Making Informed Decisions onYour IB High-Level Subject Choices [Counsel for IB Pupils]

When embarking on your International Baccalaureate (IB) journey, selecting the right Higher Level (HL) subjects is a critical step. This decision can significantly impact your university prospects and career opportunities, while also balancing workload and personal interests. Here are some key points to guide your selection.

Align HLs with Future Goals

To demonstrate relevant rigor and preparation for your intended university degree or career field, choose HL subjects that align closely with your future plans. For example, if you plan to study engineering or science, choose HL subjects in relevant sciences and mathematics; for social sciences, choose HL subjects like economics or history.

Understand Workload Impact

HL subjects cover deeper content and more assignments than Standard Level (SL) subjects. To balance ambition with practicality, pick HLs you are confident in and can handle the increased workload.

Utilize the IB Group Structure

You must choose six subjects, one from each group (Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and Arts or another choice). Typically, three of these should be HL.

Consider Group 6 Carefully

Group 6 (Arts or Elective Subjects) choices can be based on interest or strategic value. If your target degree values science and math more, Group 6 subjects matter less for university admission, but if applying to arts or creative fields, choose an HL art subject to strengthen your portfolio.

Balance Passion and Relevance

Include subjects you enjoy and excel in to maintain motivation and performance, but ensure they help satisfy university prerequisites or reflect your career ambitions.

Plan Workload and Study Strategy

Use study tools and workload guides for each subject to balance your weekly study hours realistically, anticipating heavier commitments in HL subjects, especially in sciences, math, or theory-heavy disciplines.

Consult Experts for Advice

Before finalizing your HL subjects, talk to your current subject teachers, IB coordinator, and university admissions reps for advice about readiness, potential, and the depth of the HL curriculum.

Commonly Chosen HL Subjects

Some of the most frequently chosen HL subjects include HL English A, HL Economics, HL Biology, HL Chemistry, HL History, and HL Mathematics AA.

Additional Considerations

Math SL or Math AI is better suited for students pursuing arts, humanities, law, or those wanting to manage workload while meeting requirements.
Choosing Math HL is recommended for students pursuing Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, and Economics (some universities require it).
Group 4 (Sciences) is essential for medicine, engineering, etc., with a high IA workload and content depth.
Group 6 (Arts) is excellent for creative students and is often overlooked, but strong for design/media paths.
Many universities look closely at your HL subjects, especially for subject-specific degrees. For example, engineering applicants often need HL Math and HL Physics, medical schools prefer HL Chemistry and/or HL Biology, and business programs may expect HL Math or HL Economics.
You usually pick 3 HL subjects, though some students choose 4.
For Language HL, it's best to choose if you are fluent or near-native, love literary analysis, and can handle lengthy comparative essays.
HL sciences involve longer labs, more lab reports, advanced topics, and high pressure, especially if you're also doing an Extended Essay in a science.
Group 2 (Language B or Ab Initio) is good for bilinguals and global degrees, but HL Literature B is demanding for non-native speakers.
Group 5 (Maths) is required for STEM degrees, and HL Analysis is intense, so don't underestimate it.
Group 1 (Language A) develops analytical skills and essay writing with a heavy reading and interpretation load.

By integrating your academic interests with university requirements and careful workload management, you can optimize both your IB performance and future academic and career pathways. Consider also consulting university prerequisite lists early and using IB subject selection tools to map your combinations to your goals.

For personalized coaching on subject and university alignment, sample workloads to preview HL demands, and subject-specific planning and early skill-building, consider services like RevisionDojo.

In the process of selecting Higher Level (HL) subjects for your International Baccalaureate (IB) journey, prioritize HLs that align with your future goals, as they can demonstrate relevant preparation for your intended degree or career field. For instance, if you aim to study engineering or science, choose HL subjects in relevant sciences and mathematics.

To maximize personal growth and learning opportunities, select HL subjects based on your passion and ability to handle the increased workload, while ensuring they satisfy university prerequisites or align with your career ambitions.

Making Informed Decisions onYour IB High-Level Subject Choices [Counsel for IB Pupils]