When Is It Worth Taking IB Classes

When it comes to college-level classes high schoolers may take, two names stand out: Advance Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB). You may have heard that the IB is much more difficult than the AP. You may have heard, too, that competitive higher education institutions look for students who challenge themselves.

The IB program is worth it for students who wish to earn a globally recognized diploma and get into selective universities. It’s also for those who wish to have access to IB-specific scholarships and save up to 32 college credits. On the other hand, IB classes are hard and costly.

On the other hand, the IB is not worth it for students with bad study and time-management skills.

Thinking about taking IB classes instead of AP ones? Don’t stop reading now.

Below, we will discuss just about everything you need to know about the IB before you approach your high school’s IB coordinator.

There are many things you have to take into account before you start taking any IB classes. Knowing them can spell the difference between earning up to 32 college credits and having unnecessary stress and frustration.

Pros and Cons of the IB Program

When it comes to taking college-level classes in high school, students can choose between the IB and AP.

Each one of them has its own set of pros and cons, which is why one is more suited for certain types of high schoolers, and the other is more ideal for other types of college-bound teens.

For example, check out this video from a student on his experience getting the diploma and whether it was worth an effort or not:

IB Benefits and Pros

#1: Global recognition

International Baccalaureate — the name alone makes it clear that the IB puts you on the global stage, which is perfect if you are considering becoming an international college student after high school.

Compared to country-specific programs, the IB is recognized by colleges and universities outside the US.

This means that your IB credits will be honored in various institutions worldwide.

However, completion of the IB program does not mean automatic admission. You will still have to get high scores if you want to get an acceptance letter.

#2: Well-rounded curriculum

Earlier, it was mentioned that IB students need to choose six from among the 57 various IB classes.

However, to ensure successful completion, lazy students cannot simply opt for some of the easiest courses that they can find, which is very much possible for AP students who are not that willing to work hard.

To be able to complete the program, you will have to choose both high-level and standard-level classes.

That’s a good thing because the IB will give you the preparation you need for an increased chance of succeeding in college.

In addition, it will allow your application to look more attractive to the admissions officers of your chosen school — competitive schools have a penchant for kids who took challenging IB courses in high school.

#3: Personal growth opportunity

The IB allows you to grow not only as a student but also as a human being. That’s because, unlike AP classes, IB classes also require high schoolers to partake in extracurricular activities.

CAS, which is short for creativity, action and service, is one of the main components of the IB. As the name suggests, it involves participation in activities outside the classroom that foster social and emotional development.

And because the IB is international, it allows for awareness of one’s culture and the culture of others via the TOK component.

#4: Faster and cheaper college

A bachelor’s degree usually takes 120 credits.

Completing the IB program allows you to receive up to 32 credits.

If you gain admission into a college or university that offers generous course credit for both the IB diploma and individual IB exams, you could graduate at a much faster rate than students who didn’t take up the IB program or exams in high school.

For instance, Barnard College, a prestigious school in New York City that has a partnership with Columbia University, offers as many as 30 credit hours for IB diploma scores of 30 or above. The University of Michigan, on the other hand, offers 28 credit hours for IB exams with a minimum score of four.

Suppose that the college of your choice offers you 32 credits for having the IB diploma. Then you can skip taking up to ten three-credit classes, which allows you to finish college up to a year faster.

Graduating quicker is not the only perk that you might enjoy for being an IB student but also a cheaper college.

According to data from Student Loan Hero, one credit is equivalent to about $594.46. This brings the total cost of earning a degree to $71,335.20 (cost per credit x 120 credits). If your IB diploma allows you to receive the full 32 credits, you will have to pay a four-year institution $52,312.48 only!

IB Disadvantages and Cons

#1: Difficult Classes

As mentioned earlier, the general consensus is that IB classes are usually more challenging than AP classes.

This means that you will have to work harder and be more committed if you wish to complete your IB program successfully. This is especially true since you will have to choose both high-level and standard-level classes.

Otherwise, you may wind up wasting time and money and missing rare admissions opportunities, too.

But since IB classes are generally more difficult, getting high grades can help considerably increase your chances of getting accepted into selective colleges and universities that prefer to admit students who are not afraid of challenges.

Related Article: Good Safety Schools For Ivy League Applicants

#2: Takes 2 Years to Complete

Besides being more challenging than the AP, the IB also takes a longer time to complete.

Earning the IB diploma takes about two years, requiring more than 32 hours of study per week. On the other hand, all AP courses are one-year courses, which means they won’t take up much precious high school time.

