AP vs IB vs Dual Enrollment
Compare AP, IB, and Dual Enrollment (aka 'Running Start' here in Washington State) programs to determine which academic path is right for your high school goals.
AP, IB, and Dual Enrollment are three ways you may choose to challenge yourself academically in high school.
Colleges and universities like to understand your readiness for the rigour and learning pace of their institutions, and these course types can push you in that direction as a student… and potentially earn you college credit too.
But, these programs are not really equivalent, and each comes with its share of pros and cons. Let’s break it all down to help you make an informed decision.
What are AP, IB, and Dual Enrollment
Here’s a quick overview of the three programs:
AP (Advanced Placement). These are college-level courses offered in high school, focused on specific subjects like Biology or U.S. History. Your high school chooses which courses, and how many courses, are offered at the AP level. At the end of the course, you’ll take a standardized exam, scored from 1-5. Some colleges will grant credit for scores of 3 or higher. The “rules” for gaining college credit vary considerably across colleges. AP is a U.S.-only program.
IB (International Baccalaureate). A globally recognized program emphasizing critical thinking, research, and global perspectives. Students can take individual courses, but most opt for the full Diploma Program, which requires coursework in six subject areas, a research and writing project (thesis), considerable community service and activities engagement requirements, and a Theory of Knowledge class. Like AP classes, students take exams scored from 1-7, with scores of 5 or higher sometimes qualifying for college credit (again, large variation across colleges and universities as to what they will accept).
Dual Enrollment (also called Running Start, College in High School, etc…). A partnership between high schools and local U.S. colleges, allowing students to take actual college courses. Most often, these courses are offered through your local community college and/or public state institution. Students earn both high school and college credit, gaining hands-on experience with the pace and rigor of college academics. Most often these classes take place at the college itself and/or online.
It’s important to note that availability often depends on your high school. Most schools offer either AP or IB, but not both, and dual enrollment may depend on partnerships with nearby colleges. Rarely do students have access to all three options.
Comparing the Advantages and Disadvantages
Choosing the right path means understanding both the benefits and the drawbacks. Here’s a side-by-side comparison:
AP (Advanced Placement)
Benefits:
Widely available in most U.S. high schools.
Flexible—students can take one or multiple courses based on their interests.
College credit potential for scores of 3+ on exams (varies considerably by college).
Offers rigor and preparation for college-level academics.
Drawbacks:
Heavy reliance on standardized exams to determine credit.
Limited interdisciplinary connections between courses.
Some colleges may not accept AP credit for certain majors.
______
IB (International Baccalaureate)
Benefits:
Holistic, interdisciplinary approach that emphasizes critical thinking, research, and writing.
Highly regarded by competitive and international universities.
Develops global awareness through unique courses like Theory of Knowledge.
Drawbacks:
Very time-intensive, particularly for full Diploma Program students.
Limited availability—offered only at select high schools.
College credit often requires earning the full Diploma and high exam scores.
______
Dual Enrollment (aka Running Start)
Benefits:
Provides real college experience by attending classes with college students.
Credits earned often transfer. This can save you significant $$$ and time in college.
Allows students to explore advanced topics not available in high school.
Drawbacks:
Availability depends on partnerships with local colleges.
Credits may not transfer to out-of-state or highly selective colleges.
Requires additional maturity and time management to balance high school and college workloads.
Courses usually take place outside your high school, so consider transportation, social aspects, etc...
Which Program is Right for You?
It’s not just about the pros and cons—it’s about fit. Here’s some pointed advice to help you decide:
AP
Great For: Students who are strong in specific academic subjects and want flexibility to choose their areas of focus. It’s ideal for students aiming for U.S. colleges where AP credits are widely accepted, and who are good standardised test takers. Regardless of earning college credit, pretty much every college views taking AP classes as a sign of rigour and college readiness.
Avoid If: You’re not comfortable with high-stakes tests or prefer hands-on, project-based learning.
IB
Great For: Globally-minded students who excel in writing and research, and who thrive in rigorous, interdisciplinary programs. Perfect for students targeting competitive or international universities.
Avoid If: You struggle with time management or dislike the idea of committing to a multi-year program.
Dual Enrollment
Great For: Students who want a taste of real college life, especially those planning to attend public universities where credits are most likely to transfer.
Avoid If: You’re aiming for highly selective colleges, where transfer credit policies can be stricter.
Real Talk
Let me close with my unfiltered take in three quick points:
IB Diploma: A 2-year Sprint
The IB Diploma is significantly more demanding and time-consuming than AP or dual enrollment. While AP and dual enrollment are individual course commitments, IB requires a full two-year dedication with numerous “extras.” Think verbal exams (not just written), mandatory note-taking systems, summer projects, and extensive volunteering and extracurricular requirements. For most students, this juice isn’t worth the squeeze unless you’re aiming for highly competitive colleges or international universities. The good news? If you do complete the IB Diploma, you’ll probably find your freshman year of college a breeze by comparison.
Dual Enrollment: The Fast Track to Completing College
Dual enrollment offers a chance to graduate college in less time and with fewer expenses. Unlike AP and IB, which prepare you for college via rigorous high school courses, dual enrollment puts you in actual college classes. This approach is gaining popularity—over 2 million high school students are taking advantage of dual enrollment to jump-start their college journeys. With careful planning, you can earn transferable credits that might shave a year (or more) off your college timeline, making this an attractive option.
All Can Boost Your GPA
AP, IB, and dual enrollment classes are often weighted more heavily when colleges themselves calculate your high school GPA (many colleges do this– they ignore the GPA on your transcript and calculate it themselves using their own formula). This means these programs not only prepare you for the future but also help you stand out in the present. Even if you don’t ace every class, taking these rigorous options shows colleges that you’re ready for the challenges of higher education.