1. What is the difference between AP and IB?
AP stands for Advanced Placement and IB stands for International Baccalaureate. The Advanced Placement program is part of the CollegeBoard which handles the SAT. With AP and IB, the biggest differences are found in the assessments. For AP, the assessment consists of a one-day exam lasting approximately 3 hours divided among multiple choice and essay sections covering any portion of material in a subject area. AP courses are taught for one year, and the exam is taken at the end of that year. For IB, the assessment process consists of multiple portions: oral components, essay components, performance components, and a final exam. The final exam can have multiple choice, short answer, discussion, and essay questions. Students will be asked questions about specific standards or skills that are a part of a subject’s objectives. The assessment is on-going, beginning in the junior year and ending in May of the senior year, depending on the level of the course (SL or HL).
2. Which is harder, AP or IB?
Both AP and IB are demanding curriculum choices. Both require extensive work outside of the classroom. Both are considered college-level work. AP covers broader material than IB. IB covers deeper material than AP. AP requires some knowledge of many topics. IB requires knowledge of fewer topics but at a deeper level of understanding. Both course choices offer challenge to the goal-driven high school student. They are equally difficult, just different.
3. Can you take a mix of AP and IB classes?
Diploma programme students take mainly IB classes. However, students can take a mixture of AP and IB classes. For example, in History HL, the first year the students take AP US History. AP Courses are offered for pre-diploma programme classes as well. There are multiple ways to meet a student’s goals and interests with AP and IB classes. See your guidance counselor to determine the best combination for you.
4. Will AP and IB classes pull up your GPA?
They can. AP and IB classes are weighted more heavily when calculating a student’s GPA. It is best to consult the student handbook for exact grade weightings.
5. What is TOK?
TOK stands for Theory of Knowledge. This is a philosophy based course. It is a requirement for the IB diploma.
6. What is CAS?
CAS stands for Creativity, Activity, and Service. This is the community service component of IB and is a requirement for the IB diploma.
7. What is Extended Essay?
IB Diploma Candidates are required to write an independent research essay not to exceed 4, 000 words. Students are given one year with guidance to complete this part of the diploma program.
8. Do we receive help with Extended Essay?
There is a lot of help available for students writing Extended Essays. Students will be given time and guidance during Charger Power Period.
9. Do all schools recognize IB?
Most colleges recognize IB. To find out a particular college or university’s policies regarding the IB, please use the IB website – www.ibo.org
10. What are the possible class combinations?
Five IB Subjects are already set: English, Math, History, Spanish/French, Theory of Knowledge. You will get the choice for your sixth subject from either Dance, Information Technology in a Global Society, Theater, or Visual Arts.
11. How is IB grading centralized?
Portions of the assessments of IB classes are graded by the teachers at Central High School. The grades they give on certain assignments are checked by outside people who are part of the IB organization to see if the teacher is grading fairly and according to world standards. Other portions are not graded by teachers at Central High School at all. Instead, they are mailed to examiners in locations all over the world. These examiners are trained by the IB to assure fairness and to preserve the expectations of world standards.
12. Wouldn’t the standards be different in different countries?
Although it might seem that standards would vary from country to country, the truth is that there are agreed upon criteria that are used to measure achievement on assessments with IB. Besides, students in this millennium are no longer competing on a local level for career security; they are competing globally!
13. What are the benefits of AP?
The coursework is equivalent to that required by colleges. The syllabus is determined by the individual teacher based on criteria established by the CollegeBoard. Students study a number of broad topics under the umbrella of a discipline. Advanced Placement is recognized nationally by all colleges and universities. College credit can be earned based on the AP exam score of 1—5. A score of 4 or 5 usually equates to credit for a particular college course. Some colleges will award credit for a 3. For a student who particularly excels in a specific area, mathematics for example, may find AP Calculus a good fit.
14. What are the benefits of IB?
The coursework is equivalent to that required by colleges. The syllabus is determined by the individual teacher based on criteria established by the International Baccalaureate Organization. Students study a number of topics in depth under the umbrella of a discipline. International Baccalaureate is recognized nationally and internationally. College credit can be earned based on the IB score of 1—7, with 7 being the highest possible score. A score of 4 or higher usually equates to credit for a particular college course. Depending upon the score and the particular college’s policy, the potential exists for students to earn credit for one, two, or three courses. The IB is a program with the intent to educate the whole student, not just academically, but socially and emotionally, as well. Global awareness and community service are at the core of the program. Students who have been through Central High School’s IB program have reported back to us that they feel very much prepared for college rigor, often much more prepared than their campus peers.
15. What schools will accept IB scores for credit?
Each university has separate criteria for accepting IB scores for credit. It is strongly advised that you check with the individual institution to ensure they will accept your IB Scores. The links below will guide to each university's requirements in relation to IB Credit.
University of Georgia
Mercer University
Georgia Southern
Georgia Tech University
Wesleyan University
Emory University
Spellman University