Sarah Kim / <11th, Claremont High School>
In a time when students are becoming increasingly school-aware and college applications are multiplying competition is fierce. As students' responsibilities grow so do the choices that are available to them. For those who are faced with the arduous task of choosing between AP and IB making the right decision sometimes proves to be a dilemma.
International Baccalaureate (IB) is an intensive two year program that students (attending IB certified schools) are allowed to take during their junior and senior years. IB infamous for its challenging curriculum and workload intimidates many students. But with the imposing number of IB schools that made Newsweek's top 100 high schools in the U.S. IB is fast becoming a popular choice among students.
A common misconception is that IB is weighed more than AP by colleges. However admission officers weigh AP and IB equally. The main difference between AP and IB classes is the teaching methods. While AP allows very little room for free thinking IB classes encourage students to think "outside the box" and allow much room for creativity.
"Usually in AP World or American history teachers tell students to believe everything in the textbook. But in IB history classes teachers encourage students to question the textbook" junior Andrew Lieu said.
Although the IB program offers many positive changes to conventional methods of teaching it also offers some negatives. The IB diploma program requires students to take all their classes in IB while AP students may choose classes based on their areas of strength. Also while students must take IB courses in order to take the IB exams they do not have to take AP courses to take the AP tests. IB students also have to complete 100 hours of mandatory community service in order to graduate.
As each program has its own advantages and disadvantages students can choose which one is better for them by carefully taking into account their individual needs and circumstances.