As colleges increase the pressure they put on high-schoolers, students are constantly making an effort to create college applications that stand out. The drive to stand out – from extracurricular activities, high SAT or ACT scores, and taking AP and IB classes – can be the difference between an acceptance and rejection to a college. Because of this, a growing number of high schools are starting to incorporate more AP and IB classes in their course selections.

When it comes to AP and IB classes, what differentiates the two? Both AP and IB classes are considered college-level courses with heavy workloads, and both give students a 10-point curve with the opportunity to earn potential college credit. So, is one better than the other?

“IB has been extremely stressful but it’s incredibly helpful in the long run because it broadens your knowledge so much. Not only do you learn the “whos,” “whats,” and “wheres,” but more importantly you learn why those things happen. IB has shown me how everything in the world is connected,” said IB senior Lizzie Darby.

Many colleges put equal weight on both programs. When it comes to having a more flexible high school schedule and a slightly less time-demanding high school existence, AP classes are the way to go. Some AP courses can be taken online and you can choose classes that are your strengths. Even though the majority of your classes in the IB course will be IB, an advantage to this program is that it creates a community among the students, and your teachers coordinate more. IB classes are strictly for 11th and 12th graders, whereas AP classes can be taken from your freshman year.

“Taking AP shows academic rigor and being prepared for college. For example, I have to advocate for Dr. Hasty because she keeps the class engaged the entire time by having back to back activities, whether it’s specific text  or reading current issues. In my opinion, AP gives you the extra rigor IB does without wasting your time,” said AP junior Jean-Paul Flerin.

For IB students, there are multiple exams for each class, most of which will be taken at the end of their senior year. AP students take a single exam at the end of the course, which is at the end of one school year. AP exams are mostly multiple-choice, while IB exams have barely any multiple-choice questions and are made up of mostly open ended and essay questions.

There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding which route is for you. Either way you go, both AP and IB are sure to set you apart in a stack of college applications.