IB STUDIES AND AP COURSES AND THEIR BENEFITS ON UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS IN THE USA AND CANADA

Jump to your favorite section

What Are the Benefits of AP and IB?

The Advanced Placement (AP) program and the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum are the two most prominent elite-level educational opportunities for high school students across the globe. While the AP program offers individual advanced courses, the IB curriculum provides a comprehensive educational framework. Both are widely recognized by post-secondary institutions worldwide for their rigorous academic standards.

One of the benefits of the AP program is its flexibility, allowing students to hop in and out of courses according to their interests and needs. This means they are not locked into a specific set of courses or a particular sequence, as they can choose from a wide range of subjects to suit their goals and strengths.

On the other hand, the IB curriculum offers a holistic and structured approach to learning, with its interdisciplinary focus and emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and global citizenship.

Many parents, guardians, teachers, and students may wonder about the real-world benefits of the AP program and the IB curriculum. This article will discuss how they affect post-secondary admissions and the overall impact of participating in these advanced educational opportunities.

What Are the Differences Between AP and IB?

The Advanced Placement program was created by the College Board in 1955. It offers college-level courses for high school students, which are primarily taken during grades 11 and 12. There are currently 38 AP courses and exams available, ranging from science and math to the humanities, art, music, and beyond.

In 2018, College Board also began offering Pre-AP courses for students in their first and second year of high school. The Pre-AP courses are designed to allow students to focus on the core themes in every course and develop essential skills needed to succeed in grades 11 and 12. As of 2021, eleven Pre-AP courses are available, although no official Pre-AP-designated schools in Canada exist. In the United States, over twelve thousand schools offer AP Calculus AB, while only 288 offer Pre-AP Algebra 1. Technically, students can take any AP courses beginning in grade 9, but due to its difficulty and level of critical thinking needed of students, the CollegeBoard does not recommend it until they are in grade 11 or 12.

The International Baccalaureate, on the other hand, is a complete and comprehensive programme that covers grades 1 to 12. It offers a Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students aged 3 to 12, a five-year Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students aged 11-16, and a two-year Diploma Programme (DP) for students aged 16 to 19. To learn more about the IB Programmes, click on this link. Students do not have to begin with the PYP or MYP; they can join IB in Grade 11 to get their IB Diploma. To do so, they must pass six courses, three of which must be Higher Level (HL), complete their theory of knowledge (TOK), extended essay (EE), and a creativity, activity, services (CAS) requirement. Alternatively, they can pursue an IB certificate for as many courses as they like.

In Canada, both AP and IB are well represented in schools. There are 377 IB schools in Canada (189 schools offer the DP, 172 offer the MYP, and 189 offer PYP), while 424 schools across Canada offer AP. If we compare the programs that are offered specifically in high school, AP is twice as popular as IBDP in Canada. In the United States, AP is overwhelmingly more popular, being offered in over 16,000 schools, while IB is only offered in 1,900. However, with approximately 18,000 schools offering AP courses worldwide, it is clear that it is primarily situated in the United States; IB is more evenly distributed internationally.

While the gap in comprehensiveness between AP and IB is closing, largely due to the introduction of the Pre-AP program, it is generally accepted that IB is comparatively more well-rounded.

For example, a widely accepted advantage of the IBDP curriculum is its required extra components — Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay. Theory of Knowledge is a 2-year long course designed to help students develop critical and philosophical thinking skills by prompting them to question the nature of knowledge by exploring knowledge claims in different subjects, such as the Natural Sciences, History, Art, Ethics, etc.

The Extended Essay, on the other hand, is a 4000-word essay that students are required to write within the span of 2 years; it is designed to be an individual research project where candidates write on a topic of their interest, whether it be in the area of History, Physics, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, etc. Students can obtain help from their assigned supervisor, who will most likely be skilled in the subject area and can thus guide the students through the essay. This essay, while difficult, is extremely beneficial as it provides students with the independent research skills integral to succeeding in university. This is why many top US universities love accepting IB students as they know they are intellectual scholars capable of a rigorous workload! In fact, many IB students choose to send an abstract of their Extended Essay to colleges for admissions!

Students are permitted to take IB and AP courses simultaneously. In fact, if they are not taking the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) or taking a full AP course load, it is recommended that they take courses from both curricula. However, it should be noted that students pursuing the DP program may find it overwhelming to take additional AP courses, so generally, students are advised against it.

