While AP, IB, and Honors courses are all designed to provide a more challenging academic experience than standard high school classes, they differ significantly in their philosophy, structure, and recognition. Understanding these differences is key to choosing the right path for your academic goals. Here’s a comparison of AP vs. IB vs. Honors:
| FEATURE
|
AP (ADVANCED PLACEMENT)
|
IB (INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE)
|
HONORS
|
| Provider
|
College Board (U.S.-based)
|
International Baccalaureate Organization (global)
|
Individual high schools/districts
|
| Curriculum
|
Individual courses, culminating in one exam.
|
A comprehensive "Diploma Programme" with courses across 6 groups, plus an extended essay and theory of knowledge.
|
Accelerated versions of standard high school courses.
|
| Assessment
|
Single, standardized exam at the end of the year.
|
Internal and external assessments over two years, including exams, essays, and projects.
|
Final exams and/or projects created by the teacher/school.
|
| College Credit
|
Awarded based on a single exam score (1-5).
|
Awarded based on the final IB score out of 45; policies vary widely.
|
Generally not eligible for college credit.
|
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