Difference between AP and IB courses (specifically RM IB or in general)

[Anonymous]

Can you who has knowledge of both AP classes and the IB program speak to the difference in the classes? I'm specifically interested in the Richard Montgomery IB classes, but I'd be happy to hear about people's experiences in general with AP classes and IB classes.

I understand they are both rigorous classes, but in what way are they the same/different? What are the different approaches?

[Anonymous]

IB = no life, no sleep, high stress

AP = double the amount of homework

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:IB = no life, no sleep, high stress

AP = double the amount of homework

Not very helpful. Can you elaborate?

[Anonymous]

My kids have taken both AP and IB classes. IB classes aren't necessarily a lot harder than AP classes, but the work in more in-depth, more analytical, and if a child doesn't put forth the effort to do the reading and complete the assignments, they won't do well. For AP classes, that's not necessarily true -- a bright kid can do well in an AP class with a medium amount of effort. Some IB classes also involved class discussions which are graded (great for kids who enjoy that sort of thing), and have assignments which are turned into IB for grading. Also, a lot of IB classes are two-year classes, taken junior and senior year, followed by the IB test for the subject (which is more expensive than AP tests).

The kids who are in IB and getting no sleep have usually brought it on themselves, in most cases; the classes are very manageable, if one does the work and doesn't leave assignments until the last minute.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kids have taken both AP and IB classes. IB classes aren't necessarily a lot harder than AP classes, but the work in more in-depth, more analytical, and if a child doesn't put forth the effort to do the reading and complete the assignments, they won't do well. For AP classes, that's not necessarily true -- a bright kid can do well in an AP class with a medium amount of effort. Some IB classes also involved class discussions which are graded (great for kids who enjoy that sort of thing), and have assignments which are turned into IB for grading. Also, a lot of IB classes are two-year classes, taken junior and senior year, followed by the IB test for the subject (which is more expensive than AP tests).

The kids who are in IB and getting no sleep have usually brought it on themselves, in most cases; the classes are very manageable, if one does the work and doesn't leave assignments until the last minute.

I have a daughter who is in IB and has a group project due this week and 6 tests that she has to study for on top of the 3-4hrs of nightly homework given. She is a straight A student and has worked hard her whole life with basic ease. The classes are only manageable if you do not have any other outside interests. The environment of finally being around people who want to learn in a public school is rewarding but the downside is a lot of stress and exhaustion. I don't think it is healthy. She gets so exhausted, she sets her alarm to get up at 4:30am to finish her homework or study that day. I personally hate it and I would love it if she dropped out but for now, she wants to carry on. She would never tell her friends she is struggling and I am sure they are just like her. But time will tell how this plays out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kids have taken both AP and IB classes. IB classes aren't necessarily a lot harder than AP classes, but the work in more in-depth, more analytical, and if a child doesn't put forth the effort to do the reading and complete the assignments, they won't do well. For AP classes, that's not necessarily true -- a bright kid can do well in an AP class with a medium amount of effort. Some IB classes also involved class discussions which are graded (great for kids who enjoy that sort of thing), and have assignments which are turned into IB for grading. Also, a lot of IB classes are two-year classes, taken junior and senior year, followed by the IB test for the subject (which is more expensive than AP tests).

The kids who are in IB and getting no sleep have usually brought it on themselves, in most cases; the classes are very manageable, if one does the work and doesn't leave assignments until the last minute.

Is your child in the RM IB program? It doesn't sound like it

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kids have taken both AP and IB classes. IB classes aren't necessarily a lot harder than AP classes, but the work in more in-depth, more analytical, and if a child doesn't put forth the effort to do the reading and complete the assignments, they won't do well. For AP classes, that's not necessarily true -- a bright kid can do well in an AP class with a medium amount of effort. Some IB classes also involved class discussions which are graded (great for kids who enjoy that sort of thing), and have assignments which are turned into IB for grading. Also, a lot of IB classes are two-year classes, taken junior and senior year, followed by the IB test for the subject (which is more expensive than AP tests).