If a school does not offer IB or AP courses, students can participate in online AP courses. However, they can only take online IB courses if they are a DP student in an IB school. If the student is homeschooling, their only option is to take AP exams from May to mid-June. It should be noted that self-directed learning can be very challenging, especially at the AP level, so students in this situation might need the help of a qualified tutor. Hack Your Course tutors have helped hundreds of students succeed in challenging AP exams, which regularly results in scores of 4 and/or 5 out of 5.

Hack Your Course IB and AP Tutoring Service is The premier IB & AP institute In The USA and Canada with professionally trained IB/AP tutors. Tutors at Hack Your Course (HYC) who teach AP and IB courses are either certified teachers, first-rate former IB/AP students who are currently exemplary university students or have a Master’s or a Doctoral degree in the subject being taught. Fewer than 2% of all the candidates make it to the HYC. But, that is just the first part of the story; moreover, they all possess the requisite educational materials, closely follow the curriculum and goals specified by AP and IB, and use the material provided and mandated by Hack Your Course AP and IB Tutoring Service. They also prepare students for all parts of the final examination in each subject by thoroughly reviewing the subject matter and employing previous examinations as practice exercises provided by Hack Your Course. We know what we are doing with hundreds of happy IB & AP students from All over Canada and The USA!

How do AP and IB Courses Affect College Admissions?

Both IB and AP curriculums factor heavily into the decision-making process of college admission officers, but to what extent is not always clear; in many cases, the degree of influence will also vary between institutions.

The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) has reported that only 5.5% of colleges consider Subject Test Scores in IB and AP courses to have considerable importance in admissions decisions. This statistic might be concerning to some parents. However, it is somewhat misleading, as these are the test scores, not the course grades. For example, a student’s mark on their AP World History exam (graded out of 5) is not particularly impactful on their admission to most colleges. Their mark in the course, as a whole, on the other hand, is immensely important, as the NACAC reports that Grades in College Prep Courses, which include AP and IB classes, are among the most highly considered factors in admissions. 90% of all colleges consider college prep course grades to be considerably or moderately important to admissions decisions. While non-AP and non-IB courses, primarily for students in grade 12, are also considered College Prep Courses, the NACAC notes that Strength of Curriculum is of considerable or moderate importance to 74% of colleges. This means that to almost three-quarters of all colleges, the fact that a student has completed a high-level curriculum, such as AP or IB, factors strongly into admissions decisions. Therefore, while a student’s IB or AP Subject Test Score may not be crucial to college acceptance, completing and excelling in IB and AP classes is enormously beneficial.

Admissions officers are aware of the number of AP and IB classes offered in every school. Thus, if you have only one AP class at school, and it is in line with the major you are applying to, it is worth your while to take it. On the other hand, if your school offers dozens of AP classes, it may be beneficial to take more than one; at the end of the day, admission officers are looking for students who challenge themselves in the context of the resources offered by their school and community. Nevertheless, it is always better to start early. Consider beginning AP classes in grade 10 so that you can avoid taking a full course load of them in grade 12. Avoid overloading yourself with all of the most challenging AP courses in one year; for example, taking AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, and AP Physics at the same time might not be the smartest choice!

To get an idea of the relative difficulty of each course, view the AP Score Distribution that is published by the College Board every year. Here is 2020 one.

Additionally, you should adjust the AP classes in your schedule to align with the major you want to pursue in university. If you want to get into a prestigious university’s science program, focus on courses that are relevant, such as AP Statistics or AP Physics. Prospective Humanities majors would be wise to lean towards AP English classes, AP World History, and so forth. Regardless of your interest, it may be worthwhile to take AP Calculus if you think about getting into the sciences! Admissions officers typically view students who complete that course more favorably than those who do not.

Admissions are growing more difficult and competitive every year. Having a strong AP or IB record is certainly an asset, but do not forget that “Grades in All Courses” is the most important factor in admissions. Therefore, regardless of what classes you take, it is important to achieve the highest mark you are capable of; remember that scholarships and university admissions at elite institutions are still possible without AP or IB courses on your record. Excellent SAT/ACT scores, an essay that conveys your personality and showcases your unique voice, a great recommendation letter from a teacher who knows you well and extracurriculars that display your leadership capabilities in an area you are passionate about are also extremely important factors in college admissions.

What Else Should YOU Consider?

