart and engaging, but do not provide much acceleration beyond their grade levels.

HOWEVER, and I capitalize that word for a reason, if your student is an 11th or 12th grader and you are choosing between AP and IB, in my mind IB is the better program. The principal reason is that it has significantly more emphasis on writing than AP. The IB exams, unlike AP, rarely have multiple choice questions. Students must answer in essay form and their answers graded by human beings. (Usually about half of AP exam questions are essays graded by human beings, but a good grade on that section can get the student a final top grade of 5 on the exam even if he misses most of the multiple choice questions.)

A student who goes for the IB diploma, which requires the equivalent of six two-year courses, must also write a 4,000 word extended essay, often a research paper on some topic. Most of the former IB students I know say the extended essay was the most satisfying and challenging thing they did in high school, and prepared them well for college research. Let me put this next sentence also in all capitals: IN THE UNITED STATES, ONLY THE IB PROGRAM AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS CONSISTENTLY REQUIRE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT TO WRITE MAJOR RESEARCH PAPERS.

The failure to emphasize writing in that way is a scandal. But it is true.

That was pretty much the extent of my argument on choosing between AP and IB. Here are the important ways in which they are the same: College admissions officers love both fervently and equally. If you have taken 5 IB exams but not done the full diploma, you are still going to be regarded an identical, at least in that dimension, to the student who has taken 5 AP exams.

Many parents were interested in how many AP or IB courses and exams their children should take. The answer, based on conversations with many admissions offices of the most selective colleges, is three to five. Three is fine, particularly if the scores are good. Five is also good, but not much more so. If you take 6, 7, 8 courses and exams and on up in anticipation of the colleges giving more respect to those applicants who take the most AP or IB exams, you will be wrong. It is fine to take that many if the student enjoys them and thinks her time is better spent with them than other available courses but it will do nothing to improve her chances of getting into Harvard. She will be put in the same maybe pile with students who have taken just three APs, and the decision will be made on other factors---GPA and test scores relative to others in her high school's senior class, recommendations and activities.

I advised families to note that a student who is taking 12 APs may not have enough time to show the deep and passionate involvement in activites that the colleges seek. That would be bad. Be careful NOT to fill the activities box with several different enterprises. The student should put a lot of effort into only a few activities, no more than two, and one is enough if the student has reached a high level, like running a local assemblyman's campaign or winning the state lacrosse championship.

There is a problem at the moment at most colleges with getting course credit for one-year Standard Level IB course final exams. You can easily get credit for a good grade on a one-year AP course exam. You often cannot get similar credit for a good grade on a one-year IB course exam. This is the colleges' fault. They have been slow to see that they are discriminating against IB. But it is changing. Virginia's legislature has outlawed the double standard, and other states are thinking about doing the same.

An IB student who completes the full diploma will not have a problem, since he will have taken several Higher Level two-year IB courses that do receive college credit.

The most important point is that IB and AP courses are only as good as their teachers, so check with parents of children older than yours on the quality of instruction, then select withever program works best for you.

Permission Statement

This article is provided as a service of the Davidson Institute for Talent Development, a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to supporting profoundly gifted young people 18 and under. To learn more about the Davidson Institute’s programs, please visit www.DavidsonGifted.org.

