What is the difference between IB and Advanced Placement (AP)?
Both programs share the goal of educating young people to take on the challenge of further advanced coursework. They differ in that IB offers an entire program, which requires the IB student who chooses it (the Diploma) to master all course areas, conduct independent research, consider the roots of knowledge in a special class, and do community and school service. A student wishing to take just one or more IB subjects is also free to do that, and in that way it is similar to AP. Another difference is that IB scores (1-7) are based on several components of work, i. e. portfolio, oral exam, written exam, lab notebook, written papers; whereas an AP score (1-5) rests solely on a single exam. IB is internationally-based and AP is American-based. IB is only offered at twelve high schools in Minnesota, whereas AP is offered at over 200.
Related Questions
- Must I report Advanced Placement (AP) and/or International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level Examinations and submit official scores with the TAG?
- What is the difference between International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program and Advanced Placement (AP) courses?
- Does Penn accept AP (advanced placement) and IB (international baccalaureate) credit?
