How Many AP Classes Should You Take Alongside IB?
Quick Answer
For most students enrolled in the full IB Diploma Programme, taking zero to two AP courses is the sensible limit—if any at all.
The IB Diploma already includes six demanding subjects, plus core requirements such as the Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). Adding multiple AP courses on top of this workload is rarely beneficial unless there is a clear academic or strategic reason.
Why Some IB Students Choose to Take AP Courses
Although it is not necessary, some students consider AP courses alongside IB for specific reasons.
Strengthening a Particular Academic Area
An AP course may make sense if:
- The subject is not offered within your school’s IB programme
- You have a strong interest or talent in the subject
- The subject aligns closely with your intended university major
Increasing College Credit Opportunities
Some universities, particularly in the United States, award more or clearer college credit for high AP exam scores (4 or 5) than for IB results. This can be relevant for students with specific credit goals.
Appealing to Highly Selective U.S. Universities
In certain cases, taking both IB and AP can signal additional academic ambition. However, this only helps if grades remain strong across all courses.
Why IB Plus AP Can Be Risky
The IB Diploma Programme already requires students to manage:
- Six academic subjects (three at Higher Level)
- Internal Assessments in each subject
- A 4,000-word Extended Essay
- TOK coursework and assessment
- CAS commitments over 18 months
Adding multiple AP courses on top of this can easily lead to:
- Burnout and chronic stress
- Lower grades in IB subjects
- Reduced time for core IB requirements
- Weaker overall diploma performance
For most students, protecting IB results is far more important than adding extra qualifications.
When Taking One or Two APs Can Make Sense
Taking one or two AP courses may be reasonable if:
- You are not completing the full IB Diploma (IB certificates only)
- The AP course overlaps significantly with an IB subject
- You are academically strong, well organised, and realistic about time
Common Examples
- AP Calculus BC alongside IB Mathematics AA HL
- AP Computer Science if IB Computer Science is not offered
- AP U.S. History for students applying to U.S. universities and not taking IB History
Even in these cases, careful planning is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions About IB and AP Together
Can I take an AP exam without taking the class?
Yes. Some students self-study for AP exams, but this requires strong discipline and a realistic study plan.
Do universities prefer students who take both IB and AP?
Only if strong grades are maintained. Universities value depth, consistency, and success more than overload.
Does AP replace IB?
No. AP is subject-based and largely U.S.-focused, while IB is a comprehensive international programme with a core curriculum.
How do I know if I am taking on too much?
Warning signs include lack of sleep, falling behind on TOK or EE work, neglecting CAS, or declining grades. These indicate it is time to reduce commitments.
Making the Right Decision With RevisionDojo
Balancing IB and AP requires strategic planning, not guesswork. RevisionDojo helps IB students:
- Build realistic study schedules
- Identify IB–AP content overlap
- Manage IA, EE, and TOK deadlines
- Compare university credit policies
The goal is not to take more courses, but to perform well in the ones that matter most. With the right balance, students can maximise results without unnecessary stress.
