01 What is the AP Program?
AP stands for Advanced Placement. It is a program run by the College Board, the same organization that administers the SAT. The purpose of AP is to offer high school students the opportunity to take introductory college-level courses while still in high school. AP courses are essentially college-level courses that can be taken during high school.
The College Board offers AP subjects across 22 categories and 38 disciplines, covering areas such as languages, foreign languages, arts, history and social sciences, mathematics, and science. However, this does not mean that every school offering AP must provide all these subjects. Each school decides, based on its own situation, whether to offer AP courses and how many to offer, as this is directly related to student quality and teacher resources.
AP only provides a score report; there is no AP certificate or diploma like the IB. Therefore, if you study AP courses in high school, you typically must first complete your regular high school requirements to earn your high school diploma, and then, as an extension, take additional AP courses if you have the capacity.
Courses Offered
Currently, the AP courses commonly offered in China include:
1. Language: AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Spanish, AP Japanese
2. Mathematics: AP Calculus, AP Statistics
3. Social Sciences: AP Microeconomics, AP Macroeconomics, AP Psychology
4. Natural Sciences: AP Physics, AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, AP Computer Science
Scoring Criteria
AP exams are scored on a 5-point scale. Generally, scores of 3 or above are accepted by most universities and can be used to earn college credit, potentially up to one full year. A few top universities, such as Harvard, require a score of 4 or 5 for credit.
Each AP score is determined by combining the student's responses to multiple-choice and free-response questions. The multiple-choice section is scored by computer, while free-response answers are evaluated by college professors and experienced AP teachers; the two parts are combined to determine the final score.
A score of 5 or 4 on an AP exam is generally equivalent to an A in a college course, though at some institutions a 4 may be considered a B. A score of 3 often corresponds to a B, but at certain universities, it might be treated as a C.
Exam Dates
Registration for AP exams typically opens around the end of each year and closes in March of the following year. The registration process generally falls into two categories: if your school offers AP courses, you can register through the school's AP coordinator; if your school does not offer AP, you can take the exam at a participating school.
02 What is the IB Program?
The IB program was founded in 1968 at the International School of Geneva, originally designed for children of diplomats, business people, and others who frequently relocated internationally. It began with the Diploma Programme (DP, for the final two years of high school) and later added the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in 1994 and the Primary Years Programme (PYP) in 1997.
The IB is actually a comprehensive curriculum framework spanning from ages 3 to 19, encompassing primary years, middle years, and culminating in what we now commonly refer to as IBDP—the IB Diploma Programme.
IB can only be pursued at IB-registered schools. Upon successful completion, students receive a unified certificate (IBDP). If a school does not offer the IB program, students cannot take IB subjects. Therefore, only students enrolled in IB schools can take IB courses. IB scores are accepted by universities in almost every country worldwide.
The IB diploma for domestic students generally serves three purposes:
In countries with four-year undergraduate programs, such as the United States and Canada, IB courses can be used to earn college credit.
Due to its international recognition, IB scores can be used directly for university applications without needing other exams or courses, for example in Canada, Australia, and the UK.
IB courses are considered rigorous high school curricula, so applying with IB scores often provides a significant advantage.
Curriculum Structure
The IB curriculum comprises three core elements plus six subject groups. Subjects are taken at either Higher Level (HL) or Standard Level (SL).
The three core elements are:
TOK (Theory of Knowledge): An interdisciplinary course that challenges students to question the bases of knowledge, recognize subjective and ideological biases, and develop analytical skills while presenting reasoned arguments.
EE (Extended Essay): To earn the diploma, students must complete an extended essay in the final stage of the IB, conducting independent research on a chosen subject and writing a 4,000-word paper (or 4,800 Chinese characters).
CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service): The extracurricular component of IB is fulfilled through CAS, which requires students to engage in activities embodying creativity, activity, and service. It encourages experiential learning and sharing talents with peers, making it a holistic development requirement. All three core elements must meet specific hour and passing criteria to earn the diploma.
The six subject groups are:
Group 1: Language A (Mother Tongue)
Group 2: Language B (Second Language)
Group 3: Individuals and Societies (History, Geography, Economics, Philosophy, Psychology, etc.)
Group 4: Experimental Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Systems, etc.)
Group 5: Mathematics (Mathematics HL, Further Mathematics SL, Mathematical Studies, Mathematics SL, etc.)
Group 6: The Arts and Electives (Visual Arts, Music, Theatre Arts, etc.)