There are many factors to consider pertaining to AP and IB courses. First off, both curriculums are strenuous, difficult, and time-consuming. Overwhelming a student’s calendar with a glut of elite-level classes may negatively impact their overall grades as well as other areas of their life, which should not be ignored. One option to mitigate the stress of a heavy academic workload is to begin AP classes in grade 11, which can help to avoid a bloated course load in grade 12.

Nonetheless, it might be the instinct of some students to fit as many AP or IB courses into their schedule as possible. However, a report in 2013 by Jen Kretchmar and Steve Farmer showed that the correlation between the number of AP/IB courses a student takes and their college grades is not linear. While the statistics indicated an advantage for students who had taken five AP courses compared to those who had only taken one, the effect was essentially non-existent for students who took more than five. For this reason, students should carefully consider what benefits they hope to gain from burdening themselves with additional advanced courses in their final year of high school. It you are uncertain that you can achieve a high grade in these extra classes, it may be wiser to limit yourself to only five.

University credit is another factor to consider. Both AP and IB courses can be used as credits under certain circumstances at certain universities (Table 1). If this is an important aspect in your decision-making process, check with the universities you are interested in to check which AP or IB courses they accept for credit, if any. A score of 4 or 5 out of 5 on an AP exam is a common requirement for university credit; likewise, a score of 5 in a higher level IB course is the typical minimum. According to a study done by IGI services in 2011, 69% of the IBDP students reported using their courses for credit or advanced placement or advanced standing in universities. However, if accruing university credits is your sole goal, AP courses are more widely accepted. Again, if you have a specific school in mind, check their website or get in contact with them to learn about their policy in this matter.

CONCLUSION

The Advanced Placement program and International Baccalaureate are both great high-level curriculums that provide a solid education for students and can give them a significant boost in college admissions. However, if acceptance into an elite post-secondary institution is the student’s main goal when deciding on their high school courses, simply enrolling in as many AP or IB classes as possible may not be the best path. It is always wise to consider your interests, your schedule, and your goals when making these decisions. Sometimes, it is better to excel in a few areas than to be mediocre in many.

Studies do not support the belief that going to an elite university will make you happier. On the contrary, most of the students who get into their dream school are usually under pressure.
Under matching and over matching can also create problems. For example, if you are a student getting 6s in IB while spending 2000 $ monthly on tutoring, you might struggle in Ivy League schools!
Doing professional sports can help you with admission, as has always been the case in middle to upper-level families. It has its limitation, however. If your parents are graduates from a university, you will be considered a legacy at that university and it can be beneficial. If your parents make a significant donation to the university, it might put you on the dean’s list! None of these is as crucial as your courses, your devotion to them and your other activities over prolonged periods.

Of course, if you are struggling in your AP or IB courses (or in of your academic endeavors), the aid of a qualified tutor, such as those at Hack Your Course AP and IB Tutoring Service, can provide invaluable guidance and help so that you can achieve the grades you are truly capable of.

