<p>“The courses overlap in what they cover, not whether your transcript says “APIB Chemistry” or “APIB English”.”</p>
<p>Of course. But I can’t say "Hey I’m a math genius, give me credit as if I took the AP even though I took SL Math. " </p>
<p>"For the ifs, you just as easily hypothetically lived in an area that pays for IB exams. "</p>
<p>If I lived in an area that paid for the exams I wouldn’t be discussing the issue at all… the main problem is the money. It’s hard to afford both IB and AP. If my school paid for my IB stuff I’d be taking AP tests on the side like there was no tomorrow.</p>
<p>“Could the issue be a lack of familiarity with IB exams at US colleges?”
Most likely.</p>
<p>I do not understand where you are coming from I guess. I think it’s clear that IB hinders those who have to pay for their tests as not all IB schools pay for them. Would you say that it’s more expensive to take both IB and AP? Of course. But what if one can only afford IB? If that is the case, then you are held back in the realm of earning college credit to test out of courses, etc.</p>