You have many options when it comes to choosing what to study. Two of the choices we’ve written about previously are AP and IB programs. The AP program appeals to many students because it’s easy and has less workload. However, there are equally many good reasons to choose the IB program despite its level of complexity.
IB is a two-year diploma program divided into Standard and Higher Levels. Taught to student aged between 16 and 19, the program help students to develop a wealth of knowledge across different subjects in 24 months. Upon successful completion, students earn a globally recognized diploma, which can benefit them later in life, especially when it comes to their application process into colleges and global universities.
In this guide, we dive deeper into the IB diploma course to give you more insight on what it actually is. More importantly, you’ll learn why IB is an important program to study.
Let’s get started.
What is IB (International Baccalaureate)?
The International Baccalaureate has been functional since 1968. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the non-profit organization offers education programs from primary years to career-related works.
Established with the goal of inculcate students aged 3 to 19 years, the IB program equips leaners with the intellectual, social, personal, and emotional skills required to think, work, live, and learn in a rapidly changing world.
IB courses, from the Theory of Knowledge to CAS are the most challenging compared to A-levels and Advanced Placements. But they are the best option for students who like to think more critically at school and in the real world.
IB vs AP Courses: Understanding the Differences
Many students often ask what course to take between IB and AP. We never advocate for one or the other because the right classes to take often comes down to a personal decision.
We’ve already done an in-depth comparison between AP and IB. We suggest you read the guide to get more insight on the difference between the two classes.
The skeleton version of the comparison is that:
- It’s possible to enroll in the IB program as early as elementary school. IB has PYP and MYP programs, which encourage students to develop independent learning skills. The Advanced Placement course, on the other hand, is only available to those who are in their high school years.
- You have options for IB at high school level. You can opt for Standard or Higher Level, both of which earn you a diploma at the end of the program. Students who take the IB class with the intention to earn a diploma have to take six subjects – three at SL and three at HL.
- Advanced Placement has specific information to cover but lacks a structured way to teach the syllabus. IB, on the other hand, is a well-structured program, which teaches Theory of Knowledge, while pushing for different approaches to learning.
Over the years, parents and students have come to acknowledge the IB program for the value that it adds to students. If anything, the program encourages students to ask questions, develop research skills, and think critically in and outside the classroom.
3 Reason to Choose IB over AP (Benefits of Taking IB Course)
IB may be a difficult program, but it has many benefits over Advanced Placements. Below are reasons why you should consider choosing IB over AP:
1. IB Prepares You for College
One thing that’s for sure about IB is that the courses taught in the program are at a higher level than the general courses offered in high schools. Given how advanced IB courses are, the subjects tend to be more college-level oriented.
More often than not, students who remain in the program and do their best to pass their test will find it easy to transition from high school to college work and perform well in later years in life.
Unlike students who enroll in Advanced Placement course, those who do IB can easily demonstrate their ability to handle college course load with just as much ease.
2. IB Encourages Students to Think Critically
One of the things that stand out about the IB program is that it teaches students to think critically. That’s not always the case with general classes and programs such as the Advanced Placement. And critical thinking is very important, especially because you’ll need it at the college level.
For example, the Theory of Knowledge course requires students to complete a TOK Exhibition project and write a 1600-word TOK essay. The role of these assignments is to examine exactly whether students can explain how TOK manifests itself in the real world.
In the IB program, students have to choose six subjects to complete. Three are in the Standard Level and three are in the High Level. They have to demonstrate a high level of research in any case. In addition, they have to write Extended Essays and complete Internal Assessments, all of which play a part in ensuring a high level of critical thinking.
If there’s one thing that’s for sure about IB, it’s that it majors in some of the most challenging and equally interesting subjects. You have to dig deeper into subjects such as Physics, Biology, Computer Science, and Language and Literature, all of which requires you to think critically.
3. Admissions Committee May Prefer IB to AP
Many colleges don’t offer college credits for IB courses, but that doesn’t mean the program isn’t as important.
First, it’s important to note that many admissions committees see IB as a challenging subject. Second, they perceive students who have been through the IB program as those who’ve been through a challenging program, hence more prepared to tackle the challenges of college education and would more than likely consider IB applicants than those who have been through regular programs.
Final Thoughts
We’ve been helping students understand IB concepts for over five years. Take it from us when we tell you that the program can be challenging. But if you dedicate your time to studies, you’ll see the clear benefits of having enrolled in the program.