Author: Lola Gueguen
With the recent opening of our high school, the French American Academy has been thoughtfully exploring the best ways to support our students as they prepare for college and beyond. This includes careful consideration of curriculum, extracurricular opportunities, teaching practices, academic rigor, and the overall learning environment, all with the goal of creating a rich, meaningful, and well-rounded educational experience for students.
One area we place particular value on is our curriculum, specifically our choice to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Many families are already familiar with Advanced Placement (AP) courses, a U.S.-based program that provides college-level, subject-specific classes for high school students. Naturally, this may lead to the question: How does IB compare to AP? Like AP, the IB Diploma program is rigorous, internationally recognized, and highly respected by universities. IB Diploma is a comprehensive two-year program in grades 11 and 12 that emphasizes a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to learning.
AP vs. IB: A Side-by-Side Overview
| Advanced Placement (AP) | International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma) |
| U.S.-based program developed by the College Board | Internationally recognized program offered in over 160 countries |
| Students take individual, subject-specific courses over the course of one school year (e.g., AP Biology, AP Calculus) | Students complete a cohesive two-year diploma program across multiple subject areas |
| Students may take one or multiple AP courses each school year | The IB Diploma Programme includes three core components, in addition to coursework across six subject groups. |
| Focuses on content mastery and the “what” of learning | Emphasizes critical thinking, inquiry, and the “how” and “why” of learning |
| Each course typically ends with a standardized exam | Assessment includes multiple exams, internal projects, labs, essays, and presentations |
| College credit is awarded based on exam scores and university policies | College credit is often awarded for strong performance in individual Higher Level (HL) IB subjects or for completion of the full IB Diploma as well as for some Standard Level (SL) subjects. |
| Best suited for students who want advanced study in specific subjects | Ideal for students who thrive in a structured, interdisciplinary, and project-based program |
A Closer Look at AP and IB
The AP program was designed to help high school students distinguish themselves in an increasingly competitive college admissions landscape, while also offering the opportunity to earn college credit during high school. Overall, AP courses allow students to focus deeply on individual subjects, making this flexibility especially appealing for those who want to pursue advanced study in specific areas. The College Board currently offers approximately 40 AP courses, though availability may vary by high school. These courses include traditional academic subjects such as calculus, biology, and statistics, as well as elective options like psychology and studio art drawing. This wide range of offerings allows students to choose courses that align with their specific interests, strengths, and potential career goals. AP courses are typically fast-paced and academically challenging, helping students build the skills and habits needed for college-level learning. In addition, AP courses often carry additional weight when calculating a student’s GPA, which can positively impact their overall academic profile if they perform well. Finally, strong performance on AP exams may result in college credit, depending on university policies.
In contrast, the IB program offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to learning that emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and effective communication. It is designed to help students develop a deeper and interconnected understanding of subject material by learning across disciplines rather than studying subjects in isolation. Additionally, the rigor of the IB curriculum challenges students to grow both academically and personally, helping them develop strong time-management and organizational skills, as well as a meaningful understanding of global and cultural perspectives. To complete the IB Diploma, students must complete three core components that encourage them to apply their knowledge and skills in thoughtful and practical ways:
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK): A course that helps students reflect on how knowledge is created and evaluated across different disciplines
- Extended Essay (EE): An independent, in-depth research project that builds college-level writing and research skills
- Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS): Experiences that address one or more of the three strands, promoting personal growth, community engagement, and a healthy lifestyle beyond the classroom
In addition to these core components, IB Diploma students study six subject groups:
- Studies in Language and Literature
- Language Acquisition
- Individuals and Societies
- Sciences
- Mathematics
- The Arts (this option can be replaced with another of the above subjects)
Students take a minimum of three and a maximum of four subjects at the Higher Level (HL), with the remaining courses taken at the Standard Level (SL). Higher Level courses are more in-depth, require additional instructional hours, and ask students to demonstrate a greater depth of knowledge and skill compared to Standard Level courses. Students who do not wish to pursue the full IB Diploma may still take individual IB courses in subjects that align with their strengths and interests. In this pathway, students are not required to complete all of the IB core components, allowing for a more flexible and manageable approach while still benefiting from the rigor of IB coursework.