The kids who are in IB and getting no sleep have usually brought it on themselves, in most cases; the classes are very manageable, if one does the work and doesn't leave assignments until the last minute.

Is your child in the RM IB program? It doesn't sound like it

Thanks for your responses. I'd also be interested to hear if the PPs child was in the Richard Montgomery IB program or a different MCPS IB program.

[Anonymous]

I'm a teacher at RM and teach both AP and IB classes.

There are a few distinctions between these types of classes. Our IB program is a magnet program for kids across Montgomery County. This means that kids test into the magnet by taking a multiple choice test, as well as completing an application with essays and teacher recs, among other requirements.

RM technically has two IB programs - the Middle Year's Programme, which includes ALL students in grades 9-10, then the Diploma Programme, which includes students in grades 11-12 who tested into the magnet, but also students whose home school is RM who choose to enter the DP in grade 11. What many parents aren't aware of is that if your kid's home school is RM, they can opt go into the Diploma Programme in grade 11.

As for the difference between the classes - both are rigorous. However, the IB Program, which includes "magnet" core classes in grades 9-10 and DP classes in grades 11-12, is, in my opinion, more rigorous than taking AP classes. Despite what another PP said, many students in the magnet/DP do participate in extra curricular activities, and quite a few of them at that. This is likely why they're not getting a lot of sleep and up at all hours doing homework. However, AP classes are considered "college level courses" and are also quite rigorous in terms of the workload.

If you'd like to get more information, you should talk to the DP Coordinator at RM who can give you specific details on the program requirements. I've taught many students who have been accepted into the magnet and have done quite well; others, however, do struggle with the workload and the pressure of being a part of that program, which, in my opinion, is exacerbated by the students themselves. They often refer to themselves as "the IB students" and I have to remind them that ALL students in grades 9-10 at RM are "IB students." But that's a separate issue entirely.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kids have taken both AP and IB classes. IB classes aren't necessarily a lot harder than AP classes, but the work in more in-depth, more analytical, and if a child doesn't put forth the effort to do the reading and complete the assignments, they won't do well. For AP classes, that's not necessarily true -- a bright kid can do well in an AP class with a medium amount of effort. Some IB classes also involved class discussions which are graded (great for kids who enjoy that sort of thing), and have assignments which are turned into IB for grading. Also, a lot of IB classes are two-year classes, taken junior and senior year, followed by the IB test for the subject (which is more expensive than AP tests).

The kids who are in IB and getting no sleep have usually brought it on themselves, in most cases; the classes are very manageable, if one does the work and doesn't leave assignments until the last minute.

Is your child in the RM IB program? It doesn't sound like it

PP here. No, not RM's program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a teacher at RM and teach both AP and IB classes.

There are a few distinctions between these types of classes. Our IB program is a magnet program for kids across Montgomery County. This means that kids test into the magnet by taking a multiple choice test, as well as completing an application with essays and teacher recs, among other requirements.

RM technically has two IB programs - the Middle Year's Programme, which includes ALL students in grades 9-10, then the Diploma Programme, which includes students in grades 11-12 who tested into the magnet, but also students whose home school is RM who choose to enter the DP in grade 11. What many parents aren't aware of is that if your kid's home school is RM, they can opt go into the Diploma Programme in grade 11.

As for the difference between the classes - both are rigorous. However, the IB Program, which includes "magnet" core classes in grades 9-10 and DP classes in grades 11-12, is, in my opinion, more rigorous than taking AP classes. Despite what another PP said, many students in the magnet/DP do participate in extra curricular activities, and quite a few of them at that. This is likely why they're not getting a lot of sleep and up at all hours doing homework. However, AP classes are considered "college level courses" and are also quite rigorous in terms of the workload.

