Why Take AP/IB Credit

Many students have a hard time deciding if they should take Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses while in high school. AP and IB courses are considerably more difficult than other high school courses because they are designed to help students prepare for university-level work.

Given the increased workload and larger time requirements that AP and IB courses demand, many students wonder if the benefits will outweigh the extra effort.

Benefits of Taking AP/IB Courses

AP and IB courses are gaining in popularity nationwide. High school counselors and parents alike are recognizing the benefits such courses offer to college-bound students.

Here are a few of the major benefits of taking college-prep courses:

• Because AP and IB courses are measured by a standardized instrument, students who take these courses will receive extra value in the admissions process when applying to BYU or any other CES school.
• BYU offers varying levels of college credit based on AP and IB end-of-year test scores. Depending on the number of courses taken, a student can enjoy substantial savings by receiving university credit even before graduating from high school.
• Students who take AP or IB courses are usually more prepared for the rigors of college because of the study skills and discipline developed while taking such courses.
• Students who take AP and IB courses gain support from motivated peers and mentors.

Choosing the Right College-prep Courses

The decision to take AP or IB courses should be considered carefully by the student, his or her parents, and a school counselor. Students and parents may wish to talk to an AP teacher or an AP coordinator to learn more about the difficulties of a particular course. Be sure to discuss the workload and the preparation required for the course.

Advanced Placement vs. International Baccalaureate

Both the AP and IB programs offer unique opportunities to students. BYU does not favor one program over the other. Whether a student is involved with one or both programs should be a matter of student preference, learning style, and course availability.

Advanced Placement

The AP program offers high school students the opportunity to receive university credit while still in high school. There are over 35 AP courses offered throughout the nation. Students who enroll in these courses will have the option to take a test at the end of the year and, based on their performance, will receive more or less university credit depending on the college or university to which they apply.

The AP program is relatively flexible in that anyone, even those who are homeschooled or who attend a school that does not offer AP courses, can take the AP tests.

To learn more about the AP program, please visit the College Board's AP home page.

International Baccalaureate

The IB Program is built around a comprehensive two-year curriculum for juniors and seniors. This curriculum is designed to challenge students both in and out of class. Among other requirements, students in the IB program must complete an extended essay, a specific set of courses, and over 150 hours of creativity, action, and service.

If all requirements are met, a student will receive an IB Diploma. Students who do not wish to be involved with all aspects of the program can take IB courses and receive a certificate of completion from each course taken.

To learn more about the IB program, please visit the IBO home page.

 

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