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AP vs A Level vs IB: The Only Comparison US-Bound Students Need

Head-to-head comparison of AP, A Level and IB for students targeting US universities — credit, workload and admissions weight.

Tutoring Galaxy Team 2026-07-02 9 min read
AP
A Level
IB
US Admissions
US universities accept all three qualifications, but they weight them differently. Here's the honest comparison for students choosing a route. 1. **Structure** — AP is single subjects, taken à la carte; A Level is 3–4 subjects; IB is a full 6-subject diploma. 2. **College credit** — AP scores of 4–5 convert to real course credit at most US universities; A Level and IB HL credits vary by school. 3. **Admissions weight** — Ivy League adcoms treat 5 APs at 4–5 as roughly equivalent to A*A*A or IB 40+. 4. **Workload** — IB is heaviest (TOK + EE + CAS); AP is lightest if you take 3–4 subjects. 5. **Global recognition** — A Level and IB are more portable outside the US; AP is US-optimised. 6. **STEM depth** — A Level Further Maths and IB HL Math AA go deeper than AP Calc BC. 7. **Best choice** — US-only students pick AP; global applicants pick IB or A Level. Our counsellors help students choose the right combination — book a free 15-minute call.
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