Comments

Educator on 2/10/2021
Really a very helpful article thanks for sharing and keep on sharing! Baccalaureate Classes provides guidelines to Online IB students. We provide Online IB physics tuition's and we are best Online IB physics tutor. Enroll today for Online IB Tuitions. Read more:https://www.baccalaureateclass.com/online-ib-physics-tutors
Educator on 1/22/2021
IB DP or AP? One of the most important requirements of the two year DP is not really discussed in this thread. That's a shame. Theory of Knowledge (TOK), a required DP course of study for the IB diploma, puts IB students on another level. I taught IB economics for 30 years and I can assure you that DP students can reason at a higher level. Taking TOK, in my opinion, is one of the main reasons. You can find out about TOK on the IB website. https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/curriculum/theory-of-knowledge/
Student on 9/29/2020
As a 12th grader in the IB program, I can assure you that if you are looking for college credit, IB is a complete waste of time. I have been misled thinking that just completing the IB Diploma was going to instantly give you college credit for classes you have taken an exam in and have thoroughly studied. However, I learned after officially joining the program that SL classes are rarely awarded college credit. Considering that my school only allowed students to take 3 HLs, I have wasted my time and money thinking I had the chance to receive college credit for all my classes. Just realized my 6 in Business SL *DOES NOT MATTER FOR COLLEGE CREDIT* This is on top of having to complete research IAs, taking an exam, writing a 4000 word essay, being stressed through the roof. Do AP. You get more bang for your buck. At least you will have the chance of getting more college credit than joining IB while doing less work.
Educator on 9/22/2020
As a music teacher for the past 17 years, I find very little value in IB for both band or choir (and I teach both). I am supposed to fit a full state curriculum into 4 to 6 IB Planners within a semester and then I get a whole new group of kids in the 2nd semester. We have a state championship level marching band at the high school, so let's say a kid can only get band in the first semester of 6th grade and then the 2nd semester of 7th grade. This kid and their parents really had no choice but to have an ENTIRE YEAR between when they last played the instrument with their peers in a fun and team building musically rich environment. On top of that, they are nowhere near ready for state level playing when they leave my school due to our IB MYP transition. I would never let my own child go IB. AP was entirely o.k. for me as a child, and it allowed me to be more well-rounded. I don't feel any less transcendental having taken all of the art, music, p.e. and culinary arts classes that I wanted through middle and high school.
Educator on 9/18/2020
Really a very helpful article thanks for sharing and keep on sharing! Baccalaureate Academy provides guidelines to IB students. We provide IB Physics Tutors and we are best IB tutor. Enroll today for IB Physics Tutors. Read more:https://www.baccalaureateacademy.in/ib-physics-tutors
Parent on 7/7/2020
What a waste of my child’s time. She missed the degree by 2 points. The colleges that accepted her barely would have recognized the degree. She would have been able to get out of one elective class, useless. Due to COVID, there were no tests. No money back. As the children were struggling with on line classes, their projects became the final grade. Go AP all the way. Don’t think twice. There is much more benefit in the US to AP classes.
Educator on 7/3/2020
We https://www.ibglobalacademy.com/ib-tutors-in-delhi.html always support concept building of students through a knowledgeable and application based approach which can be used to solve issues of real life. The IB tutors at IB global academy strongly believe that we can transform the world if we would be able to convert our young students into global thinkers. We teach our students to be open minded observers while learning inside the classroom or outside the classroom. Students across the globe have the capacity to make this planet a better place not only for humans but also for millions of creatures on earth so that they can save and protect the environment for our future generation. The learner’s profile of IB motivates the students to be compassionate and caring for each other. Apart from academic help our IB tutors also guide the students in developing a balanced and principled approach towards life.
Student on 7/3/2020
As a student when i went to website https://www.ibglobalacademy.com i have found the difference between AP and IB and what i think that IB is easier than AP.
Educator on 6/24/2020
Really a very helpful article thanks for sharing and keep on sharing! Baccalaureate Classes provides guidelines to IB students. We provide IB online tuition's and we are best IB tutor. Enroll today for IB Tutions.Read more:https://www.baccalaureateclass.com/ib-online-tuition/
Student on 5/24/2020
I am currently an IB diploma candidate (a junior) taking five HL courses (Language and Literature, Math, History, Music, and Computer Science) in addition to two SLs my junior year, then another SL and a Dual Enrollment course next year. I have taken a few APs, but my school offers a limited number (I've taken four out of the six offered–I took Comp Sci, US Gov, Spanish, and BC Calc, but not Physics or Comp Sci Principles). For AP, sort of with the exception of math, it has felt far more like memorization than analysis. In IB, I feel like I've been taught how to really think–it has made me a far sharper student and a better person. I also think something important to mention about the IB diploma is CAS hours–they require you to have extracurriculars and be involved in your school/community in a way AP does not. Overall, in my personal experience, I have not had to sacrifice my life for IB, despite my challenging course load. I have a part-time job, I have a leadership role in three clubs (two big, one small), I'm a member of two additional clubs as well as being the manager for the field hockey team, I'm working towards my Girl Scout gold award, and I still have time to spend with my friends and boyfriend. My greatest challenge does come from my learning disability (I struggle with ADHD), but I am still able to manage. It depends on the person, and both programs are both strong as a whole, but I feel like I'll be going into college far more prepared as an IB student than I would as an AP one.
