AP, IB, and Dual-Enrollment, Oh My!

International Baccalaureate 

There are over 20,000 high schools in the United States and over 950, 5% of those high schools offer the International Baccalaureate program. The International Baccalaureate (IB) program, started in Switzerland in 1971 for high school students is a rigorous, globally recognized educational curriculum emphasizing critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and holistic development. It offers the IB Diploma Program (DP), which includes a broad range of subjects and requires students to complete a core curriculum featuring the Theory of Knowledge (TOK), an Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) projects. The program is designed to prepare students for university and beyond by developing their intellectual, personal, emotional, and social skills. The IB program is recognized and respected worldwide. IB courses are offered at the standard level and higher level. Over 1600 colleges and universities will accept IB courses for college credit but they will usually only accept the higher level course. Colleges like to see students score at least 5 on the IB exam to get college credit. Note, you have to be enrolled in the IB program to take the exam. 

Advanced Placement 

In the 1950s, the College Board created the Advanced Placement (AP) program to offer high school students college-level courses and exams. Educators and universities collaborated to bridge the gap between secondary and higher education, launching the first AP exams in 1956 with subjects like history, biology, and chemistry. The program has since expanded to include a wide range of subjects, allowing students to earn college credits and gain advanced placement. Today, AP courses are widely recognized and help students prepare for college success. According to the National Center for Education Studies (NCES), as of March 2024, 76% of high schools offer at least 1 AP Course. 

Students can take AP exams at the end of the course whether they have taken the class in high school or not. Scores typically range from 1 to 5. Colleges and universities often award credit or advanced placement for scores of 3 or higher (scores of 4-5 are expected at more selective schools to earn credit). Enter college with AP credits provides students with a head start in their higher education journey.

Which do College Admissions Officers Prefer, IB or AP? 

Most college admissions officers will so they like to see students take rigorous classes that challenge themselves. Showing that you can do well in high-level IB or AP classes indicates that you are college-ready. However, most admissions officers are more familiar with AP classes than IB. Also, it is easier to find a course that is equivalent to a college-level course if getting credits that can transfer is important to you. The IB program is not as flexible as AP, you must commit to a certain number of classes in addition to writing an essay. The College Board offers 39 AP courses so you can choose the ones that interest you. 

Dual-Enrollment 

Dual enrollment classes are college-level courses that high school students can take to earn both high school and college credits at the same time. These classes are typically offered through partnerships between high schools and local colleges or universities. Dual enrollment classes have seen a significant increase in recent years. More than 1.5 million students annually enroll in dual enrollment courses, with over a million of these enrollments at community colleges. From 2011 to 2021, the number of students taking dual enrollment courses nearly doubled. Dual enrollment students now account for almost 20% of community college students.

Dual Enrollment Compared to Advanced Placement (AP)

While both dual enrollment and AP courses offer college-level content, they differ in several ways:

• Credit awarding: Dual enrollment credits are earned by passing the course, while AP credits require passing a standardized exam

• Course length: Dual enrollment courses often last one semester, while AP courses typically run for a full school year

• Instructor: Dual enrollment courses are often taught by college professors, while AP courses are taught by high school teachers

Dual enrollment provides an opportunity for high school students to challenge themselves academically, get a head start on college credits, and potentially reduce the time and cost of their future college education.

How Many Colleges Give Credit for Dual Enrollment? 

• 2,890 schools in the United States accept dual credit or dual enrollment credits. This breaks down as follows:

  • 1,643 public schools

  • 1,247 private schools (1,112 not-for-profit and 135 for-profit)

By school level:

• 1,914 four-year colleges

• 899 community colleges

• 77 trade schools

It's important to note that while many institutions accept dual enrollment credits, policies can vary significantly between schools. Some key points to consider:

• Acceptance is not universal or guaranteed, even within a single institution.

• Credit transfer may depend on factors such as the accreditation of the institution offering the dual enrollment course, the course content, and its relevance to the student's intended major.

• Some colleges may only count dual enrollment credits toward electives rather than major requirements.

• Highly selective institutions may have more restrictive policies regarding dual enrollment credits.

Students interested in dual enrollment should research the credit transfer policies of their target colleges and universities, as acceptance practices can differ widely between institutions. To learn more about dual enrollment listen to this great episode of Future U. 

As an independent college counselor in Fairfield County, CT, I can help you select the right high school classes that align with your academic goals. I provide personalized support to help students navigate the complexities of the college admissions process. I can guide students in creating strong applications that accurately reflect their abilities and achievements. My expertise includes helping students select appropriate coursework, craft compelling essays, and develop a well-rounded profile that showcases their unique strengths. By offering tailored advice and strategies, I help students stand out in a competitive admissions landscape and make informed decisions about their educational future. Reach out to me to schedule a call today.