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.
