AP vs IB

Overview:

Both AP and IB programs are more rigorous than "standard" high school programs and both are well respected.
There are about 4000 AP high schools in the US, far more than for IB. In contrast, there are only about 450 IB high schools in the US, but the number is growing rapidly, and they are more common overseas.
At the risk of over generalizing, some people argue that AP might be better for math and science oriented students, or for students who excel in, or want to really focus on, one or two specific subjects very deeply, while IB might be better for language, arts and humanities, or for students who want to be more broadly enriched.
Some people call the IB program more of a "culture" than a program.
There is more emphasis on writing in an IB program, and thinking about how and why. For example, even for a math problem, in addition to a numerical answer, you may need to describe in a sentence or two how you arrived at that answer.
Note, however, that AP programs are just now changing, too, and are gradually incorporating some of the same best practices from IB programs, such as teaching about how different subject areas interrelate, and teaching students to think more thematically and holistically rather than memorizing facts. (More on these changes below).

College Admission:

Both programs are widely respected by colleges in the US.
IB might be a better option if you know you want to apply to schools overseas.
A "full IB Diploma" will look equally rigorous to a degree from an AP school for purposes of college admissions. But note that many people go to IB high schools, but elect not to get a full "IB Degree" due to the difficult requirements (see the unique diploma requirements below). They may intend to do so at first, but then later decide to get the "regular" high school diploma at the IB school, supplemented with many IB classes. While this is very common, and widely accepted practice, be aware that this might not look as good to a college admissions officer. A large percentage of very smart IB students graduate without the full IB degree. However, AP is pilot testing adding a similar "AP Capstone" degree program, which may cause similar issues. More below on the upcoming changes to AP.
Grades also matter for college admission. You will want to look at your local AP and IB schools and determine which one tends to grade "easier". If you believe you can get a higher grade point average at one or the other, the higher grade point can help with college acceptance.

AP tests at the end of the year are more likely to be accepted for college credits than IB tests (but it depends on the college); so AP is more likely to give you "head start" on college credits.
Every college is different, so you must read the policies of the schools you plan to attend. In general, credit for AP tests is more standardized from school to school, whereas polices range more broadly for IB credit at different colleges.
You can take more AP tests for college credit than you can IB tests. In IB programs, you must take a certain number of "Standard Level" IB classes and a certain number of "Higher Level" IB classes. Often, colleges only accept credit from Higher Level IB class tests. Since you are limited in the number of these classes you can take, as a practical matter, you are limited in the number of college credits you can earn.
Any student can take an AP test, whether or not they took the corresponding AP class. So AP students can take any number of AP exams to try to get college credit.
AP tests are open to all, not just to AP students. So even if you go to an IB program, you can take the AP test for that subject to try to get college credit via the AP test. But your school may not pay for, and you may not be as prepared for it as you would if you took the corresponding AP class.

IB prepares you "how to think" about your subjects, and does a better job tying all the subjects together and explaining the real life implications of the material, which may help more as you go on in life. IB is broader, and more holistic, but less deep in some subject areas.
AP is more likely to cover the specific curriculum you need to know for college.
At the risk of generalizing, some say that, if you take AP, then when you get to college, you will have already seen the "right" material; but if you take IB, you might have some "gaps" or "holes" in curriculum when you get to college - but you'll "understand" the concepts better rather than having memorized facts. Again, keep in mind, this varies from school to school, and AP programs are currently in the process of being updated to possibly address some of these differences.

2 year class called "Theory of Knowledge" which studies how different subject matters are related, and encourages open mindedness and respect for other viewpoints. Students "learn how to learn", learn to ask questions, and think critically.
Write a 4,000 word essay / research paper.
At least 150 hours of Creativity, Action and Service ("CAS") (including at least 50 hours of each). Note, this is not just community service, but includes extracurricular activities. For example, it might include

Creativity: art or theater classes, robotics, chess, orchestra, creative writing, photography, debate, etc.
Action: team sports, individual sports, coaching, refereeing, summer camp, etc.
Representative samples, instructions and ideas from specific schools:

Specific courses and curricula are being updated to encourage a more holistic approach. For more info, see:

There is a new initiative to offer an "AP Capstone Degree" much like the IB Program has "full" "IB Degree Program". It would require an AP Research Project and an AP Seminar course with real world labs and activities. For more info, see: