The Hardest IB Subject Combinations: A Survival Guide
Thinking about your IB subject choices? It’s one of the biggest decisions you’ll make, and you’ve probably heard whispers in the hallways about certain combinations being "impossible." While "hard" is subjective and really depends on your personal strengths, some subject groupings are consistently known for their intense workload and the diverse skills they demand.
Let's break down what these combinations are, why they're so tough, and most importantly, how you can choose a package that is both challenging and sustainable for you.
The Notoriously Tough Combos
Certain combinations require you to fire on all cylinders, all the time. Here are the three main archetypes of famously difficult IB Diploma packages.
1. The Pure STEM Gauntlet
The Lineup: Mathematics Analysis & Approaches HL, Physics HL, Chemistry HL.
The Challenge: This is a triple threat of analytical and problem-solving intensity. Success requires exceptional aptitude in abstract mathematical reasoning and scientific inquiry. You'll be managing a heavy workload filled with complex theories, demanding lab work (IAs), and relentless problem sets across all three subjects. There's very little room to breathe if logical-mathematical thinking isn't your absolute strength. However, some content of Chemistry HL and Physics HL tend to overlap, so having two such subjects could stregthen your conceptual understanding.
2. The Essay Marathon
The Lineup: History HL, English Literature HL, and another demanding Group 3 like Economics HL or Philosophy HL.
The Challenge: Get ready for a mountain of reading and writing. This combination is a test of endurance in critical analysis and argumentation. You'll need to research, understand complex sources, and construct sophisticated, well-supported essays constantly. The challenge is compounded by the subjective nature of marking in these fields; knowing your stuff is only half the battle—you also have to argue it perfectly.
3. The Interdisciplinary Juggler
The Lineup: A mix of demanding subjects from different domains, e.g., Physics HL, Math AA HL, and Visual Arts HL.
The Challenge: This path requires you to be a master of cognitive switching. One moment you're deep in logical-mathematical proofs, the next you're engaged in creative expression and critical artistic analysis. Subjects like Visual Arts HL are notoriously time-consuming, demanding hundreds of hours for studio work, process portfolios, and comparative studies. Balancing these vastly different brain-modes and workloads is a huge organizational challenge.
The Lanterna Tip: A subject’s difficulty isn't just about the final exam. Consider the entire workload. Visual Arts HL, for example, has one of the lowest average scores not just because it's "hard," but because the time commitment for the IA components is immense, often taking time away from other subjects.
What Makes These HL Subjects So Tough?
Let's zoom in on why these specific Higher Level subjects form the backbone of the "hardest" combinations.
| Subject | Why It's a Challenge |
|---|
| Math AA HL | Often called the hardest IB subject. It’s not just calculations; it’s about abstract reasoning, proofs, and a steep learning curve. The pace is fast, and concepts are deeply theoretical. Achieving a 7 is notoriously difficult, as the questions require high-level critical thinking. |
| Physics HL | This is fundamentally a problem-solving subject. Memorizing formulas won't cut it. Exams require you to apply concepts to unfamiliar scenarios, and a strong foundation in Math (ideally AA HL) is pretty much essential for success. |
| Chemistry HL | The sheer volume of content is a major hurdle. You need a mix of skills: deep conceptual understanding, memorization of reactions, and precise mathematical application. Markschemes are often very specific, so how you word your answers matters. |
| History HL | The content is vast—often over 1500 pages of material. The real challenge, however, is writing multiple, detailed, analytical essays under intense time pressure (e.g., Paper 3). It requires you to be a master of both facts and arguments. |
| English Lit HL | Success here requires sophisticated literary analysis and a nuanced, authentic writing voice. The subjectivity of assessment means you have to go beyond a checklist and offer genuine insight into complex texts. |
| Visual Arts HL | This is much more than just being "good at drawing." It demands extensive writing (Process Portfolio, Comparative Study), deep conceptual thinking, and a huge time commitment for studio work. The workload is relentless and requires incredible self-discipline. |
How to Choose a Challenging, But Sustainable, IB Package
The goal is to challenge yourself, not to burn out. Choosing the right subjects is about strategic alignment between your ambitions, interests, and strengths. Here’s your game plan.
Step 1: Start with Your Future
This is your non-negotiable first step. Research the university courses you're interested in. Do they have specific HL subject prerequisites? Engineering programs will almost certainly require Math AA HL and Physics HL. Medicine will need Chemistry HL. Don't close a door before you’ve even had a chance to walk through it.
Step 2: Be Brutally Honest About Your Strengths & Interests
The IB is a two-year marathon. You can't survive it on subjects you hate or are weak in. Passion is the fuel that will get you through late-night study sessions. If you love constructing arguments, lean into the humanities. If you find beauty in complex equations, STEM is for you. Don't choose a subject just because your friends are, or because you think it "looks impressive."
Step 3: Strategically Balance Your HLs and SLs
The standard 3 HL / 3 SL structure exists for a reason: balance. Taking four HLs is rarely a good idea unless you have a very specific university requirement and are an exceptionally strong, organized student. Use your SLs to balance your toughest HLs. Pick an SL in a subject you enjoy but don't want to study at a university level. This can be your "breather" subject that prevents the rest of your timetable from feeling overwhelming.
Step 4: Talk to People in the Know
Don't rely on rumors. Talk to your teachers, your school’s IB coordinator, and—most importantly—students in the year above you. Ask them about the workload, the teaching style, and what the IAs are really like. Their first-hand experience is gold dust.
Final Word of Advice: The "hardest" IB combination is the one you are not interested in. The "best" combination is one that pushes you, prepares you for your future, and allows you to still have a life outside of school. Choose wisely, not just ambitiously. Good luck!
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