High school students often ask us about the difference between IB (International Baccalaureate) and AP (Advanced Placement) exams. In this post, we guide you through the key differences between AP and IB courses, IB vs AP exams, and address common questions, such as whether IB classes are harder than AP classes, or whether IB or AP is the better fit for you.

Every May, thousands of students worldwide take the International Baccalaureate (IB) exams, a rigorous series of assessments that test students' mastery of college-level coursework. To excel in these exams, it's crucial to stay updated on the IB exam dates 2025. Below, we present the full IB exam schedule 2025 and provide essential study tips to enhance your performance.

The IB Extended Essay, rather than a single-day exam, is a mandatory, year-long research project that IB students write with a faculty advisor’s guidance. The essay, which is typically at or around 4,000 words in length, falls within one of the following thematic groups: Studies in Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, or the Arts. The IB resource center contains sample essays highlighting the “diverse range of topics” students may cover.