If you were to ask students in high school or college what the differences between AP and IB classes they probably wouldn’t know the answer. Most would think that there is no difference or a very small difference. The numbers of people who use IB or AP are close. 1.7 million people use AP classes and 1.4 people use IB classes.
IB stands for International Baccalaureate. IB programs were started in Switzerland in the 1960s. Its purpose was to help students earn a chance at a rigorous, internationally recognized diploma. With those diplomas, they are able to get into almost any College or University they want.
AP stands for Advanced Placement. College Boards use AP classes to help students earn college credits or qualify for advanced classes once they get into college. High schools use AP classes to give students the experience of an intro-level college class.
The difference between the two types of classes is that AP classes are only for highschool students, whereas IB classes are offered to elementary, middle, and high school students. IB classes are preferred for students 16-19, while AP classes are offered for 9th-12th grade. IB classes are primarily international, but AP classes are overseas as well.
Most schools, however, are getting rid of AP classes all together. They are getting rid of AP classes because AP courses on high school transcripts are of less significance to college admissions officers. Another reason schools are getting rid of AP classes are because the absence of the AP credits don’t have any effect on how students are getting into or how they’re doing in college.