How to Choose Your IB Subjects: The Strategic Guide

Let's be real, choosing your six IB subjects feels like a huge decision. That's because it is. This is one of the first moments where your choices directly connect to your university applications and future career path. But don't let that intimidate you. Think of it less as a test and more as a strategy game. The goal is to build a subject package that is powerful, balanced, and genuinely interesting to you.

This guide will give you the framework to make smart choices, balancing what you love with the practical demands of where you want to go next.

Part 1: Know the Rules of the Game

Before you can strategize, you need to understand the basic structure of the IB Diploma Programme. You'll choose six subjects, one from each group below (or a substitute for Group 6).

• Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature (Your native language, e.g., English A Lit HL)
• Group 2: Language Acquisition (A second language, e.g., French B SL or Spanish ab initio)
• Group 3: Individuals and Societies (History, Economics, Psychology, etc.)
• Group 4: Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, etc.)
• Group 5: Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation)
• Group 6: The Arts (Visual Arts, Music, Theatre) OR an additional subject from Groups 1-4.

You'll take three or four subjects at Higher Level (HL) and the rest at Standard Level (SL). The difference is significant: HL courses cover more content, go into greater depth, and represent 240 teaching hours compared to 150 for SL. Universities pay very close attention to your HL choices.

Part 2: Work Backwards From Your Goal

This is the most critical step. Your dream university course has a "cheat sheet" for you—it's called their list of prerequisites. Don't guess what they want; go and look it up.

Step 1: Brainstorm Your Future

You don't need your whole life mapped out, but have a general direction. Are you leaning towards STEM, humanities, business, or the arts? Pick a few potential degree courses you're excited about.

Step 2: Become a University Detective

Find 3-5 universities you might apply to (in different countries, if possible) and look up the entry requirements for those specific courses. You'll start to see patterns.

Part 3: The Common Sense Check

Once you know what universities expect, it's time to match that with your own skills and interests. The IB is a two-year marathon, not a sprint. You need fuel, and that fuel is genuine interest.

Mistake #1: The "Friends & Fame" Trap

Don't choose a subject just because your friends are taking it or because it has a reputation for being "prestigious." Taking a subject you dislike, especially at HL, will make studying a grind and can hurt your overall score. A 6 in a subject you enjoy is far better than a 4 in a subject you took just for appearances.

Mistake #2: The "Overload" Trap

Taking four HLs might seem impressive, but it can be a fast track to burnout. Most university offers are based on three HLs. Only take a fourth HL if:

1. You are genuinely passionate and excel in all four subjects.
2. It's absolutely necessary for your university goals (e.g., for a dual degree).
3. You have excellent time management skills.

Mistake #3: The "Syllabus Blindness" Trap

Don't just go by the subject name. A course like History can be very different from what you studied before. Look up the IB syllabus online. How is it assessed? Is it 80% exams with long essays, or does it have a significant project component? Does the content actually sound interesting to you? This 10-minute research can save you two years of regret.

Part 4: Your Final Checklist

Use this table to organize your thoughts and make a final, informed decision. Sit down with your parents, a teacher, or your IB coordinator and talk it through.