If you have started high school recently or about to, you may have heard of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and/or the International Baccalaureate (IB). Both of these secondary academic programs are used by students around the world to prepare for higher education. But what's the difference between the two and which one should you choose?

We've outlined both programs, the differences between the two, and how to choose the right program for your education. Read on to find out about AP and IB courses around the world.

What is AP?

Advanced Placement is a College Board program offered to high school students in the USA and Canada. The program allows high school students to earn college credit by taking advanced classes and/or completing AP exams as high school students. The exams are recognized at the international level. AP credits are accepted at universities around the world, and are often accepted as admissions qualifications or when applying for merit-based scholarships.

What can you study?

Advanced Placement was created in the 1950s, and about 2.7 million students take AP exams every year in 40 subjects. Subjects range from traditional subjects like English, mathematics, and natural sciences to 3D art and design and Japanese language and culture.

The AP exam measures what you learn throughout AP classes. The courses offer challenging college rigor and help you learn how to study for tough college exams.

How is the exam scored?

AP exams use a 1-5 scale. Scores of a 3-5 show that the student is qualified, while a 2 designates 'possible qualification' and 1 'not recommended for qualification.' Essentially, to qualify for college placement, students should aim for a 3 or higher on their AP exams.

AP courses do not just show college admissions committees that you have what it takes to succeed. They can also show that you have academic interests in subjects.

If you are an aspiring engineer, for example, take AP Calculus and AP Physics if you can. AP courses allow you to show where you truly shine.

Earning college credit

AP courses are frequently used to show aptitude and qualification for higher education, but their original purpose was to allow students to earn college credit while still in high school.

While not all colleges and universities will accept all AP credits, in many cases, your AP credits will exempt you from certain degree or general education requirements. Some colleges limit the number of AP credits you can transfer, but you will still enter your higher education with an advantage.

What is the International Baccalaureate?

Like AP, the International Baccalaureate (IB) is also an internationally recognized secondary school program that allows students to work toward the prestigious IB Diploma. The program is run by the International Baccalaureate Organization, which also runs programs for primary, middle-grade, and career education.

Created in Switzerland in 1968, IB first started as a program for high school students at international schools. It's now offered at 5,900 schools in 160 countries, including the US and the UK.

What do you study?

IB students choose topics and design their own projects, focusing on developing their research and critical thinking skills.

The program takes a more inquiry-based approach to learning and encourages students to think for themselves.

IB has three required elements: theory of knowledge (TOK); creativity, action, and service; and the extended essay. In addition, students in the IB program take six subjects -- three at a standard level, and three at a higher level, which gives more options than the UK's standard A-levels.

The subjects include first language, second language, experimental science, math and computer science, the arts, and individuals and society.

How is IB scored?

Each of the six subjects is marked on a scale of 7 points, for a total of 42 points, with extra points available for the extended essay and TOK. Students must earn at least 24 points to qualify for an IB diploma.

Top schools in the UK typically take students who score between 32 and 40 points. The IB diploma is almost universally recognized and grants students access to university programs throughout the world. Some universities also offer scholarships soley for IB Diploma graduates.

What is the difference between AP and IB?

The main difference between the two programs is that AP courses are designed to transfer as college credit, while IB courses are designed as college preparation. That doesn't mean that you can't earn college credit with IB coursework. In some cases, universities will accept IB coursework for college credit but usually do so on a case by case basis and use individual subject scores rather than the diploma itself as the criteria for credit.

Another big difference is where you can take AP and IB courses. While AP courses are internationally recognized, most of the courses are offered in the USA or Canada. Still, international students can qualify for AP credit if they take AP exams. AP exams are also open to students who have not attended high school. For example, homeschooled students can take the exams. You can also take AP courses in your own time. If your high school does not offer AP, or you do not have enough room in your schedule, you can take online AP high school courses that allow you to prepare for the exams. You can take an AP for free to prepare for the exam, or pay for a certificate to share with teachers and college admissions officers.

Finally, IB coursework is designed to encourage independent learning and academic skills that will apply to a variety of fields of study. AP coursework is divided more by individual subjects and rigorously prepares students for higher education. IB encourages students to look at the whole picture of their learning and requires that students be engaged and interested. Students are prepared for college because of the holistic nature of the IB.

Which one should you choose?

Whether you choose AP or IB, you will be uniquely prepared for higher education. So the main consideration will likely be access. Does your high school offer AP or IB, or both?

If your school offers both, and you have the opportunity to take them at the same time, having both AP and IB credits can be a big advantage.

If not, consider what you want to achieve with your college preparatory program. If your goal is to earn college credits so that you can complete your degree early, AP will be the most likely option. If you want more flexibility in the fields you choose to pursue, IB will give you the skills to succeed in interdisciplinary subjects or career paths.

Finally, consider where you want to study. While both AP and IB credits are accepted around the world, AP is more common in the USA, while IB is more common internationally.

Conclusion

In the end, both AP and IB courses are a fantastic way to prepare for higher education.

Both programs will allow you to explore more advanced subjects and hone your study skills. You will have the chance to delve deeper into fields that interest you and have a clearer idea of what you want to study in university.

Enrolling in AP or IB coursework as a high school student is an excellent choice for students around the world with international education aspirations.