Source: International Baccalaureate / Comparison of IB and AP Programs
Similarities of AP and IB
l Both are rigorous programs devoted to educational experience with high performance expectations for students and faculty
l Both attract highly motivated students who wish to excel academically
l Both receive additional weight in calculating GPA
l Both involve highly dedicated and creative teachers committed to their students, disciplines, and profession
l Both use external assessments and evaluators to score assessments
l Both offer extensive professional development opportunities for teachers and administrators
l Both are recognized by most US universities for consideration for college credit or advanced standing
l Both rely on objectivity and fairness in scoring assessments, removing personality and personal influence from the assessment system. Scores are based on the quality of wok evaluated against a set criteria or standard.
Differences between AP and IB
| Advanced Placement Program | International Baccalaureate Program |
| l National standard of excellence l AP consists of independent courses for students who may excel in only one or two academic disciplines l College level courses
l AP scores are based solely on the AP exam l AP exams are multiple choice and short-answer or essay exams l Exams are based on in-depth mastery of specific concepts within a given subject l Any student may take AP exams; IB students may take AP exams l AP teachers work within their discipline; independent of other academic areas l AP students form peer groups within individual classes l AP recognizes high achievement on AP exams through the AP scholars program l Policies are determined by national educators
| l International standard of excellence l IB is a 2 yr well-rounded education program with 6 areas of study, an extended essay, TOK and CAS l Comprehensive curriculum of college level work l IB scores are based on classroom work and on IB exams l IB exams are all short answer or essay exams l Exams are based on broad general understanding of concepts and fundamental themes l Only IB students enrolled in IB courses may take IB exams and receive IB credit l IB teachers work as a team to connect curriculum across the disciplines
l IB seeks to create a cohort or peer group around all academics l Successful IB candidates receive an IB diploma for the full program or IB certificate for individual courses taken l Opportunities exist for the participation of the teacher and local school in shaping curriculum and international policies |
