Taken from Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority's (KHEAA's)
"Your KHEAA College Connection"

"AP, IB:  Getting a Head Start on College"

Kentucky high school students wanting to get an early jump on college should check into the availability of Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) programs at their high school.

While both programs can lead to college credit, there are differences.  IB is a structured two-year program that requires students to take certain classes and exams if they want the full IB diploma.  With AP, schools choose which classes they offer, and students choose which classes they'll take.

A Commonwealth Diploma can be awarded to seniors who complete at least 22 credit units, meet all minimum requirements of the Pre-College Curriculum, and get a grade of "C" or better in four AP or IB courses in English, science, and a foreign language, plus another AP/IB course.

Students must also complete three AP or IB exams in those subject areas.  These courses could also count as dual credit for both high school graduation and college.  Students interested in getting dual credit should talk with their guidance counselor and the admissions office at the schools they're thinking about attending.

AP or IB courses may also be available through the Kentucky Virtual High School, independent study, or a college or university.

Students who take AP or IB courses will be better prepared for college and can shorten college time and expenses.

For more information about AP, visit www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.html.  For more information about IB, visit www.ibo.org.

**An important KEES fact:  AP and IB courses are weighted for KEES purposes, meaning an "A" in those classes is worth 25 percent more than other courses.