Student on 4/25/2019
As an 11th grader in the IB Diploma Programme, I can definitely attest to the statement that IB is tough and to an extent, takes over your life. However, I’ve found that IB is more than manageable if the student has good time management skills. I have been a swimmer for 10 years and being in IB has not forced me to reduce the amount I swim at all. I still hang out with friends, have an active social life, and am involved within my community. My experience with IB has been great, my teachers (for the most part) are wonderful and well trained, and I genuinely think I learn just as much in my classes as from the other students in IB. I am confident that IB is preparing me for college, and although it is tough, I truly think IB is worth the effort. To any parents reading this: I am glad my parents encouraged me to challenge myself and do the IB program. I am a better student, thinker, and person because of it. IB is definitely more effort than AP (I’ve done both) because throughout the two year IB program there are several research essays and other assignments one has to complete that contribute to ones overall IB scores. As far as I know, the top schools recognize that IB is generally more effort than AP, and takes more commitment from the student. I encourage students to join the IBDP because it does prepare you for the future, and it has taught me so much, about both school and generally how to be a moral, decent person.
Other on 10/11/2018
I'm sorry to hear that you believe only private schools and IB programs require long-form research papers. When I took AP US history at a public school four decades ago the backbone of the course was a series of ten research papers, each ten pages long (~2500 words). THAT was a good preparation for college! I hope some public schools still emphasize writing.
Student on 9/23/2018
As a year 12 student, I can say a lot about the IB program. I've been in an all IB school since 6th grade, and I lived in France prior to moving to the US. The IB is really good at making you a well-rounded student, and HL courses do allow you to be very strong in some areas. Students that take more than 3 HL courses often struggle, thus I would strongly recommend taking only 3HL's. Everyone saying that the IB kills your social life is correct, to some extent. If you can't manage your time well, don't take IB, because everything piles up and it gets very hard. I'm involved in soccer, and that hasn't hurt me academically, but I do stay up some nights past midnight doing my homework. The IB is very good at teaching critical thinking, while AP is much more memorization (as I've heard from friends who take AP classes). It is true that the IB is very rigorous, but it is definitely doable. I'm glad my parents chose an IB school for me because it did challenge me, but that's not something everyone enjoys or wants.
Student on 9/21/2018
Current college student past IB student- I was disappointed in my experience. My high school only offered regular or IB courses, not AP. Everyone who took IB courses had the same schedule. The only options we had were IB French or IB Spanish for a language. Also, the homework was busywork with the exception of math and history. Lastly, IB test were around $500 each if I recall correctly.There was a registration fee as well. I could not afford to take them. I mean $500 is a college class at a community college so you aren't saving any money by receiving college credit, just time. The college credit is what the administrators were pushing with this program.
