IB vs A-Level vs AP: Which Is Harder — and How to Prepare Differently
If you're preparing for university, there's a good chance you're facing one of the big three pre-university programs:
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
- A-Levels (UK)
- Advanced Placement (AP – US)
But which one is harder?
Which prepares you better?
And most importantly: how should you study for each?
Let's break it down — based on structure, assessment, and revision strategy.
1. The Core Differences
| Program | Subjects | Assessment Style | Depth vs Breadth |
|---|---|---|---|
| IB | 6 subjects + core (TOK, EE, CAS) | Internal + external exams | Breadth + skill integration |
| A-Level | 3–4 subjects | Terminal external exams | Deep subject specialization |
| AP | Multiple subjects, flexible choice | One-off exams | Content-heavy, college-level topics |
Each system is academically rigorous — but in different ways.
2. Which Is Harder?
It depends on what kind of learner you are.
- IB is harder for students who struggle with multitasking and time management — it includes essay writing, research, and reflection on top of content
- A-Levels are intense in depth, especially in sciences and maths
- AP is challenging due to the volume of content and pace, often mirroring college-level expectations
📌 The real answer: They're hard in different ways — and each requires a different preparation approach.
3. How to Prepare for Each — The Smart Way
✅ For IB Students:
- Focus on command terms (e.g., "evaluate", "examine")
- Practice essay planning under time
- Use markschemes to refine structure
- Balance core (TOK/EE) with subject revision
Use predictive papers that mirror the syllabus and Paper 1/2/3 structure — not just generic practice.
✅ For A-Level Students:
- Go deep into specification points
- Train precision — especially for maths, chemistry, and physics
- Use past paper trends to spot recurring exam questions
- Practice long-form structured responses
Predictive papers that follow the exact question style and logic chain are essential.
✅ For AP Students:
- Time is tight — train for speed and accuracy
- Know which FRQ types appear every year
- Master rubric scoring (especially for essay-based subjects)
- Focus on content filtering — not everything matters equally
AP students benefit most from predictive tools that help them prioritize high-frequency topics and simulate full section exams.
4. How Predict Exam Bridges the Gap
Predict Exam is built for each system's structure:
- IB: Paper 1, 2, 3 structured practice, command-term alignment
- A-Level: Topic-specific long questions with exam-board style
- AP: Multiple choice and FRQ predictive setups + scoring logic
All content is:
- Syllabus-aligned
- Original
- Designed for your exam's tone and format
📌 No generic revision. Just high-fidelity practice that builds exam confidence.
👉 Explore Predictive Papers by Curriculum →
Conclusion: Different Exams, Same Goal
Whether you're in IB, A-Level, or AP — your goal is the same:
Master your exam and reach your full potential.
But you can't use a one-size-fits-all method.
✅ Know your system
✅ Study with strategy
✅ Use resources that match your assessment structure
That's how you win.