IB vs. AP

<p>I've heard many things about both the IB and AP programs, some good, some bad. According to my knowledge, taking the IB program takes much more time and effort to complete compared to the AP route. I just wanted to know your opinions on the pros and cons of both programs, and if one has an advantage for college admissions over the other.</p>

<p>I’m in the IB program but I take and have taken AP classes. Honestly, IB is slower but it is in fact much more work. Although the material in itself isn’t as hard, the work that comes with it is much more. So it depends on your school really. In my school, IB is more work.</p>

<p>I have never taken an IB or AP class so I may be wrong but from what i have heard IB History and IB English classes would be harder then their equivilent AP class because of all of the essays. IB Mathematics however are worse then AP Mathematics classes from what i have heard and i believe the same thing applies for AP and IB science classes. </p>

<p>Hope I helped =)</p>

<p>I have taken both IB and AP classes. My old school offered both. AP Classes are harder and move much faster than IB classes. For example IB Biology Higher level covers less material over the course of two years that AP Bio does in one year.</p>

<p>I’ve taken both, and I have to say that I would take AP, because it focuses more on how much you know, plus I like the structure of the tests better. Since I don’t know where I want to go to college, I’m taking IB, which focuses on the depth of what you know and makes you write tons of essays as well as unnecessary things such as TOK, EEs and CAS. :|</p>

<p>There are many threads on the comparison here on CC–search for them. The bottom line points, I think are: (1) a great deal depends on how IB and AP are administered in your particular school–both can be done well or poorly; (2) IB is better suited for some students than others; it is more of a coherent curriculum with additional requirements than AP–some students thrive in it, others feel constricted; (3) US colleges like both, although AP has some advantages in terms of getting college credit and placement.</p>

<p>Neither is favored over the other in admissions, which is all that matters</p>

<p>To me, IB vs AP seems sort of like Montessori vs. Normal. However, I’ve never done IB, so I may be totally wrong. Personally, after 9 years of Montessori, I was sort of interested in a not-so-catholic education.</p>