TABLE 1: AP AND IB CREDIT TRANSFERS IN IVY LEAGUE UNIVERSITIES AND SOME CANADIAN UNIVERSITIES
UNIVERSITY RANKING
GLOBAL / US or CA
MINIMUM IB GPA
/ AVERAGE
ACCEPTANCE RATE CREDIT TRANSFER
AP
CREDIT TRANSFER
IB
COMMENTS
PRINCETON 11/1 (US)
9/7 (US)
- / 38+ 6% AP score of 5 (occasionally 4) might lead to a 100 or 200 level course Score of 7 in HL equals to 5 in AP
Score of 6 in HL equals to 4 in AP
NC
HARVARD 1/2 (US)
3/1 (US)
- / 38+ 5% Advanced Standing  are earned by scoring five on a minimum of four AP exams.
Those scores will put you into an Advanced Standing programme
At most schools 5 in AP equals 7 in HL
(it is not mentioned directly on the website)
NC
COLUMBIA 6 /3 (US)
17/15 (US)
- / 38+ 5% may be granted credit or be exempted from certain courses or requirements
for most of the AP courses passed with a 4 or 5.
Only HL courses in the level of 6-7 NC
YALE 11 /4 (US)
8/3 (US)
- / 38+ 6% Credits are earned for most of the courses with a final score of 5
with the exception of Calculus BC that 4 is accepted
At most schools 5 in AP equals 7 in HL AP physics and chemistry do not land any credits.
You will get the same credits for Calculus AB (5) and BC (4+)
UNIVERSITY OF
PENNSYLVANIA
14/8 (US)
13/13 (US)
- / 38+ 8% It offers credit for qualifying AP Exam scores with a score of 5 for most courses It offers credit for qualifying IB scores with a score of 6 for most HL courses Upenn does not offer any credits for Calculus AP AB.
DARTMOUTH
COLLEGE
226 /13 (US)
101/12 (US)
- / 37+ 8% It does not offer credits for AP courses taken at school;
they can be used for exemption and placement (4+)
It does not offer credits for IB courses taken at school;
they can be used for exemption and placement (6+ in Higher Level)
NC
BROWN 101/14 (US)
61/5 (US)
- / 38+ 7% It  might offer credits for sophomore students  for AP courses taken at school;
in most cases they can be used for getting into higher level courses (4+)
It might offer credits for sophomore students for IB courses taken at school;
in most cases they can be used for getting into higher level courses (5+)
NC
CORNELL 22 / 18 (US)
19 / 9 (US)
- / 37+ 11% It offers credit for qualifying AP Exam scores with a score of 4 and 5s depending on the course It offers credit for qualifying IB scores with a score of 6 and higher depending on the course NC
UNIVERSITY OF
TORONTO
17 / 1 (CAN)
18 / 1 (CAN)
- / 34 43% a score of 4 in AP courses that you have taken might land you first-year credit
in UofT to a maximum of 3 full credits.
Prerequisite courses can be presented at either SL or HL.
Credit is granted for HL subjects with a minimum grade of 5.
NC
UNIVERSITY OF
BRITISH COLUMBIA
31 / 2 (CA)
34 / 2 (CA)
24 / 33 57% (VANCOUVER)
70% (OKANAGAN)
a score of 4 can land you first-year credit in UBC. All HL and some SL IB courses (scores of 5 or 6 depending on the course)
can be considered for first-year credit.
a 4 in Calc AB (or Calculus AB subscore in Calc BC)
will land you math 100 that is worth 3 credits.
a 4 in Calc BC will get you math 100 and 101
that are worth 6 credits altogether.
UBC does not give credit to Math SL.
MCGILL 51 / 3 (CA) 33 / 36 49% The university offers credits for an AP score of 4 and higher depending on the faculty. A maximum of 30 credits of advanced standing may be granted
for the IB diploma based on HL results of 5 or better.
both physics AP 1 and physics AP 2 must be completed to grant you PHYS 101 and PHYS 102 for a maximum of 8 credits. Calculus AB will count towards Math 140 (calculus 1) and Calculus BC will count towards Math 140 and Math 141.
WESTERN 287 / 10 (CA) 28 / 33 58% A score of 4 in AP may be considered for transfer credit for some subjects up to a maximum of two credits. A score of 5 or higher in IB HL subjects may be considered for transfer credit for some subjects up to a maximum of two credits. NC
SIMON FRASER 306 /12 (CA) - / 31 59% Students who complete the AP examination with a minimum of 4 can be granted credits for a maximum of 3 credits. Transfer credit is awarded for all SL and HL subjects passed with a grade of 4 or higher. NC
UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO 210 / 9 (CA) - / 33 53% A score of 4 in AP may be considered for transfer credit depending on the faculty for some subjects for a first-year university course. For example, calculus AB is not accepted for transfer credit for students in the Faculty of Mathematics, including Computing and Financial Management; however, it is accepted for calculus 1 for the sciences for all other students. transfer individual IB HL with a minimum of 5. The acceptance rate varies widely from department to department.
Theory of knowledge and the extended essay with a minimum grade of B (Good) in both. Waterloo equivalent transfer credit is PHIL 1XX (1.0 units).
CARLETON 471 / 18 (CA) 28/31 - Applicants with AP scores of 4 or higher are granted credit. Students may be awarded advanced standing (transfer) credit for HL subjects with a grade of 5 or better, subject to the discretion of the appropriate faculty to a maximum of 3.0 credits For acceptance, One subject may have a grade of 3, provided it is offset by a grade of 5 or better in another subject. Prerequisite subjects must have a grade of 4 or better. Specific programmes might have additional course requirements.

WHERE TO FIND US

Vancouver Office
2030 Marine Drive,
North Vancouver, BC, V7P 1V7, Canada
Email: info@ibaptutoring.com

Seattle Office
5608 17th Avenue NW, Suite 1578
Seattle, WA 98107, USA
Email: info@ibaptutoring.com

Toronto Office
99 Yorkville Avenue
Toronto, ON M5R 1C1, Canada
Email: info@ibaptutoring.com