How to Choose Your IB Subjects: The Strategic Guide

Choosing your IB subjects can feel daunting, especially when you’re told they might influence your university applications and career direction. Suddenly, six subjects can feel like six life decisions.

The good news? Subject choice isn’t about getting everything “perfect”. It’s about building a combination that plays to your strengths, keeps your workload manageable, and supports your future goals. This guide breaks down how to approach IB subject selection thoughtfully, balancing what you enjoy with what will help you move forward confidently.

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, ESS 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, take the time to 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 and define a goal for yourself.

Part 3: The Common Sense Check

Once you understand university expectations, the next step is aligning them with your own strengths and interests. The IB demands sustained effort over two years, and genuine interest is what makes that effort sustainable.

Mistake #1: The "Friends & Fame" Trap

Reputation alone isn’t a good reason to choose an IB subject. If you don’t enjoy it, especially at HL, staying motivated becomes difficult and performance usually suffers. A higher grade in a subject you enjoy is far more valuable than a lower grade in one chosen for prestige.

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.