AP, IB or A-Levels – Which is the best choice for university entry?

Obtaining a quality university education is usually the goal of most students before entering the workforce. If you’re considering your options and pathways before embarking on your university study journey, you might be unsure which is the best choice.

 After all, the different options available would work better depending on certain factors such as your individual learning style, which country you plan to study in or the area of study you’re looking to pursue.

 Fortunately, it’s not all that complex. Read on to gain a better understanding of the different pathways so you can make an informed decision.

AP at a glance

The AP (or Advanced Placement) Program is designed to enable willing and academically prepared students to pursue college-level studies while in high school.

 Developed by the United States Organisation College Board, the AP courses are offered by some high schools and corresponding AP exams are administered once a year.

 IB at a glance

Founded in 1968, the IB (or International Baccalaureate) provides high quality and challenging educational programs at every stage of the child’s academic journey while offering a holistic educational environment.

 It is known for its high academic standards and mission to develop global citizens of the 21st century, with a curriculum that places great emphasis on cultivating creativity and imagination.

 IB Singapore schools offer there are different levels of programs:

•   IB Primary Years Program (for students from Grades 1 – 5)
•   IB Middle Years Program (for students from Grades 6 – 8)
•   IGCSE or CBSE (for students from Grades 9 – 10)
•   IB Diploma (for students from Grades 11 – 12)

A-Levels at a glance

Commonly taken by students in the UK, the A-Levels (also known as Advanced Levels) are qualifications in particular subjects that are usually the final academic courses taken before university.

A-Levels are assessed using a set of examinations that take place after two years of studying.

4 key differences you must know between AP, IB and A-Levels

1. The curriculum offered

The IB allows students to select from six subject groups, on top of the completion of Theory of Knowledge training, a research project, a 4,000 word essay as well as participation in creativity, activity and service (CAS). Hence, offering a well-rounded education that develops critical thinking and research skills.

With no set minimum on how many courses students can choose, the AP gives flexibility when it comes to choosing how many subjects the student wishes to study. However, the boundary for number of courses as well as range of subjects available may be set by the school. AP courses tend to focus on writing skills and higher-order thinking.

The curriculum for A-Levels is more limited and requires students to take 3 or 4 subjects. This 2-year program is usually pursued after a high school diploma is obtained and students are free to focus on subjects relevant to the degree they intend to pursue as there are no mandatory subjects.

Many students, especially at age 16, might not know what they exactly want to study. Being forced to limit themselves to just 3 subjects could be disadvantageous for their future learning ahead.

2. How lessons are taught

All three programs are different when it comes to how the lessons are carried out. However, depending on your specific study needs or preferences, one could work better than the others for you.

The IB tries to connect different courses while providing depth with individual subjects so as to develop a global perspective, inquiry, critical thinking, risk-taking as well as communication – which are all crucial to the learning experience.

As for the AP, students are encouraged to be disciplined and learn more independently as a lot of the coursework requires plenty of reading, writing and self-study time in order to do well. Lessons are largely in the form of lectures, where students would take notes and keep up with deadlines to cover the course syllabus.

The A-Level courses focus on individual courses in depth rather than providing linkage with others like what the IB does. Hence, A-Levels tend to focus on specialisation and a more in-depth study of chosen subjects.

Although they are a UK-based qualification, the A-Levels are widely accepted worldwide.

3. The examinations & assessment styles

The AP exam is an externally assessed standardised test administered at the end of each academic year by the College Board, grading pupils on a scale of 1 to 5 – with those that get awarded a 1 not recommended to receive college credit while those with a 5 are highly recommended.

Similarly, the A-Levels are also completely externally assessed, the difference being that there are two exam dates available every year. Besides that, the traditional letter grading system is also used.

On the other hand, the IB certification results are not only based on external assessments but internal ones as well. These internal assessments are largely made up of reports, presentations as well as test papers, and the external assessments are mainly a cumulative exam administered at the end of the study.

These coursework usually require students to do independent research and take many months to complete, hence they play a part in determining the student’s overall grade. To grade performance, the IB has a points-based system.

4. The recognition to enter global universities 

Depending on where you choose to further your studies after graduation, the IB, AP and A-Levels are widely accepted and can likely help you to secure your spot in your education institution of choice.

However, the IB is the most globally recognised and can give you an edge when it comes to admissions to top universities. After which, it would be the A-Levels, followed by AP which is mostly favoured in US universities or specific courses.

Get a head start in life at AIS

Now that you have a clearer idea about the different options out there, we hope you will feel more confident in making the best decision for your further studies.

At AIS, we are committed to providing the best IB education that can ensure you make it to your dream university, be it locally or internationally.

Get started by booking your tour today! 

Thus, it is most important to figure out your plan for higher education before making a decision.