IB (International Baccalaureate) is a program framework—most notably the two-year Diploma Programme (DP)—built around six subjects plus core requirements (TOK, Extended Essay, CAS). AP (Advanced Placement) is course-by-course: you can take one AP class or many, depending on your interests and schedule. Both can show academic rigor, but they signal it in different ways.

Most AP scores come primarily from a single end-of-course AP exam, though a few subjects include additional scored components. IB DP grades typically combine externally assessed exams with internally assessed work (marked by teachers and moderated by the IB), and the weighting depends on the subject.

Standard AP courses don't include an Extended Essay. The closest equivalent is AP Capstone, which includes AP Seminar and AP Research and develops research, writing, and presentation skills—but it's a separate program, not a universal AP requirement.

Pre-AP is a College Board program many schools use in grades 9–10 to build skills (reading, writing, problem solving) that support later success in AP-level coursework. Not all schools offer it, and it's not required to take AP.

In general, Math AA emphasizes algebraic and calculus-based thinking and is commonly chosen by students aiming at math-heavy pathways (engineering, math, some physical sciences). Math AI emphasizes modeling, statistics, and technology-supported problem solving and is often chosen by students whose programs are less calculus-intensive. Since university expectations differ by program and country, confirm what your target faculties prefer.

HL courses go deeper and typically demand more time than SL courses. In the IB Diploma, students usually take three HL and three SL (some schools allow four HL). Choose HL in subjects that match your strengths and your likely university direction, while keeping the overall workload sustainable.

Pick AP courses that align with (1) your interests, (2) your intended major when possible, and (3) what your school offers at the highest rigor level. Selective admissions typically reward strong grades in challenging courses more than "stacking" classes that dilute performance. Depth + excellent results beats overload.

Switching is possible, but it can be disruptive. The IB Diploma is a coordinated two-year program, so changes can affect how (or whether) diploma requirements are met. AP is more modular, so schools may find it easier to add/drop individual AP courses. Always check graduation requirements and scheduling with your counselor before switching.

Yes—many students self-study and take AP exams by arranging testing through a local school that administers AP exams. Because families can't order AP exams directly, planning early with an AP coordinator matters.

Homeschooling can use IB-style materials, but earning the full IB Diploma requires enrollment in an authorized IB World School. Some DP courses can be taken online through an IB World School, but the diploma itself isn't available as a standalone "direct-to-IB" homeschool option.

Most AP exams are 2–3 hours and produce a single score from 1–5. IB subjects usually have multiple exam papers plus internal assessment components, and final subject grades are 1–7. Both require strong content mastery, but IB often rewards sustained performance across components over a longer period.

No. A 4 is officially "very well qualified" and is commonly strong evidence of college-level readiness. Credit/placement policies vary by university, but a 4 is generally a strong result.

For IB, plan backwards from internal deadlines (IAs, orals, EE/TOK milestones) so exam season isn't competing with major submissions. For AP, steady review and frequent timed practice in the final 8–12 weeks is a common, workable approach. The best plan is the one you can execute consistently without burning out.

A strong Math IA starts with a question you genuinely care about and then pushes into clear mathematics (not just description). The best topics are narrow enough to analyze deeply, include your own reasoning, and show reflection on choices, limitations, and interpretation—not just correct calculations. Check our Math IA ideas for inspiration.

The Extended Essay has a maximum of 4,000 words, and IB guidance indicates work beyond the limit may not be read/assessed. Aim for clarity and depth rather than trying to "use every word"—a focused, well-argued essay is stronger than a padded one. See our tips for Extended Essay.

Common pitfalls include unclear research questions, weak control of variables, too little usable data, shallow uncertainty/error discussion, and conclusions that don't follow from evidence. Strong Science IAs are usually the ones with a tight design, transparent analysis, and honest evaluation of limitations. For Chemistry, check our Chemistry IA ideas.

We support AP and IB across math, sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), humanities, languages, and business, plus IB core and coursework support (IAs, EE, TOK) and exam prep. We match students with tutors based on subject, level, goals, and learning style.

Online sessions run through video + an interactive whiteboard workflow so students can work live with the tutor. Screen-sharing and shared documents are used when helpful. Sessions can be recorded when appropriate with consent and in line with privacy rules.

We offer two tiers:

Professional Tier: $80 CAD/hr (Canada) | $70 USD/hr (USA)
IB Examiner Tier: $120 CAD/hr (Canada) | $90 USD/hr (USA)

Contact us and share the subject, level, school context, goals, and timing. We'll recommend a tutor match and connect you for scheduling (tutors coordinate scheduling directly with families once matched).

Yes—small group tutoring and exam-prep workshops are available for select subjects and time windows. Check out our IB Chemistry Workshop as an example. Group formats work best when students are in the same course level and have aligned goals.

Most universities view both IB and AP as rigorous options. They typically assess how challenging your course choices were relative to what your school offers, and they care heavily about performance in those courses—not just the labels. Learn more about IB, AP and college admission.

Many universities offer credit, placement, or advanced standing for strong AP and IB results, but the rules vary by institution and program. AP credit is commonly available (often for 3+, with 4–5 more consistently rewarded), while IB credit is frequently tied to Higher Level results and specific grade thresholds. Always check your target university's policy using our Credit Transfer Tool.

The Extended Essay can strengthen an application because it demonstrates independent research, academic writing, and sustained effort—especially when it connects to your intended field. It's rarely a single "make-or-break" item on its own, but it can provide strong material for essays, interviews, or academic discussion. See our tips for Extended Essay.

We track student progress through measurable outcomes such as grade improvement, exam readiness, and confidence with assessment criteria (especially for IAs/EE/TOK). When families choose to share results, we compile anonymized success stories and reviews to reflect real student experiences. Check our Google reviews for testimonials.