Assessment and College Credit: AP vs. IB
With two strong options, it is natural to wonder: Is there a better option? Is one more advantageous than the other? A helpful place to begin is by taking a closer look at how students in the AP and IB programs are evaluated, and how their scores are used by colleges and universities.
- In the AP program, students typically complete a cumulative exam at the end of the school year. These exams usually include a combination of multiple-choice questions and free-response sections, which may take the form of essays or problem-solving tasks. AP exams are scored by a U.S.-based organization on a scale of 1 to 5. Colleges and universities determine their own credit policies, but in many cases, a score of 3 or higher may qualify a student for college credit.
- The IB program uses a more comprehensive, multi-modal approach to assessment. Rather than relying solely on a single exam, students are evaluated through a combination of internal and external assessments. Internal assessments are assignments that students complete during the school year as part of their regular coursework. These may include research projects, labs, essays, presentations, performances, or oral exams. External assessments typically include end-of-program written exams, as well as select coursework that is submitted to and graded by international IB examiners. These assessments are taken at set times and are evaluated outside the school to ensure consistent, global standards across all IB programs. Together, internal and external assessments contribute to a student’s final IB course score.
- In the IB program, students receive a score for each course on a scale of 1 to 7. To earn the IB Diploma, students must achieve a minimum total of 24 points out of a possible 45 across their courses, including their core course requirements. Many universities recognize the full IB Diploma and award college credit for it. Students may also earn credit for individual IB courses, most commonly Higher Level (HL) courses with scores above 4 out of 7, even if they do not complete the full diploma. Standard Level (SL) courses may also be considered, though policies vary by institution. To find out what credit you’ll earn in your dream university, check on this link.
College Credit and Beyond: How AP and IB Are Viewed and Accepted
Colleges and universities widely recognize and accept both AP and IB as rigorous, college-preparatory programs. While college credit policies vary by institution, both AP and IB are highly respected in the college admissions process. The IB Diploma program, in particular, is often viewed as most comparable to college-level coursework due to its depth, emphasis on research and writing, and academic rigor across subjects. As a globally recognized program, IB is also widely understood and accepted by universities both in the U.S. and internationally.
Regardless of the program, earning college credit can offer meaningful benefits for students, including:
- Fulfilling introductory course requirements
- Accelerating progress toward graduation
- Reducing the cost and course load of college
- Creating flexibility for opportunities such as studying abroad
- Allowing students to move more quickly into courses that align with their interests and future career goals
Additionally, the benefits of the IB program extend far beyond earning college credit. Research from multiple countries shows that students who graduate with an IB Diploma are more likely to enroll in college, attend top-ranked universities, earn honors degrees, and pursue further study after college. These outcomes highlight the skills, knowledge, and mindset the IB program develops so that students are equipped to thrive in life.
IB: A Natural Fit for Our Bilingual School
Both AP and IB provide strong pathways to college readiness, and each prepares students to succeed in the academic and intellectual demands of higher education. As a French-American bilingual school, our mission is to educate students who are not only academically strong, but also culturally aware, globally minded, and prepared for life after high school. The IB program aligns seamlessly with this vision through its emphasis on multilingualism, intercultural understanding, and international perspectives. By encouraging students to think globally while succeeding locally, the IB program prepares them not only for the immediate demands of college but also for long-term success in an increasingly interconnected world. Whether students pursue universities in the United States, Europe, or beyond, IB offers a rigorous, respected, and well-aligned pathway that supports their academic achievement, future career goals, and personal growth.
References
Benefits for Students. International Education – International Baccalaureate®. (2015).
DP Curriculum. International Education – International Baccalaureate®. (2015).
Hunter, M., & Mariotti, K. A. (2019, June). AP vs. IB: A Practical Comparison. American Foreign
Service Association. https://afsa.org/ap-vs-ib-practical-comparison