If you'd like to get more information, you should talk to the DP Coordinator at RM who can give you specific details on the program requirements. I've taught many students who have been accepted into the magnet and have done quite well; others, however, do struggle with the workload and the pressure of being a part of that program, which, in my opinion, is exacerbated by the students themselves. They often refer to themselves as "the IB students" and I have to remind them that ALL students in grades 9-10 at RM are "IB students." But that's a separate issue entirely.

So as a teacher you are basically saying students in the RM IB Magnet program have two options besides school/studying:

1. Extra curricular activities
2. Sleep

[Anonymous]

AP = Breadth

IB = Depth

I've taught both. They are equally but differently challenging. I had more "fun" teaching IB.

Individual AP courses were a better fit for my DD with ADD. She took a course or two a year. Sat for her exams w/o any accommodations (no 504 plan). Scored 4s and 5s.

An IB program would have required more coordination than she was capable of.

[Anonymous]

AP is also highly technical, especially in the sciences. Plus, it opens up students' schedules to include more electives. IB is like a mini liberal arts program. The IB grads often say that college is a piece of cake b/c DP courses taught them how to manage their time.

You're talking about a program versus individual, specific courses. Furthermore, if teachers are faithful to MYP, kids begin to see connections in grades 9 and 10. MYP isn't a curriculum framework; it's a philosophical framework for unit planning (cross-disciplinary and w/in each discipline).

I can't say, however, that AP = only breadth. In English, the prompts were very specific, and we drilled down quite a bit with each work we studied. But unless you co-plan with a colleague, AP courses are like other courses, IB, however, requires the integration of many other components for instructional planning purposes and assessment preparation - learner profile, approaches to learning, and CAS, for example.

Anonymous wrote:AP = Breadth

IB = Depth

I've taught both. They are equally but differently challenging. I had more "fun" teaching IB.

Individual AP courses were a better fit for my DD with ADD. She took a course or two a year. Sat for her exams w/o any accommodations (no 504 plan). Scored 4s and 5s.

An IB program would have required more coordination than she was capable of.

[Anonymous]

After looking at everything my understanding is following:

1) If your child is highly technical and interested in Engineering, Science and Math -
AP classes, Technical Magnet or Classes at MC would serve him/her better for the future.
However, IB students can be successful too in Science and Math and CS but that is not focus of the IB program.
IB program will make those student sweat, but there would be some gaps that would have to be filled in college.
Also really technical places (Technical Institutes, Engineering schools) do prefer APs (but would count some IB courses for liberal art subjects too.)

2)If your child is interested in liberal arts - go for IB if you can. It is perfect fit.

Also, use your own brain. Do not go with the flow.
Do not apply to IB only because it is prestigious in MOCO. Do not make your child's life miserable.

My child is extremely capable. Can be accepted, however our family choice - do not apply.
This is not good fit for my child's interests, since child hates liberal arts and enjoys science.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:After looking at everything my understanding is following:

1) If your child is highly technical and interested in Engineering, Science and Math -
AP classes, Technical Magnet or Classes at MC would serve him/her better for the future.
However, IB students can be successful too in Science and Math and CS but that is not focus of the IB program.
IB program will make those student sweat, but there would be some gaps that would have to be filled in college.
Also really technical places (Technical Institutes, Engineering schools) do prefer APs (but would count some IB courses for liberal art subjects too.)

2)If your child is interested in liberal arts - go for IB if you can. It is perfect fit.

Also, use your own brain. Do not go with the flow.
Do not apply to IB only because it is prestigious in MOCO. Do not make your child's life miserable.

My child is extremely capable. Can be accepted, however our family choice - do not apply.
This is not good fit for my child's interests, since child hates liberal arts and enjoys science.

gaps with IB?

From where did that misconception originate?

[Anonymous]

Yep gaps with IB in Technical Subjects.
Pay attention. IB is Liberal Arts program!

I know for a fact a child after IB RM who struggled with Physics in college at very prestigious university...

Can somebody competent compare
IB Math with AP Calculus BC
IB Physics with AP Physics BC
IB Chemistry with AP Chemistry?

I bet there is program difference, and college programs are more aligned with AP and not IB in these subjects.