AP vs IB: how they differ
AP (Advanced Placement) is a set of individual College Board courses, each ending in an exam scored 1–5; the IB Diploma is a two-year program of six subjects plus a core. Colleges set their own credit and placement policies for both, so check each college.
AP vs IB Diploma at a glance
| AP | IB Diploma | |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Individual courses, each ending in an exam; College Board lists 42 subjects | Six subjects plus Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and CAS |
| Commitment | Course by course | Two-year program |
| Scoring | 1–5 per exam | Each subject 1–7; maximum 45; the Diploma needs at least 24 points and every pass condition |
| How it is assessed | In Bluebook, fully digital or hybrid (handwritten free responses). AP Art and Design and AP Research are assessed by portfolio. | Assessed by written examinations and internally assessed coursework. |
| Set by | College Board | International Baccalaureate (IBO) |
How to decide
Often the choice is made by what your school offers. Where you have both, weigh the shape: AP lets you take exams subject by subject, in as many or as few subjects as suit you; the IB Diploma is a fixed two-year program with a core and a points-based award. For college credit, check each college's policy for AP scores and IB results.
What differs, and who each may suit
AP may suit you if you:
- Want to take exams one subject at a time
- Want to choose how many subjects you take
- Want individual subject exams rather than a full program
- Have colleges whose credit policy you have checked for AP
The IB Diploma may suit you if you:
- Want one two-year program with six subjects and a core
- Value the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge as part of the qualification
- Want coursework assessed internally as well as written exams
- Have colleges whose credit policy you have checked for IB results
Frequently asked questions
- Is AP or IB better for US colleges?
- Neither is better in itself. Colleges look at the courses you took and how you did; check each college's admissions and credit pages for how it treats AP scores and IB results.
- How are AP Exams taken now?
- In Bluebook, fully digital or hybrid (handwritten free responses). AP Art and Design and AP Research are assessed by portfolio.
- Does the IB give college credit?
- Colleges set their own policies for IB results, as they do for AP scores. Check each college's credit chart.