IB is a college-level class taught in high schools all over the world. It tends to be more challenging, which is perhaps why AP courses are more common. But is IB worth it?
IB is worth it if you wish to earn a globally recognized diploma. You’ll need to have gone through the IB course to get an admission into selective universities. Also, if you wish to save up to 32 college credits or access IB-specific scholarship, consider taking IB.
Some schools ask whether you’ve taken the IB program to determine whether you can challenge yourself enough.
IB teaches students to think critically in and outside the classroom, making it a better option than the typical AP courses.
Before we go any further in this post, we want to make it clear that IB is not worth it for students who can’ handle difficult classes.
Also, if you don’t have good study habits and time-management skills, the IB program isn’t for you.
Comparing the IB and AP Programs Side-by-Side
To decide whether you should choose IB or AP, it’s important to look at exactly how the two programs compare.
History
Started in 1968 in Geneva, Switzerland, IB is an international program that places a premium on global education to prepare students for college and life after school.
As of 2021, IB is currently an education program option in 159 countries.
On the other hand, the Advanced Placement program, founded in 1951 by the College Board in the U.S., is a program started in response to the impact the Cold War in the United States had on students.
Popularity
Despite the fact that the IB is a globally recognized program from the start, both the IB and AP are accessible in a wide variety of nations.
As previously stated, high school students in 159 countries can enroll in the IB program. In comparison, the AP program is accessible in not more than 60 countries worldwide.
The AP is more popular because more secondary schools offer it.
For example, about 22,169 high schools in the United States alone provide on-site AP programs, and only 931 high schools across the states offer the IB program.
Even the number of students taking AP and IB varies significantly. In 2019 alone, only 166,000 high school students took the IB program.
That’s a lower number compared to the approximately 2.8 million students who enrolled in Advanced Placement program in the U.S. alone.
Structure
In IB, students have to study six subjects from a variety of subject groupings, three from standard-level courses and three from higher-level courses.
Students must enroll in the IB program to sit for the test, not to mention that IB calculates scores based on classroom practice and tests.
The Advanced Placement classes are more flexible than IB programs because you have the freedom to choose the subject you wish to study.
Also, you can sit for the AP test without having to take any Advanced Placement course.
Difficulty
IB classes are more demanding than AP classes.
To begin with, all students in the IB program must study the Theory of Knowledge course.
ToK teaches students to think critically on their own and other cultures.
Students will then have to complete:
Another task in IB is the EE, which is a 4,000-word research project that IB students should complete during the two-year course.
In addition to advanced research, the Extended Essay evaluates a student’s creativity, writing abilities, and intellectual discoveries.
IB students also have to complete a series of internal assessments and participate in the CAS program, an extracurricular that focuses on innovation (or creativity) action, and service to earn CAS hours.
There isn’t too much work in the AP classes.
Credits for College
Students in both IB and AP subjects can receive course credits, but the number of transferrable credits varies from school to school.
Some institutions grant credit for IB subject grades of seven, the highest attainable grade earned by IB students. Others grant credit for scores of four and higher.
Certain universities provide a higher credit value to one program than to another learning institution does.
For example, the University of Michigan grants IB classes more credit than they do to AP subjects.
On the other hand, the University of Colorado Boulder awards more credit to some AP examinations than to certain IB exams.
How Many Classes are in the IB Program?
At the time of this writing, there are 57 IB classes all categorized into six distinct groups. These are as follows:
Individuals and Societies
- Business Management
- Economics
- Geography
- Global Politics
- History
- Information Technology in a Global Society
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Social and Cultural Anthropology
- World Religions
Language Acquisition
- Classical Languages
- Language AB Initio
- Language B
Studies in Language and Literature
- Literature
- Language and Literature
- Literature and Performance
The Arts
- Dance
- Theater
- Film
- Music
- Visual Arts
Sciences
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Design Technology
- Sports, Exercise and Health Science
- Environmental Systems and Societies
Mathematics
- Analysis and Approaches
- Applications and Interpretation
These subjects are available in Standard and Higher Levels.
IB requires that you study six subjects, three from SL and three from HL.
They don’t impose restrictions on what subjects to take, so you’re welcome to choose subjects based on your personal interest and intellectual abilities.
The Pros of IB Program
IB may be difficult, expensive, and time-consuming, but there are advantages that make the program worth it for those who love more challenging and technical courses.
Personal Development
The IB program enables you to develop as a student and as a person. That is because the IB program requires you to in extracurricular activities in what it calls the CAS.
CAS, an acronym for creativity, action, and service entails engagement in extracurricular activities that promote social and emotional development.
Additionally, because the IB is worldwide, it promotes understanding of one's own and other cultures through the Theory of Knowledge course.
International Recognition
International Baccalaureate diploma program is currently in 169 countries worldwide, making it a good option for students who would like to study abroad after completing high school.
Given the international recognition, many institutions of higher learning will acknowledge your IB credits.
IB Has a Comprehensive Curriculum
IB students must select six subjects from any of the six subject groups listed in this guide.
You can’t choose subjects in high level or standard level alone. IB requires that you pick three subjects from SL and three from HL.
In addition to equipping you with the necessary skills to excel in college, IB’s comprehensive curriculum will make your college application more appealing to the admission officers who give preferences to students who’ve been through the IB course.
The Cons of the IB Program
The following are the drawbacks of the IB program:
IB Has Difficult Classes
The consensus is that IB classes are challenging. If you intend to complete your IB program, you will need to study more and be more devoted, especially since you’ll work on SL and HL subjects.
Otherwise, you risk squandering time and money, as well as missing rare admissions possibilities.
However, because IB classes are often more tough, earning decent grades can significantly boost your admission to top institutions and universities that prefer students who love to think critically and challenge themselves.