AP and IB are both rigorous academic programs that challenge high school students. But they're built on different philosophies and work in different ways. Choosing between them affects your entire high school experience.
AP lets you pick individual classes in subjects that interest you. IB is a comprehensive two-year diploma program with required elements across multiple disciplines. Most students don't get to choose since schools typically offer one or the other.
College Board runs AP, offering 38 individual courses. You can take one AP class or ten. Each class ends with a standardized exam in May. Scoring 3 or higher can earn college credit.
AP is flexible. Take AP Biology without AP History. Mix AP classes with honors or regular courses. Build a schedule that matches your interests and strengths.
The International Baccalaureate Organization runs IB from Geneva, Switzerland. The Diploma Programme (DP) is a two-year curriculum for 11th and 12th graders.
IB diploma candidates take six subjects across different groups: language, second language, social science, experimental science, math, and arts. Three must be Higher Level (HL) and three Standard Level (SL).
Beyond classes, IB requires:
Get the Resources You Need
Fiveable gives you study guides, 10,000+ practice questions, and cheatsheets for all 38 AP subjects. Our students have a 96% pass rate.
| Factor | AP | IB Diploma |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Individual courses | Full diploma program |
| Flexibility | Take any classes you want | Must take 6 subjects across groups |
| Years | Any grade | 11th-12th grade only |
| Additional requirements | None | Extended Essay, TOK, CAS |
| Assessment | One exam per course | Exams plus coursework |
| Grading scale | 1-5 | 1-7 |
| Global recognition | Strong in US/Canada | Strong worldwide |
Both are demanding, but in different ways. IB requires more breadth while AP allows more depth in specific subjects.
The diploma program forces you to stretch across disciplines. A math-focused student still needs to take language arts and social science at advanced levels. You can't avoid weak areas.
The additional requirements also add pressure. Writing a 4,000-word Extended Essay while managing six classes and CAS hours takes serious time management.
Studies show IB courses are at least as demanding as AP, with IB Standard Level often matching AP difficulty.
Individual AP classes can be extremely difficult. AP Physics C, AP Chemistry, and AP Calculus BC are among the hardest high school courses available.
The single exam format creates pressure. Your entire year of work comes down to one 3-hour test. Some students thrive under this pressure while others struggle.
AP also allows you to overload. Nothing stops you from taking 8 AP classes if your school allows it. This self-imposed difficulty can become overwhelming.
Both programs can earn college credit, but the specifics differ.
Score a 3 or higher and most US colleges grant credit or placement. Policies vary by school and subject. Selective universities often require 4s or 5s.
AP is deeply established in American higher education. Colleges know exactly what each score means and have clear credit policies.
Colleges typically grant credit for Higher Level scores of 5, 6, or 7. Standard Level courses rarely earn credit. Some schools grant credit for the full diploma.
IB is recognized worldwide, which matters if you're considering universities outside the US. European and international schools often prefer IB credentials.
Admissions officers value both programs. Neither gives you an advantage over the other when comparing equally strong candidates.
Colleges want to see you challenged yourself with what was available. If your school offers IB, doing the diploma program shows commitment. If your school offers AP, taking multiple AP classes in your areas of interest works just as well.
85% of selective colleges report that AP experience favorably impacts admissions. IB diploma holders also enroll, persist, and graduate at rates above the national average according to research.
Admissions officers review your transcript knowing what your school offers. They won't penalize you for not doing IB if your school doesn't have it. They also won't expect AP if you attend an IB school.
The rigor of either program demonstrates your readiness for college-level work.
Flexibility. Build a schedule around your interests. Take five AP classes in STEM and none in humanities if that's your strength.
Availability. More US high schools offer AP than IB. You're more likely to have access to AP classes.
Cost efficiency. Taking specific AP exams costs less than the full IB diploma fees. You only pay for exams you take.
Less holistic preparation. AP doesn't require you to stretch beyond your comfort zone. You could graduate without developing weaker areas.
No additional components. You miss the research, service, and interdisciplinary thinking that IB builds through Extended Essay, CAS, and TOK.
Comprehensive education. The diploma ensures you develop skills across disciplines. Colleges see a well-rounded student.
Research and writing practice. The Extended Essay prepares you for college research papers better than any AP class.
International recognition. If you're considering universities outside the US, IB credentials travel well.
Less flexibility. You must take courses across all six groups even if some don't interest you. A future engineer still needs arts or second language.
Time intensive. The additional requirements consume significant hours beyond regular coursework.
Limited availability. Only about 2,000 US schools offer IB compared to over 22,000 with AP.
Some schools offer both AP and IB. This creates options but also requires decisions.
You might be able to take some IB classes and some AP classes without pursuing the full IB diploma. This lets you customize your experience.
Check with your counselor about how this affects college applications. Some students find the mix confusing to explain.
If you want clear credentials, committing to one program makes your transcript easier to understand. IB diploma candidate or strong AP student both work well.
Whether you choose AP, IB, or both, strong preparation matters. AP exams require specific knowledge and test-taking skills.
Fiveable offers study guides for all 38 AP subjects, 10,000+ practice questions per course, downloadable cheatsheets, and live review sessions. Our students have a 96% pass rate.
Start preparing for AP exams →
Join 500,000+ students who use Fiveable. Just $72/year for all subjects.
Join 500,000+ students with a 96% pass rate
Just $72/year for all subjects
Is IB or AP harder?
Both are rigorous but challenging in different ways. IB requires breadth across six subject groups plus additional components like the Extended Essay. AP allows depth in specific subjects. Studies show IB Standard Level courses are often as demanding as AP.
Do colleges prefer AP or IB?
Colleges value both equally. Neither gives an admissions advantage over the other. What matters is that you challenged yourself with what your school offered and performed well. 85% of selective colleges say AP favorably impacts admissions, and IB students show strong college outcomes.
Can you get college credit from IB?
Yes. Most colleges grant credit for IB Higher Level scores of 5, 6, or 7. Standard Level courses rarely earn credit. Some schools also grant credit for completing the full IB diploma. Policies vary by institution.
What is the IB Extended Essay?
The Extended Essay is a 4,000-word independent research paper required for IB diploma candidates. You choose a topic, conduct research, and write an academic paper. It develops college-level research and writing skills that AP doesn't formally require.
Can you take AP classes at an IB school?
Some schools offer both programs. You might be able to take individual AP classes without pursuing the full IB diploma. Check with your school counselor about mixing programs and how it affects your transcript.
Is IB recognized in the United States?
Yes. All US colleges recognize IB credentials. However, AP is more common in American high schools, so colleges have more experience evaluating AP. IB is particularly strong for students considering international universities.
How many subjects do you take in IB vs AP?
IB diploma candidates must take six subjects across required groups plus Theory of Knowledge. AP lets you take as few or as many classes as you want. Some students take 10+ AP classes while others take just one or two.
What is Theory of Knowledge in IB?
Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is a required IB course that explores how we know what we know. It examines different ways of knowing and areas of knowledge. There's no AP equivalent to this interdisciplinary philosophy course.
Which is better for Ivy League: AP or IB?
Neither is inherently better. Ivy League schools accept both and don't prefer one over the other. What matters is your performance, course rigor relative to what's available, and the overall strength of your application.
How much does IB cost compared to AP?
IB diploma fees include registration and exam costs totaling several hundred dollars. AP charges $99 per exam in 2025. If you take many AP exams, costs can add up similarly. Both programs offer fee reductions for students with financial need.