Understanding the similarities and differences between the German International Abitur (DIA), the International Baccaulareate Diploma Programme (IB), and a traditional High School Diploma with Advanced Placement (AP) courses is helpful in making decisions about your child’s future academic path.
| HS Diploma with Advanced Placement (AP) courses | German International Abitur - the DIA | International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) |
Administered & awarded by | Local school disctrict | Permanent Conference of the Dept. of Education of the Federal Republic of Germany (Kultusministerkonferenz - KMK) | International Baccalaureate Organization |
Number of subjects | High School students are required to satisfy specific requirements, set at the state or local level, and can select individual subjects to take as an AP course depending on their school’s offerings. | Students are required to take the following subjects taught across 2 years in Grades 11-12: German, English, and Math plus additional courses in subjects including History, Social Studies, Music, Art, Ethics, Physical Education French, Latin, Spanish,Biology, Chemistry, Physics. Each school has its own offerings. | Students select a mix of standard and higher-level courses in 6 areas, taught across Grades 11-12. 1. Language and Literature 2. Language Acquisition 3. Individuals & Societies (social sciences) 4. Sciences 5. Mathematics 6. Arts. Students may make limited substitutions. Students must also complete a Theory of Knowledge course, submit a 4,000 word Extended Essay and fulfill requirements for creativity, activity, and service projects. |
Choice of Classes | Students choose which subjects to take as an AP course. Within their school’s offerings, there may also be honors or on-level courses, providing a differing level of academic rigor. | Each school allows students some choice with regards to electives. For example, they may choose to pursue a third foreign language or add an additional science. | Students choose their class for each subject area, and also choose the combination of Higher Level and Standard Level courses, based on the school’s offerings and teacher recommendations. |
College Entry | A HS diploma and AP courses do not guarantee acceptance into college. AP courses are well-regarded by prestigious universities worldwide. | The DIA offers entry into any German university. There are some competitive programs that may require a particular score or have other enrollment requirements. The DIA is well-regarded by prestigious universities worldwide. | The IB Diploma does not guarantee acceptance into any college. The IB Diploma is well-regarded by prestigious universities worldwide. |
College Credit | Universities may offer credit for AP courses with a score of 4 or 5 out of a possible 5. | Universities may offer credit for successful Abitur exam results. | Universities may offer credit for IB Higher Level classes with a score of 6 or 7 out of a possible 7. |
Partial Credit | N/A | N/A | |
Exams | Students take one exam per AP course. Exam format differs by course matter. Exams are administered worldwide at the same time. | Students must take 5 exams. Exam 1: German - written. Exam 2: Math, English or 2nd Foreign Language - written 3: Any of the above or. Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, or other subject offered at each school - written. Exam 4: Oral. Also chosen from the list above, cannot be the same as Exam 2 or 3, and has been studied for at least 3 years. Exam 5: Oral. In the form of a presentation. 50% of the exams must be conducted in German. The remainder may be in another language or bilingual. Exams are administered in the same period across geographic regions. | Students take one exam for each of the 6 courses. Language exams have both written and oral components. Other exams may have multiple papers or components. Exams are administered worldwide at the same time. |
North American Schools with the program | 22,169 in the US and 84 in Canada (2018, The College Board) | 5 (4 in the US, 1 in Canada) | 940 (2018, International Baccalaureate Organization). 185 in Canada |
FAQs
Some students argue that IB is more challenging because of the emphasis on critical thinking and the more application-focused evaluations. However, both IB and AP classes are considered college-level courses that many students find challenging.
What is the IB equivalent in Germany? ›
Students who intend to study in Germany must follow some very specific guidelines for choosing DP courses that will enable their IB Diploma to be recognized as equivalent to the German Abitur.
Do Ivy Leagues prefer AP or IB? ›
Students who take IB classes in high school have higher acceptance rates into Ivy League schools, but this doesn't necessarily mean a higher acceptance rate than AP students; it just means that IB students have a higher acceptance rate than the general application pool.
Which is better advanced placement AP or International Baccalaureate IB? ›
AP tests are accepted by most U.S. colleges and universities (some international universities will consider them, as well), while IB is accepted worldwide at most universities and colleges.
What IB subject is the hardest? ›
Which IB courses are the hardest and easiest? Subjects generally considered hardest in IB – Math Analysis and Approaches (AA) HL, Sciences (HL), History HL, English Literature HL, and Computer Science HL.
Is IB worth it in America? ›
But did you know that IB graduates are 21.4 percent more likely to be admitted into 10 of the most prestigious universities in the US? That includes Harvard, Princeton, Yale, and Stanford.
Do US universities prefer IB or A levels? ›
Universities appreciate the IB's rigour and they know it takes hard work and dedication to perform well, particularly in Higher Level (HL) subjects. This is demonstrated by the fact that most US universities award course credits for IB Diploma subjects.
Why is IB so prestigious? ›
IB students develop strong academic, social and emotional characteristics. They are also likely to perform well academically – often better than students on other curricula. Read key findings from IB research to learn more about how the IB programmes impact students and schools.
Does MIT prefer IB or AP? ›
While AP and IB classes allow you to take the end-of-course exams for college credit, MIT generally does not accept the credit from these tests. The school wants all of its incoming freshmen to start at MIT on equal footing. However, MIT does grant credit for specific AP tests on which you score a five.
Do colleges care more about IB or AP? ›
Do Colleges Prefer AP or IB? Both academic options are looked on favorably by colleges and universities, and both can help earn a student college credit, depending on exam scores. The IB is increasing in popularity in the United States, especially among international families and students who hope to study abroad.
It's a fact. So if you ask if US colleges care about IB, they definitely do. If you do good with your IB, even such Ivy League monsters like MIT school or Harvard can consider your IB diploma and give you a chance to apply.
Does Stanford prefer IB or AP? ›
We do not have a preference for any particular curriculum. We hope a school's curriculum offers students the opportunity to contribute to the learning process and to pursue questions and ideas with energy and curiosity.
What is an advantage of AP over IB? ›
You'll find AP courses in most U.S. high schools. IB courses are rarer. Because it's not part of a cohesive diploma program, AP is a more flexible, do-it-yourself option. The tests are cheaper, your child can take some tests without being enrolled in a formal course, and they can focus on subjects they care about.
Does Harvard accept AP or IB? ›
Yes. Applicants may provide self-reported SAT and ACT test scores (including Subject Tests, Advanced Placement, IB, etc.). Admitted students who decide to enroll at Harvard College will be required to submit official test scores.
How difficult is IB? ›
The International Baccalaureate, also referred to as “IB,” is a very intense and rigorous curriculum that many private and charter schools offer. Here at The Village School, many students take on the challenge of IB courses, whether full-IB or part-time IB Students.
Do IB classes boost GPA? ›
In these systems, an A in an IB course might be worth 5.0 points instead of the 4.0 points a regular course A is worth. This means that doing well in IB courses can help raise your GPA and demonstrate your academic capability to college admissions officers.
Are college classes harder than IB? ›
IB courses were much more demanding and involved than the courses I take at college. My writing skills were strongly developed, however, most of my college courses only use multiple choice examinations. Critical thinking skills were the most valuable to me. IB helped immensely in college preparation.
Are IB classes weighted the same as AP? ›
A student typically receives 5.0 grade points for a class if they earn an "A" grade in an Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), or International Baccalaureate (IB) class and receives an extra point added to the non-weighted value for each lower grade (i.e., a B in an AP course is counted as 4.0, rather than 3.0).