Other on 7/30/2018
Fact: IB, due to its curriculum structure, is for students who want to be well-rounded. IB defines what everything is and means. The curriculum is tailored to what they perceive is successful. This is a great place for students who aspire to be well-rounded. Students who would rather be sharp as a tack in many directions should not attend. Frankly, intelligence is not a factor when it comes to this group. Any student at all who wishes to be focused in one or more particular fields and doesn't want to be well-rounded should not enter this program. This program will not be of very much help to students who want to be sharp and not well-rounded. Students with very high curiosity should pursue other paths than IB. IB is limiting for the very curious and aspiring students because all students must conform to their curriculum. Going beyond is neither possible nor allowed; the use of external curricula is required. It produces well-rounded minds, not sharp minds. It was designed for students who are academically inclined and pursuant of a well-rounded education. Students academically inclined and pursuant of a program fine-tuned to their specific mind should not enter the IB program. Opinion: --Parents need to show their children how to be curious, hard-working, and disciplined at a young age. This leads to free time that can be either productive or of leisure. Maximizing both time spent productive and time spent resting is the optimal way a child should be taught; this makes them as efficient as they can work without incurring stress from not being able to escape from it. IB allows for little free time; all free time is spent studying. --Students need to always strive toward higher things, because success doesn't descend to a person for them to accept. Opinion: The IB program makes the assumption that everything that they have is purposeful because they have invented purpose for it. This assumption is fallacious; invented purpose applies to inventions, and the gaining of knowledge never had to be invented.
Student on 7/6/2018
My middle school never incorporated the MYP into their curriculum, but I was accepted into an all-IB school for high school. The school was riddled with mental health issues and a need for a perfect grade on everything, but I'm aware enough to know that that is in part due to the school's culture and parental influence. That's not to say that the curriculum wasn't extremely rigorous, as it was. But when I compare the lesson plans and teaching styles to that of AP, I see a clear difference. A lot of AP classes that I've heard about through my friends seem to be preparing them for a test, with a focus on memorization and specific answers. In contrast, the IB encourages critical thinking skills and real-life application based on the knowledge we learned. The tests would ask us questions about how (in biology, for example) a certain process, like photosynthesis, is applicable in such-and-such situation and what factors may play a part in the effectiveness. In AP, the questions would be tailored as to how the process works. This emphasis on understanding and application I feel is much more important than memorization, and that combined with the other classes the IB employs such as Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay really put it above AP.
Student on 3/30/2018
I'm studying in an IB school, MYP, and I think for people who go to other classes, like music, sports and etc. should really choose AP over IB. The assignments the teachers give are sometimes very time consuming. For example, instead of teaching a subject, the teachers tell you to research about it and make a power point or poster about the subject. IB's great if you really focus only on school and not on sports or anything like that. Sometimes, they mix the classes ( 6 and 7 grades) and say that it is a way to help and get a group work experience. So instead of learning what you're supposed to learn in your grade, you have to get 'experience' in teaching. In Service and Action, you don't really learn anything, either. It's mostly about serving others to get experience. This is very time consuming, because you should write a summary and then a reflection, so I barely have time to practice my piano. IB doesn't teach me anything beyond my grade, so I think AP is much better.
Student on 11/12/2017
In all honesty, as an IB student in 10th grade, IB has given me several problems. I wasn't enrolled in a Middle school that had IB yet I was allowed into the IB programme. Since I've done that my life has taken a downhill turn. IB is for those who seriously want to be challenged and it's not for those involved in extracurricular activities or those who have a job. It completely consumes any social life you have as well. I had to drop out of dance and soccer just to keep up with everything that IB assigns. I absolutely would NOT choose IB if you want to do things outside of school like sports or if you have mental problems such as depression or anxiety. It can create huge amounts of stress for a student and in my opinion, if I were a parent, I would choose AP over IB. AP still gives you college credit and you can narrow down your options to just a few AP courses about things you would actually want to learn about. Having less stressful classes can also give you more free time to do whatever you like to do. That's all I have to say on the matter.
Student on 11/2/2017
For those interested in the IB program. Our school is fairly new to the two year diploma program, and this has caused much confusion between the students and faculty of the school. A majority of the time, the teachers barely grasp the concepts of the courses being taken, and come test time, this is often reflected in the students grades. Also, most of the students in the school signed up for the IB program because of college credit we would be receiving. As most of us our seniors applying for college, we have come to learn that most universities only accept credit for HL(Higher Learning) classes instead of SL(Standard Learning) classes. Most of us believe this is unfair, since the SL students are doing the same amount of work the HL students are, and we are not even receiving credit for it. The program is also very time consuming, and if you have a job, an sports activity, or any other responsibility outside of your school, DO NOT DO THIS PROGRAM. HOWEVER, the program can be very beneficial when applying for college, regardless of what class you take or what test grade you receive. Simply being a part of this program, especially if you are a full diploma candidate, can look very appealing on a college application. It shows the rigor and work ethic the student is capable of, and overall, opens a lot of doors into the college world for many students.
