How to Choose Your IB Subjects the Smart Way

Your subject choices can shape your entire IB experience — and even your university path.

Here's how to choose strategically, not emotionally.

🎯 1. Know Your Strengths and Interests

Pick HL subjects you enjoy and perform well in. IB rewards depth — not struggle.

💼 2. Think About University Requirements

If you want to study Medicine, you'll likely need HL Chemistry and Biology.

Economics or Business? Go for HL Math AA and Economics.

Arts? Choose Literature, Theatre, or Visual Arts HL.

Check university prerequisite lists before finalizing.

⚖️ 3. Balance Difficulty and Workload

Avoid taking three heavy HLs unless you're sure. A combo like HL Math, HL Physics, and HL Chemistry sounds impressive — but burnout isn't.

Choose one or two rigorous HLs and one you genuinely love.

🧩 4. Understand the Core (TOK, EE, CAS)

These components teach skills that universities value — argumentation, research, reflection.

The earlier you understand their purpose, the easier your life becomes.

💬 5. Ask Upperclassmen and Teachers

Talk to current Year 12s about how subjects differ from expectations.

Sometimes the "easy" subjects surprise you.

📲 Explore subject advice and past-paper resources in StudyIB

💬 Discuss your subject choices with IB seniors on Discord community

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