AP (Advanced Placement) is gaining attention not only from students at American-style international schools but also, in recent years, from those at IB schools and high schools in Japan that have adopted international curricula.
This is more than just a test. It is a powerful academic credential that proves a high school student has mastered college-level knowledge, serving as a passport to top university admissions.
- "How many AP subjects do I need to get into an Ivy League school?"
- "Which is more advantageous, the IB Diploma or AP?"
- "Is it true you can take the exam even if your school doesn't offer AP courses?"
Because its courses are not fixed, AP offers a high degree of flexibility. With the right strategy, it can enable you to save thousands of dollars in tuition and even achieve an admission that once seemed out of reach.
In this article, we'll use the latest data to explain how AP works, the scores top universities expect, and the benefits for IB students and students at non-AP schools to leverage AP as an extracurricular endeavor.
1. AP Basics: College-Level Courses and the Benefit of "College Credit"
AP (Advanced Placement) is a program administered by the College Board in the United States.
Students take college-level curricula while in high school and sit for a standardized exam (the AP Exam) in May.
Scoring (1-5) and Passing Marks
Scores are graded on a 5-point scale from 1 to 5.
- 5 (Extremely well qualified): The standard for applicants to top universities.
- 4 (Well qualified): The score at which many universities grant college credit.
- 3 (Qualified): The passing score for many public state universities.
Benefits: Tuition Savings and Early Graduation
Its greatest feature is that a high score (typically a 4 or 5) can be recognized as "College Credit" by universities.
Tuition at U.S. universities is expensive per credit. For example, earning 30 credits through AP (equivalent to a full year of university) can save you tens of thousands of dollars in tuition, making it possible to graduate in three years.
2. The "Magic Number" for Admission to Ivy League and Top-Tier Schools
"How many APs do I need to get into Harvard?"
This is one of the most common questions from parents, and the correct answer is, "It depends on your school's context." However, data from admitted students reveals a benchmark to aim for.
What Top Schools Look For: "Course Rigor"
Universities want to see if you have challenged yourself with the most difficult courses available in your given environment.
- Ivy League (Harvard, Yale, etc.) / Stanford / MIT:
Many admitted students have taken 7 to 12 or more AP courses throughout their high school careers.
It's not just about the number; it's crucial that this includes challenging subjects like Calculus BC, Physics C, and Chemistry.
- Top 50 Universities (NYU, USC, Boston U, etc.):
Taking around 4 to 8 AP courses is common.
Important: Taking 5 challenging subjects related to your intended major is valued more highly than taking 10 "easy A" subjects. If you're aiming for an engineering program, Calculus BC and Physics C are essential.
3. IBDP vs. AP: The Key Differences and the Possibility of Doing Both
IB (International Baccalaureate) and AP—which should you choose? Or should you do both?
Feature | IBDP (International Baccalaureate) | AP (Advanced Placement) |
Structure | Set Menu (Full Program) All 6 subjects + core requirements are mandatory. Failing to complete even one component means the diploma is not awarded. | À La Carte (Individual Courses) You can take as little as one subject. It's fine to take just your strongest subject, like math. |
Flexibility | Low. Completely bound by the school's curriculum. | Extremely High. It's possible to take only the exam through "Self-Study" without taking the course at school. |
Assessment Focus | Holistic education (extracurriculars and essays are also assessed). | Academic excellence (emphasis on exam scores). |
Benefits for IB Students Taking AP as an Extracurricular
In fact, it's increasingly common for IBDP students to take additional AP exams.
- Reason 1: To supplement their studies with specialized subjects not offered in their IB curriculum (e.g., Psychology or Computer Science).
- Reason 2: To demonstrate further academic "rigor" to U.S. universities.
4. No Course at Your School? No Problem! The "Self-Study AP" Strategy
AP's greatest strength is that you can take the exam only, even if your school doesn't offer the course.
This can be a game-changer for students at schools that don't offer AP courses, or for international school students whose schedules are already full.
Difficulty of Self-Study
- Subjects easier for self-study:
Subjects like Micro/Macro Economics, Psychology, and Environmental Science are relatively easy to prepare for using commercially available textbooks and resources.
- Subjects difficult for self-study:
Subjects like Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, and US History are extremely difficult to get a score of 5 in through self-study alone, due to their advanced and extensive content.
5. Conclusion: How to Use ELT to Conquer Challenging AP Subjects
AP isn't just about taking the courses; it's a demanding world where, for top universities, anything less than a 4 or 5 is often meaningless.
To get a 5 in challenging STEM or history subjects, you need an understanding that goes beyond the textbook and specific preparation for the Free Response Questions (FRQs).
ELT | Specialized AP & Self-Study Support
At ELT, we support students who are taking AP courses at school as well as those aiming to take AP exams entirely through self-study.
- Pacing and Scheduling: We help you manage a study schedule, which can be difficult when self-studying, to ensure you peak in time for the May exams.
- Challenging Subject Prep: Our expert instructors break down difficult STEM subjects like Calculus BC and Physics C that are hard to master alone.
- Free Response Prep: We provide feedback on the unique AP essay questions (FRQs) to help you develop the skills to write answers that earn maximum points.
"My school doesn't offer the course" is no reason to give up. If you want to master the weapon that is AP and aim for top U.S. universities, please contact us.’