Student on 10/27/2017
Previous comments claiming that the IB course load is overwhelming at times are entirely correct. I am in my senior year of high school, and at times I feel as though I am way over my head. I came from a very good middle school, but do not let that fool you; I was the poster child of everything my middle school hated. I didn't do homework, I slept in classes, I didn't do projects, I disrupted class, I even went so far as to not attend a class on occasion. My GPA was abysmal. My teachers loathed my very existence. Fortunately for me, I did very well on the final exams either way. By some stroke of luck, I was accepted into a semi-local IB school, over an hour of commute a day. IB completely transformed me. Of course, I am not the best student; my class rank is top 15%, though, and I have great relationships with my educators. IB isn't only for the diligent and hardworking, it can also morph a previously mischievous and careless student into a scholar. I can speak from having taken both IB and AP courses, as IB only takes over your entire schedule starting junior year. This is where the previous comments I saw were completely foreign to me. My IB teachers are some of the most committed and knowledgeable teachers I've ever had, even over most AP teachers. They go through much more rigorous training, and for every hour the student spends working and cursing the teacher for the insane levels of work they seem to throw out haphazardly, the teacher spends two planning, grading, and reflecting. Seriously, I'm confident none of my teachers have anything resembling a personal life, they must really enjoy summer break (despite their mandatory IB trainings breaking up their supposed 'vacation'). Even now, I have this arduous Psychology paper to write (that's 20 pages long!) and am procrastinating by writing this, my Extended Essay is due in less than a week, and I have several ToK projects due next week. This isn't the first time I have been hit by the perfect storm of projects, tests, and IB deadlines, nor will it be the last. It should stand as an example, though, that IB does more than a good enough job preparing you for anything that might come your way. Most importantly, I have learned what I enjoy the most; I went into the program under the mindset that I hated all academia, and really just wanted to play video games. While I do still want to play video games more than I should, I have discovered my passion for Maths and Sciences, something AP never did for me. Yes, the course load is unrelenting. Yes, you often will be sleep deprived. Yes, you will be stretched to your boundaries... but that is what it is all about. You will learn that you are capable of far more than what you thought. Was it worth it? Do I regret forgoing all the potential leisure and relaxation, missing out on a large part of childhood? You ought to know the answers by now. NB: The suggestion that IB does not accommodate learning disabilities is entirely erroneous and unfounded. Students with diagnosed disabilities are given more time for tests, and can easily apply for extended time for any in school projects. For example, IB goes as far as to allow for those with a severe attention disorder to have a 'Prompter,' someone to ensure they are paying attention. More information can be found here: from IB themselves, a 29 page document. I don't want to post the link here for free that it might be moderated out automatically, but the pdf is easily found by googling IB accommodations for learning disabilities".
Student on 10/17/2017
Being part of the IB program has kept me up many nights with an aggressive and excessive workload. Many teachers do not fully understand the new IB program works and expect perfection while assigning far too much work. Grades sharply drop and students are expected to accept that 'they won't get high grades anymore' and are told that colleges value taking challenging courses over near-perfect grades, but are still expected to aspire to reach perfect grades with incentives such as merit scholarships and recognition. In conclusion, teachers do not support students well in the IB program.
Educator on 8/20/2017
AP is way better way more knowledge more enhancing skills where as IB is just too much irrelevant analysis you don't need, taking a load of AP classes and an AP program will be really benefiting. IB is not worth it.
