AP, IB, and AICE Programs: A Brief Comparison (Part 3)

What to know more about AICE? Read on.

AICE-1

AICE: Advanced International Certificate of Education

The University of Cambridge’s AICE Diploma program is the newest advanced curriculum in the United States; it has long been implemented in Europe and around the globe. Currently, AICE is more akin to the International Baccalaureate in that both diploma programs offer a wide range of courses, and stress a global perspective. Between 1997 and 2000, AICE curricula were successfully piloted in Florida, where today the inclusion of AICE classes continues to grow and receive state legislative support.

Students who complete an AICE course then take A- or AS-level exams that can lead to an AICE Diploma. Students must pass six credits worth of examinations. At least one examination must come from each of these three subject groups:

• Mathematics & Sciences

• Languages

• Arts & Humanities

Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level exams count for one credit and covers the first year of the two-year A Level curriculum. Advanced (A) Level exams count for two credits and cover approximately two years of college-level curriculum in a subject.

The University of Cambridge International Examinations maintain a list on their website of US universities that have provided written statements of their AICE (which includes AS and A Levels) recognition policy. Do the schools you’re applying to recognize AICE credits? And like AP and IB, students with high exam scores can receive college credit and advanced standing; a challenging AICE curriculum is excellent preparation for college and can improve chances for college admission. In fact, all public universities and community colleges in Florida award up to 30 hours of college credit for AICE exams passed. As with virtually any questions regarding school policies, an office of admissions is the best source of answers regarding credits. If you need help from professional math tutors, science tutors, or language tutors to prepare for your A- or AS-level exams, we can help!

For reasonably up-to-date information about how high AP exam scores translate into college credits, consult the College Board’s page where you can enter a college name and read pertinent date.

In our final installment, we’ll provide pick up a few threads from each of the three high school programs to present a quick comparison. If you missed Part 1 (AP courses) or Part 2 (IB courses), they're available! 

Now on to Part 4!