IB vs AP
7 min read ยท updated 2026-10-13
Some US and international high schools offer both the IB Diploma and AP courses. The IB is a complete two-year programme; AP is a menu of individual courses and exams. Both are respected by colleges.
Side by side
- โ Structure: the IB Diploma is a two-year programme of six subjects (three or four at Higher Level) plus Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and CAS; AP courses are taken individually, usually one year each
- โ Scoring: IB subjects are graded 1-7 and the Diploma is scored out of 45; AP exams are scored 1-5
- โ Assessment: the IB adds internal assessments in most subjects; AP is decided almost entirely by the May exam
- โ Results: the global average IB Diploma score in May 2026 was 30.88; AP results vary by subject, from 7% to 48% scoring a 5 in 2026
- โ Cost: AP exams cost $99 each in the US and Canada and $129 elsewhere for 2027; IB fees are set by the school
Workload
The IB's workload is spread across two years and includes long pieces of independent work: the 4,000-word Extended Essay, TOK and an internal assessment in most subjects. AP workload depends on how many courses a student takes; a heavy AP schedule concentrates many exams into two weeks in May.
College admissions and credit
Admissions officers judge rigour in the context of what a school offers, so the most demanding option available matters more than which one. Many colleges give credit or placement for AP scores of 4 or 5 and for IB Higher Level grades, with policies set by each college.
Who each suits
- โ IB: all-rounders who like writing and research, and students who may apply outside the US
- โ AP: students who want to choose subjects freely, go deep in a few areas, or fit advanced work around other commitments
FAQs
Is IB harder than AP?๏ผ
The full IB Diploma is usually more demanding overall, because it combines six subjects with the Extended Essay, TOK and internal assessments. Individual AP courses vary.
Do colleges prefer IB or AP?๏ผ
Neither; colleges look at whether you took the most rigorous courses your school offers.
Can you take AP exams in an IB school?๏ผ
Yes. Students can register for AP exams through a school that offers them, and some IB students do in subjects they study.
What is a good IB score?๏ผ
The global average in May 2026 was 30.88 out of 45; scores in the high 30s and above are strong for selective universities.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these official sources on 2026-10-13.
Keep reading
More on IB
Want a specialist to help?
Try two free demo classes
The same tutor every week, matched to your child's exam board. No card, no commitment.
Book a free demo โ