IB vs. AP: What should you choose?

The AP (Advanced Placement) and IB (International Baccalaureate) programs are geared toward high school students and provide access to college-level coursework and the chance to receive college credit. What makes the two programs differ from one another? Which one appears to be more impressive? Which will give you the best chance to get admission to a prestigious university?

Important distinctions
The AP program originated in the US to aid high school students in preparing for college by enrolling in challenging courses. Depending on their school, schedule, and objectives, students might enrol in just one or as many as twelve AP classes.
On the other hand, IB originated in Switzerland to be a diploma course that is recognized globally. You must complete a minimum number of courses across a variety of them to get the diploma.

Program Objectives
IB focuses on writing and vital thinking talents rather than just examinations. This diploma requires a lengthy research paper written in the style of a college essay. There are extracurricular requirements for the IB program as well.

On the other hand, the AP program emphasizes teaching students to develop competence in subject matter and screening their awareness on examinations. There are multiple-choice questions and a focus on achieving specific content objectives.

Examinations and Classes
One can take AP exams without registration in a class, but IB exams require enrollment.

The AP college database allows you to search the AP credit policies of various colleges. Although the IB program lacks a database like this, you can look up any college or university's IB credit policy by searching "[Name of College/University] IB Credit."

Additionally, IB offers both standard-level and higher-level courses. You must enrol in at least three higher-level courses to receive an IB diploma. Although some subjects, like calculus and physics, have multiple course options, AP courses have only one level. Some high schools consider IB higher-level to be more difficult than AP. Although not all colleges offer credit for standard-level IB exams, most do for AP exams and higher-level IB exams.

Although there aren't many AP "classes" in India, there has been an increase in inquiries about the exams themselves. On the other hand, IB is expanding quickly and is offered at the majority of private schools in major cities.