As the Academic & University Counsellor at UA, I often get asked about the difference between the Advanced Placement (AP) program and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) when applying to universities. So I am happy to be able to outline the differences in today’s Weekly Update.
At Urban Academy, we offer the AP program alongside the BC curriculum. For those who may not know what AP is, it is a program that offers senior school students the chance to undertake college-level coursework and exams in various subjects, with the potential to earn college credit or ‘advanced placement’. IBDP is a two-year curriculum designed to provide a rigorous education with an international perspective. Both programs offer significant benefits for students, particularly in preparing them for post-secondary education. They both:
- Are rigorous and academically challenging.
- Requires self-motivation, excellent time management, and a strong work ethic.
- Are well-regarded by post-secondary institutions in Canada, demonstrating a high level of academic rigour.
- Offer post-secondary credits depending on the mark earned in the course
6 Key Differences Between Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)
1. Flexibility
AP: Like a smorgasbord buffet, students can pick and choose as many or as few AP courses as they would like. This flexibility allows students to tailor their education to their specific interests and strengths. AP courses are not a requirement for UA Students, but optional. The following AP courses are offered at UA: AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Computer Science Principles, AP English Language & Composition, AP Macroeconomics, AP World History, AP English Literature & Composition (starting 2025/26) and AP Business Principles (possibly being added).
IBDP: Comparable to a set menu, students must commit to a fixed set of courses for two years (Grade 11 and 12), while also taking BC courses required for graduation, offering less flexibility in course selection. For many independent schools, IBDP is not optional, but compulsory.
2. Course Commitment
AP: Students can take one AP course or several, depending on their capacity and interest, providing the freedom to focus on strengths or explore new areas. All while meeting BC graduation requirements and post-secondary entry requirements for BC, Canadian and U.S. colleges and universities.
IBDP: Requires a commitment to all courses within the program, and may limit students’ ability to specialize, as well as their time availability for activities and programs outside of school. Students interested in Engineering or Computing Sciences, for example, will often have to take summer school courses in Grade 10 and Grade 11 in order to ensure they meet all BC graduation requirements as well as IBDP requirements.
3. Extracurricular Compatibility:
AP: AP can be more adaptable with its flexibility and time commitments for students engaged in high-level athletics, performing arts, or other extracurricular programs outside of school.
IBDP: IBDP can be more challenging for students to balance intensive extracurricular commitments, as the program is time-intensive, and there are typically 4-5 hours of homework per night in Grade 11 and Grade 12.
4. Independent Learning
AP: Offers self-study options. For example, a student could study AP Psychology independently, supported by UA teachers, and write the exam in an invigilated environment.
IBDP: Must be taught in a school by a certified IB teacher, no option for self-study.
5. Science and Engineering Pathways:
AP + BC Curriculum: Ideal for students pursuing sciences or engineering in Canada, as the program aligns well with Canadian university prerequisites.
IBDP: Even though the courses are very rigorous, and university-level, IBDP students aiming for science or engineering in Canada may need to supplement their studies with additional summer courses to meet university entry requirements.
6. Global Recognition
AP: Highly regarded by Canadian and U.S. universities and increasingly recognized in other parts of the world, particularly in European universities, China and India.
IBDP: Well understood globally, especially in Europe and Asia, making it a good option for students planning to study internationally.
My hope is that families and students now have a better understanding of what the senior years could look like in both IB and AP learning environments, and the impact that it has on post-secondary planning. We are proud to have the AP program at UA that can be responsive to student interests and set them on a path to excel academically in preparation for their post-secondary education.
Yours in future planning,
David Gow
Academic & University Counsellor