As a result of this, you may have to sacrifice your social life. And if you are bad at managing time, your GPA may suffer, too, which can make your college application look detestable rather than remarkable.

#3: Expensive

The IB exam is slightly more expensive than the AP exam — $119 vs. $94.

However, that’s okay because the credits you will earn can help bring down the overall cost of going to a college or university that offers generous course credit for successful IB students.

The secret is choosing the right school. This is when the importance of reading IB and AP transfer credit policies comes in.

#4: Limited Flexibility

Unlike AP courses, you cannot study an IB subject on your own since IB teachers are specially trained and your high school must be certified to offer IB classes.

This constraint can limit your options if you’re interested in studying specific subjects or if your school doesn’t offer the IB program.

#5: Health Concerns

The demanding nature of the IB program may lead to stress and a lack of proper work-life balance. According to Nail IB, many IB students struggle to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and this can negatively impact your immune system and overall well-being.

Prioritize your health and consider whether you can strike the right balance between academic commitments and self-care.

How Hard is IB?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is indeed challenging, but the level of difficulty can vary based on your individual abilities and interests. The rigorous coursework aims to develop well-rounded, critical thinkers who are prepared for university and life beyond.

Let’s look at some factors that influence the difficulty of the IB program for you.

One factor to consider is the specialized nature of IB courses.

Unlike AP classes, you can’t study for an IB subject on your own, as IB teachers are specially trained to guide you through the curriculum.

This means you’ll need to rely on your teachers’ expertise and classroom instruction to fully grasp the material.

Another aspect of the IB program that can make it challenging is the requirement to complete an Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) hours.

These components, unique to the IB program, require dedication and time management skills. Balancing these components with your regular coursework can be demanding.

The IB program’s focus on application and analysis might also contribute to its difficulty. Instead of merely memorizing facts, you’ll be asked to reflect on their implications and use them to construct arguments.

This level of critical thinking can be challenging if you’re more comfortable with rote learning.

Ultimately, whether the IB program is hard for you will depend on your personal strengths, weaknesses, and commitment to the program. It is important to be honest with yourself about your abilities and priorities to make the best decision for your educational journey.

IB Diploma vs Certificate

When considering the IB program, you may wonder whether it’s worth pursuing the full IB Diploma or opting for individual IB Certificates. Both options have their pros and cons, and the right choice for you depends on your goals and circumstances.

The IB Diploma is a comprehensive, two-year program that covers six subject areas, along with a core consisting of the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) requirements, and the Extended Essay (EE).

This well-rounded curriculum is designed to challenge you and develop your critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

The IB Diploma is highly respected and recognized by universities around the world, making it an excellent option if you plan to study internationally.

On the other hand, the IB Certificate allows you to choose specific IB courses without completing all aspects of the Diploma program. This option provides more flexibility in your course selection and workload.

It can also be a good choice if you want to focus on particular subjects or if you’re balancing other extracurricular activities. However, pursuing individual certificates may not provide the same level of recognition or access to scholarships as the full IB Diploma.

Keep in mind that the costs associated with the IB program can be a factor in your decision. IB exams are more expensive than their AP counterparts, with each exam costing around $119.

This is something to consider when weighing the benefits of the IB Diploma versus Certificate approach.

In summary, the IB Diploma offers a rigorous, well-rounded education providing personal growth and a competitive edge when applying to universities worldwide.

The IB Certificate, though more flexible and tailored to your specific interests, may not offer the same level of recognition. Consider your goals, resources, and commitment to make the best decision for your educational journey.

Is AP Better Than IB? Differences Two Programs

Compared to the AP, the IB is harder and costlier. It’s also the less popular of the two, given the fact that fewer US high schools offer IB classes and fewer high schoolers take them, too. However, the IB is recognized by more colleges and universities worldwide and has a more structured program.

Before anything else, it’s a must for students planning to take IB or AP classes to know the things that set the two apart. This will allow them to have an idea of what they are about to get themselves into.

Knowing the key differences will let them know which one is more suited for their college goals.

History

The IB was founded in 1968 in Geneva, Switzerland. It’s an international program, which means that it focuses on global education in order to prepare high school students for a globalized society. The IB program was introduced in the US in 1971.

As of 2021, it is available in 159 countries across the planet.

On the other hand, the AP program was established in 1951 in the US by the College Board, the same organization that invented and administers the SAT. The AP was created to address concerns that US high schools were not adequately preparing students back in the Cold War.

