Advanced Placement (AP) | ACS International Schools (2024)

FAQs

Which is better advanced placement AP or International Baccalaureate IB? ›

The IB program is an international program focused on critical thinking and global awareness. The AP program offers courses that allow students to earn college credit in high school. IB and AP are different programs that offer engaging, challenging coursework for students.

Save Money & Earn Credit

You'll earn college credits without paying college tuition and also get a head start on your college requirements. Many colleges also look at AP experience when deciding on who to award scholarship money to, so AP classes can improve your chances of receiving scholarships.

While honors courses usually add 0.5 points to your GPA, AP classes often add 1 point. In other words, a 3.5 GPA would be boosted to a 4.0 in an honors class and a 4.5 in an AP class.

Pursuing an APID showcases your motivation to take on a rigorous, diverse, and global curriculum, which can be considered a valuable trait by many college admissions committees. Ultimately, whether it's "worth it" depends on your academic interests, college aspirations, and how well it aligns with your future goals.

While AP and IB classes allow you to take the end-of-course exams for college credit, MIT generally does not accept the credit from these tests. The school wants all of its incoming freshmen to start at MIT on equal footing. However, MIT does grant credit for specific AP tests on which you score a five.

Does Stanford prefer a particular curriculum? We do not have a preference for any particular curriculum. Some high schools offer Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or A-Level classes, while other high schools offer equally demanding courses that neither carry a particular designation nor lead to an exam.

One drawback of taking AP classes is that to take the exam and potentially earn college credit, students have to pay $98 per exam. Some people don't even pass the exam. These classes are also much harder than regular classes, as they are college level courses.

Generally speaking, a 2 is not a good AP score, as it is not considered a passing score by the College Board. If you get a 2 on your AP exam, it might be better not to submit that score to the colleges you're applying to.

AP classes that prepare you for college

These are the AP Research, AP Seminar, AP Statistics, and AP English Literature and Composition. Students with English as a second language should consider AP English Language and Composition instead. AP Psychology is another AP class that helps you in college.

Usually, a 70 to 75 percent out of 100 translates to a 5. However, there are some exams that are exceptions to this rule of thumb. The AP Grades that are reported to students, high schools, colleges, and universities in July are on AP's five-point scale: 5: Extremely well qualified.

Is Advanced Placement harder than honors? ›

AP classes are typically considered more challenging than honors classes. AP courses require students to learn and apply advanced concepts and skills as they engage in college-level coursework.

Do Colleges Prefer AP or IB? Both academic options are looked on favorably by colleges and universities, and both can help earn a student college credit, depending on exam scores. The IB is increasing in popularity in the United States, especially among international families and students who hope to study abroad.

IN THE US:

The IB Diploma Programme is a well-known and accepted “college-standard” curriculum. The acceptance rate of IB students into Ivy League Universities is up to 18% higher than the total population acceptance rate.

Do Colleges Prefer AP or IB? Both academic options are looked on favorably by colleges and universities, and both can help earn a student college credit, depending on exam scores. The IB is increasing in popularity in the United States, especially among international families and students who hope to study abroad.

Yes. Applicants may provide self-reported SAT and ACT test scores (including Subject Tests, Advanced Placement, IB, etc.). Admitted students who decide to enroll at Harvard College will be required to submit official test scores.

AP focuses on subject-specific knowledge and the development of analytical and problem-solving skills. IB places a strong emphasis on critical thinking, research skills, and intercultural understanding, while A-Levels prioritize in-depth knowledge and mastery of specific subjects.

It's stimulating, inspiring, and allows students to really excel and see what they're capable of. For those who choose to challenge themselves, the IB is hugely rewarding. Students finish with skills and a level of confidence that will push them forward their whole life through.