Educator on 5/12/2017
The MYP program is actually rigorous and advanced contrary to what a lot of people have stated. And there is this misconception since the IB program is more commonly known compared to the MYP, therefore Ib gets the credit of all the rigor. But really MYP is basically IB for 6th-9th graders. Plus it is more preparing and effective as doing middle years AND IB since there is a consistency of rigorous course work. So in all IB is actually harder than in AP, as some of my students have also admitted. Not saying AP is worse. Just stating that AP is not as benefitting or "hard" as IB.
Student on 5/1/2017
IB is stupid hard. If you want to have a life then don't take it, if so take a few AP classes and you'll be fine. It all comes down to your work ethic, what you want and what you are passionate about.
Educator on 12/12/2016
As a retired teacher of 32 years and an advisor to a Model United Nations club, I find, the IB program, at least at the school at which I have voluntarily advised a Model UN program, so intense that many kids tell me they could not handle the MUN and IB. A few years back I had arranged for one of my kids to meet with the Undersecretary of State while we were participating at an MUN conference in Washington. She and her mother told me they would not be going as she had to review for the upcoming IB exams. As a teacher, I always believed that education is a much experiential as academic. I think the IB program demands so much of kids, they have little time to seek out experiences and the amount of stress I find my kids under, excessive. Many of them study to early in the morning. I wonder if kids who took the IB program compared with those who to AP are significantly more successful in college to warrant the time and effort. As a student much of what I learned came from extra curricular activities but few of my kids have the time. If anyone out there has run across any studies on the efficacy of the IB in college, would you post it?
Parent on 8/25/2015
Thanks for the info - wondering though - if you have a child that is in 9th now (my situation) and maxed out on preIB classes, what do we do in 10th grade before the 11/12th grade IB classes kick in? Chose current school b/c they could put him in math and science and language 2+ years ahead without grade skipping. But now concerned with 10th grade year since the true IB classes not open to him yet.
Student on 5/13/2015
Word of caution though. The IB is a lot of work. A LOT. Be prepared to support your child through many mental breakdowns and high stress situations. In the end it might be worth it. But it is very difficult.
Parent on 3/16/2015
Please know that if your student has a learning disability and a 504 plan or IEP, research the program! IB does not often recognize these accommodations. Also, the program is only as good as the teacher. My son, with an learning disability (LD), had a nervous breakdown. Even though he cognitively qualified, he could not keep up without accommodations. It was a horrible experience - a child with a love for learning became burned out from school at 16.
Student on 2/4/2015
As a freshman in my school, both diplomas are offered. Unfortunately, IB has kind of had the bad rap of being the diploma "that takes away your life." I don't see this as being true at all, advanced courses are still advanced courses in IB (whether Standard Level or Higher Level) and are likely to be the same degree of difficulty as my current classes are. After talking to some seniors who are in it, they've told me that IB is how you both get yourself a good path into colleges and prove your credibility to your classmates, and I've also been told that AP can still sometimes contain students who somehow ended up in a certain class and makes everyone wonder "how did they get in here?". The only hiccup to this that could physically limit a student's choices is how many courses they can have in their schedule, you need at least 7 slots, your Math, Science, English, Foreign Language, Social Sciences, and Arts (This category can be replaced by another course from the ones listed above, if it's offered). You also have your CAS class (Extended Essay, etc...) It's best to have 8 slots, that way you have room to either take a study hall or something fun that can serve as a stress reliever. At least my plan for the future is IB.
Student on 1/3/2015
Going to a school where both IB and AP were offered, I (as well as a lot of my friends) spent a lot of time in my counselors office discussing which was the right path. (I did a lot of online research as well, though I didn't find this site until recently.) With my counselor I looked at the benefits of both programs and learned that colleges want to enroll kids who took the most rigorous classes or were in the most rigorous academic program their school offers. I also learned that colleges consider IB to be more rigorous than AP, and that taking IB instead of AP (even if I had the same grades) would make them more likely to admit me. In addition we looked at students who had graduated the school after earning the IB diploma often started college in their sophomore year. Sure you get college credits with AP, but you get far more with IB. A former student told us that IB prepared her for college in a way that AP did not prepare some of her friends. IB also gave her a chance to spend a year going to Cambridge in England, where it would have been harder to do so if she hadn't taken IB courses. Another guest speaker, a successful business man, told us how he loves when he gets job applications where the applicant was in the IB program. He informed us that he is more likely to call them in for an interview or hire them than someone who did not take IB. Not to mention that IB applicants are far more likely than non IB applicants to get into foreign schools. These are just a small number of the numerous benefits of IB. My suggestion is this, if you have the to do well in school (regardless of your academic program) or want to challenge yourself, TAKE IB. But be aware it's hard work.