Students must take all three core elements and six subjects. From the six groups, at least one subject must be taken from each of the first five groups; Group 6 is optional. If a student does not choose a Group 6 subject, they may select an additional subject from Groups 1 to 5.
The difference between HL and SL lies in difficulty, not in course design. SL courses require 150 hours of instruction, while HL courses require 240 hours. To earn the diploma, at least three subjects must be taken at HL.
Grading System
Each of the 6 subject groups is scored on a scale of 1 to 7, for a maximum of 42 points. A grade of 4 is considered a pass.
TOK, EE, and CAS contribute up to 3 additional points (CAS does not contribute points but must be completed).
To receive the IB Diploma, students must achieve a passing score in all six subjects and successfully complete TOK, EE, and CAS.
IB students worldwide follow the same syllabus and take globally unified exams at the end of the program. Exams are administered twice a year (in May for the Northern Hemisphere and November for the Southern Hemisphere), with papers identical in nature for both sessions. All exam grading and score releases are centrally managed by the IB organization and announced simultaneously.
Credit Transfer
Scoring System
The maximum IB score is 45 points: up to 42 from the six subject groups (7 points each) and up to 3 from the core components. The diploma threshold is 24 points; scores below 24 do not qualify for the diploma.
Credit Transfer Methods
In the United States and Canada, IB scores can typically be used to earn college credit. In Australia and the UK, where undergraduate programs are three years, IB scores are generally used for admission but not for credit transfer.
Generally, IB credit transfer follows these rules:
1. An IB Diploma (with a total score of at least 24 points) can earn up to 30 credits. Most universities accept IB credits, though some, like Harvard, may not.
2. Individual subjects typically require a minimum score of 4 to earn credit. Some courses or universities may require a 5, 6, or even 7. Higher scores often translate to more credits. For example, at Johns Hopkins University, a score of 6 in IB Physics earns 4 credits, while a 7 earns 8 credits.
3. For applying to top-tier U.S. universities, a score around 37 is often needed; for Top 30 institutions, aim for 39 or above; for Ivy League schools, aim for 40+ across the six subjects, plus the core points, to have a competitive total of 42+.
Exam Dates
IB offers exam sessions in May and November each year, with results available in mid-July and mid-January, respectively.
03 How Do They Differ?
Fundamental Differences
AP is rooted in the American education system, focusing on subject-specific depth. After completing a course, a single exam assesses your knowledge, giving high school students a head start on college-level material.
IB is more internationally oriented, promoting a balanced mix of arts and sciences and emphasizing well-rounded development. It covers a broader scope and presents greater challenges, honing academic ability, research writing skills, and extracurricular engagement to demonstrate comprehensive qualities.
AP Is More Widely Adopted Than IB
Most American high school students take AP courses. In 2014, over 2 million students took AP exams, while only about 135,000 took IB exams. Over 14,000 public schools in the U.S. partner with the AP program, compared to approximately 800 for IB.
IB Is More Expensive Than AP
Each AP exam costs $94, with no additional fees.
Each IB exam costs $119, plus an annual registration fee of $172.
*Keep in mind that while these fees are significant, they are still far less than the cost of taking equivalent college courses.
With IB, Coursework Is Required Before the Exam
You can take an AP exam without enrolling in a course, but for IB, you must complete the IB coursework before sitting for the exam. This gives AP more flexibility.
Certification
IB can only be pursued at IB-registered schools. Upon successful completion, students receive a unified certificate (IBDP). If a school does not offer IB, students cannot take IB subjects. IB scores are accepted by universities worldwide.
AP is a set of college-level courses offered by the College Board. Any motivated high school student, even if their school doesn't offer the course, can self-study or receive tutoring and take the globally standardized exam. After the exam, the College Board sends a score report, but no certificate is issued.
IB and AP Have Different Program Goals
IB encourages critical thinking beyond just exam performance and requires in-depth essay writing. AP, in contrast, focuses on teaching specific content and testing students' exam knowledge on that content.
Summary:
As for whether IB/AP impacts college applications, having IB/AP scores can certainly add a strong element to your application. Compared to students in regular programs, universities are more likely to admit those with IB/AP credentials. However, in recent years, universities have increasingly emphasized volunteer activities, essays, and other "soft factors." To apply confidently, you must excel in every aspect!
Comparing AP and IB, AP courses are designed for students who can successfully complete high school coursework and want to build a foundation for college studies. The IB program is better suited for students aiming for socially impactful careers, as it emphasizes international-mindedness and social responsibility, requiring strong analytical writing and communication skills. It is time-consuming and demanding. Therefore, whether AP or IB, the best choice is the one that suits you best.