Popularity

Despite the fact that the IB is an international program from the get go, both the IB and AP are available in various countries. As mentioned earlier, the IB program can be taken by high school students in 159 countries. The AP program, in contrast, is available in just over 60 counties.

In the US, however, the AP is more popular than the IB in the sense that more secondary education institutions offer it. As a matter of fact, 22,169 high schools in the nation offer on-site AP classes. On the other hand, IB classes are offered at considerably fewer US high schools — it is available in only 931 of them.

But let’s not forget the fact that more than 5,500 high schools on the planet have the IB program.

Unfortunately, fewer high schoolers in the US take the IB. For instance, based on 2019 data, only around 166,000 high school students took it. On the contrary, over 2.8 million high school students in the US took the AP.

Structure

Besides being more international, the IB is also more structured.

For instance, IB students have to take six subjects from different subject groups, typically three from standard-level courses and three from higher-level courses. IB scores are based on both the IB exam and work done in the classroom.

Needless to say, to be able to take the IB exam, you should enroll in an IB program.

It’s a completely different story when it comes to the AP. For instance, you can take the AP exam without taking any AP classes. And speaking of which, AP classes are more flexible than IB classes — students can pick the courses they want or are interested in through an a la carte manner.

Difficulty

The general consensus is that IB classes are more difficult than AB classes. It doesn’t really come as a surprise since IB students have many additional requirements to complete the program.

Partaking in extracurriculars, for instance, is a must. The activities focus on creativity, action, and service (CAS).

Students enrolled in an IB program should also complete the TOK requirement. Short for Theory of Knowledge, TOK aims to encourage students to reflect on their own culture as well as the culture of others.

Then there’s also the Extended Essay, which promotes high‐level research and writing skills as well as creativity and intellectual discovery.

Related Article: Does a C in an AP Class Look Bad?

Cost

Both IB and AP exams do not come free of charge. But between the two, high school students taking the IB to complete the diploma program have to shell out more money.

An IB exam costs $119. On the other hand, an AP exam costs $94.

The difference in the cost of the IB and AP exams is not significant alright. However, it’s important to note that many US high schools have fee-waiver programs for those who wish to take the AP exam. So, in other words, if you qualify, the sticker price of taking the AP exam could be lower.

Still, keep in mind that the cost of either the IB or AP exam is lower than paying for the cost of the equivalent course in college, which means that it’s still a wise move for high schoolers from budget-conscious backgrounds.

College credits

Both IB and AP classes allow high school students to earn course credits.

However, the number of credits earned that can be transferred to a college or university will vary from one institution to the other.

For instance, some schools only give credit to IB subject grades of seven, which is the highest possible grade IB students can earn. But then there are colleges that also give credit to scores four and above.

Some colleges give more credit to one program than the other. For instance, the University of Michigan typically gives more credit for IB classes than AP classes. On the other hand, the University of Colorado Boulder gives some AP exams more credit than some IB exams.

Before taking IB or AP classes, it’s a good idea to check out the IB and AP transfer credit policies of the college or university you plan to apply to as different schools have different rules regarding this matter.

Related Article: Can You Get Into A Good School Without APs or honors?

Full Ride Scholarships for IB Students

As an IB diploma holder, you might be wondering how your accomplishment can assist you in securing full ride scholarships at leading universities.

While the IB diploma alone does not guarantee a full scholarship, it can certainly increase your chances of earning merit-based awards.

Your IB diploma can give you an edge in the admission process, especially in top-tier institutions which value academic excellence.

It also helps you develop critical thinking, leadership, and communication skills, all of which are sought after by universities offering scholarships.

Some universities offer scholarships specifically for IB diploma holders.

For instance, the University of Victoria offers scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 for international students who completed the full IB diploma with a score of 32 or higher, and these awards are automatically renewable for subsequent years.

Here are some examples of colleges that offer scholarships for IB students:

• American University of Paris offers a $20,000 scholarship to incoming freshmen who have completed the IB Diploma Program.
• Brock University offers a $5,000 scholarship to incoming freshmen who have completed the IB Diploma Program with a minimum of 38 points.
• Concordia College-Moorhead offers a $2,000 scholarship to incoming freshmen who have completed the IB Diploma Program with a minimum of 36 points.
• St. Lawrence University offers a $10,000 scholarship to incoming freshmen who have completed the IB Diploma Program with a minimum of 38 points.
• St. Mary’s College of Maryland offers a $10,000 scholarship to incoming freshmen who have completed the IB Diploma Program with a minimum of 38 points.