Student on 12/24/2014
Some say that IB takes away your life... in reality, IB gives you a life. Think about it, the International Baccalaureate Programme is designed for the most academically inclined students, and keeps you submerged in your studies for the entire day. Basically, your life is IB. Regular and AP classes give you the chance to participate in extracurricular activities and have a social life; they are just PART of your life. IB is designed to BE your life.
Student on 12/8/2014
IB not only prepares students for college and improves their academic skill, but it also prepares them for life in general. Public speaking, professionalism and college-readiness are some of the few things IB can and WILL prepare you for in the real world.
Parent on 11/17/2014
I have a child in an IB Diploma program. Before making a decision on AP or IB, we talked to parents with older kids in AP, IB and regular programs. There is one common comment from AP and regular program parents: "IB is tough and demanding, it is difficult for IB students to score high grades. Because of this, IB students could be marginalized for university admission." As a concerned parent, I anxiously searched for info on these programs and hence the decision - IB. We believe that students should take up challenges whenever possible, especially when they are young. This will help to prepare them for the even more demanding and challenging real world.
Educator on 10/10/2014
I would disagree that the IB Curriculum has a liberal arts slant. This may be based on what your school has chosen to focus on. As a Diploma Program(DP) Coordinator and mother of four (2 DP and 2 TBD), the majority of the students in our Class of 2014 went into Engineering for college, my daughter included. We offer four different IB science classes (three at both Standard Level and High Level) and three levels of math. Every engineer took both Physics and Chemistry and many also took Biology. My second daughter has chosen the more liberal arts route of High Level English, History and Psychology. You design the program that fits your interests and needs... Providing your high school offers a selection of courses, of course.
Parent on 9/24/2014
Thank you so very much for this article. I really appreciate all the valuable information.
Parent on 9/22/2014
I would recommend that you look carefully at the full IB schedule of classes required for the diploma. It is strongly tilted towards liberal arts. Note that some classes are two years in length. Not a big deal in English/Lit or History; bigger deal when you have to take two years of the same science. Many science-oriented kids opt for AP. Several teachers have also said AP math is harder and more comprehensive than IB math. Parents in our district who have multiple kids, some of which have done both, have said kids who took AP got more scholarship money/merit aid. Our district added the IB Career Certificate, which has about half the requirements of the full diploma and is geared towards a specific specialty.
Student on 4/3/2014
Hi I'm a 10th grader in high school and I'm making my schedule next year. At first I didn't know whether I should take the ib diploma or just AP classes. Now that I have read your article and my mom motivated me to be the best I can, I have chosen to take the IB diploma. My goal in life is to learn as much as I can. There are so many classes to take that interest me but there is so little time. Anyway, thank you.
Other on 10/25/2013
Hello all :D I was in the IB program and received my IB diploma in 2006. I will make this short and sweet; IB is tough, however, I felt more prepared than my classmates when it came to college. As a college freshmen, I was performing better than college seniors in my upper level lit classes (and my professors adored me). My parents did not have a college education, so when we had difficulties making the decision of AP vs IB. We chose IB, because we had heard the transition from high school to college (in terms of work, rigor, time management, etc) was almost nonexistent, because the program prepares you. Welp, they were right :D Now I'm a happy little teacher and I LOVE teaching my students the biological wonders of the word.
