“What IB subjects should I choose?”
For any middle/high school student, transitioning into the IB Diploma Programme will be an intimidating process with a steep learning curve. While standardised curricula such as the IGCSE or MYP hopefully lays the academic foundations necessary for doing well in IB, the intensive nature of the Diploma Programme is such that most students will find it challenging throughout. This makes choosing the right IB subjects absolutely essential, and is not a decision that students should take lightly.
BartyED consultants have helped many students with their IB subject choices, as it is a decision that requires the evaluation of a spectrum of factors that differ with each individual: interest, learning style, and university prerequisites all impact the final decision. Today, our consultants answer some common questions pre-IB students typically have.
While it is exciting to have greater freedom in subject combinations, some students will worry that their combinations might limit their university course options. Indeed, some students will hear that there are combinations that are better or more interrelated than others, that share similar skills, or combinations that can open more doors for them when it comes to university applications.
It is important to remember that while there might be complementary combinations, your subject choices will never limit you to just one path when it comes to university applications. There are certain similarities in foundational skills across subjects: for example, students taking Maths, Physics, or Computer Science generally acquire strong problem solving skills, while Global Politics, Economics, and English students develop a creative and analytical mindset. However, these skills are all interrelated, so students should not let their decision be determined by subject similarities. There is no generic ideal combination, as the best combination for you takes into account a variety of factors including interest, strengths, and learning styles.
When you clearly prefer one subject over the other options in a given group, or if there is only one subject you can realistically choose (e.g. with languages, or prerequisites for further study), identifying your subject choice comes naturally. With groups including subjects you are not particularly passionate about or do not need for further study, it becomes much harder to narrow down the best choice.
If this is the case, first consider which subject you are the best at, more comfortable with, or have the strongest foundation in. This might mean looking closer at the subject syllabus and past papers. There are also certain skills that some subjects require more than others. For instance, if you generally dislike the sciences and are unsure which science to take, a weaker mathematical ability might point towards taking a less math-intensive subject like Biology over Physics.
With English, which includes seemingly similar options such as HL Language & Literature or SL Literature, or Math, which includes options like HL Applications & Interpretations or SL Analysis & Approaches, students often get confused about what the differences are and which option they should choose. On top of this, students might get stressed about whether a certain option might restrict future university course options.
Ultimately, there is no major difference between which English or Math option you choose in terms of prerequisites for university course options. While some undergraduate courses require IB English or Math, usually this is for courses that are English or Math-intensive, such as English Literature, Law, or Economics. In this case, the requirement will be that you receive a 6 or 7 in HL English or Math. The choice between these specific courses, such as between HL Lang/Literature or HL Literature, ultimately depends on which one you think you would score better in, which depends on your interests and learning style. English Literature might be more suited for those interested in looking at prose, poetry, and drama in substantial textual depth, whereas English Language might be more fitting for students who prefer learning about a variety of literary and non-literary genres and texts. However, you should know that Lit is more of a challenge than Lang.
If you know broadly what you want to study in university, it will be easier to choose an English and Math option. However, for those who are undecided and do not have specific HL/SL English/Math prerequisites, there is more flexibility in your choice that can depend on how much you enjoy the subject, or how well you might perform in the specific course. Either way, checking out the syllabus or seeking the individualised advice of a consultant is the best way forward.
If you’re still stuck, don’t worry. This is a substantial decision, and it is worthwhile giving it a lot of thought. With groups where you simply cannot narrow down any option, it can help to understand the origin of this indecision: with subjects that you dislike, is it the teacher, the syllabus, or the subject itself? Try to think about different combinations, and write out a priority list including subjects you will definitely take, subjects you want to take, subjects you are better at, and so on.
Don’t worry even if you’ve already submitted your options; it is usually possible to change your options in the first term. Or, if you would rather seek help from an experienced tutor and work through any challenges with a mentor, this is always an option throughout the programme. If you feel that you could benefit from individualised advice from experienced IB consultants, reach out to us today at (852) 2882 1017 or enquiries@bartyed.com. Our consultants are very familiar with guiding and evaluating IB subject choices depending on a broad spectrum of factors, and we are trained in helping pre-IB students transition into the complex requirements of the IBDP.