Student on 6/19/2013
I am currently a diploma student and all I can say is that I feel IB is a pain, a big pain. However, the reason I stayed was not for the diploma (although it played a huge role), the reason I stayed was because of the other students. When you're in the IB program you know that every single student you are studying with is going to get somewhere in life and you will all be successful. At the end of the day it is up to the student to become successful and doctors, engineers, etc., and I feel that many successful people did not take the IB to become successful - they all had passion and motivation.
Student on 5/28/2013
I'm not sure about AP (I've never taken an AP class), but I know that IB teachers all have to be trained through IB in order to teach any IB class. So from my experience, I've never had a bad IB teacher. All of my junior year teacher's have been great!
Educator on 4/12/2013
Jay, I disagree with you. Most of the "best schools" make reference to students' being prepared for AP tests. Not IB tests, because their students aren't allowed to take IB tests, unless they have been enrolled in IB courses. Why, if you've taken AP courses, or been home-schooled, can't you take IB tests? On the 4000-word IB essay, I did these, working up from 3000 words in 6th grade. I doubt that the pre-IB programme does this. IB (public) lets kids take 3 college-creditable HL courses. IB private, 4. Why the difference? AP lets kids take, 5, 6, 8, 12 college-creditable courses. More importantly, non-IB schools let their most brilliant students take 12th grade linear algebra, diff EQ, third-semester physics, organic chemistry, and other second-year SS and humanities college courses, on campus, or through concurrent enrollment in local colleges, in 12th or even 11th grade. Impossible in the IB Programme.
Educator on 1/29/2013
Dear Mr. Matthews, Thank you for your article. I found it to be quite accurate. For the student who is a freshmen and is two grade levels above his peers... Most U.S. high schools that offer the Middle Years Programme (MYP) offer the 9th and 10th grades as honors and therefore are advanced, however, that is not always the case and your evaluation of MYP and Primary Years Programme (PYP) as a whole is correct. Great teaching for all students. As a H.S. Diploma Programme (DP) Coordinator AND mother of a junior DP student (by her choice), I love, and strongly believe in the DP if it is a good fit for the student and their family.
Student on 11/11/2012
It might be true that AP students or those teachers who are strongly supportive of AP program are having some kind of stereotype or so towards IB. However, if you are an IB student, I must say that you can't really say that "memorization" and "exam-taking" are the only qualities to be found in AP courses. Unless you are an academically less interested student you shouldn't really feel that AP learning is a learning of "memorization" since if you are strongly inclined to learning new things you should be able to learn by yourself. Although AP do have weakpoints compared to IB in that it surely focuses simply on academic aspects of highschool life, I honestly think AP program exists not to FORCE you to MEMORIZE. People hate AP because typical education till today has had a strong focus on memorization-type learning and they hate it. Yet, if we twist some words, we can make even IB students the victims of FORCED SERVICE and FORCED EXTRACURRICULAR to LOOK FANCY. We must understand that IB and AP are apples and oranges. People can choose either, and they have rights to be honored for their choice of difficult academic subjects. However, either of the programs will survive if it can win over the test of time.
Student on 9/27/2012
I am currently a 12th grade student in the IB program and can attest to the rigor of the courses as well as the fostering of intellectual curiosity. You will see most, if not all AP classes "teaching to a test". That has been my experience after taking 4 AP courses (at the same time as IB classes my Sophomore and Junior years). IB tests are worth teaching to because of their open inquiry based questions. Knowledge from multiple subject areas and an advanced understanding (i.e. NOT rote memorization) of the topic at hand will gain you higher exam scores, and more college credit. AP classes for much younger students will offer the rigor required, but after entering high school I suggest IB classes for any student wishing to gain knowledge that transcends textbook learning/ memorization.
Student on 12/21/2011
The information provided about the IB program is completely false. I am currently a student in the middle years program at grade 9, and I know for a fact that we are learning FAR beyond our age. I have been in the program since 6th grade, and we learn two grade levels above average lesson plans. Do not make assumptions if you have not experienced the IB program. IB gives college credits starting at 7th grade, and when entering the diploma program, you get to take "different routes" and take classes for the career you want to pursue. In my opinion, IB is obviously much better than AP.
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