SL vs. HL: Making the Smart Choice for Your IB & University Goals

Choosing your Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL) subjects is one of the first, and most important, strategic decisions you'll make in the IB Diploma. It’s not just about what you enjoy; it’s about creating a profile that opens the right university doors for you. Get this wrong, and you could be facing an uphill battle. Get it right, and your path becomes a whole lot clearer.

Let's break down how to make the smart choice, thinking like a university admissions officer.

Part 1: The Core Difference – It’s All About Depth & Time

The most straightforward difference between SL and HL is the time commitment and the depth of study. The IB has specific recommendations for teaching hours, which tells you everything you need to know about the level of detail required.

Level	Recommended Hours	What This Actually Means
Standard Level (SL)	150 Hours	Provides a broad overview of the subject. It ensures you have a well-rounded education, a key part of the IB philosophy.
Higher Level (HL)	240 Hours	A significant 60% increase in time. This is for a deep dive into the subject. You'll cover more topics, explore complex themes, and face more rigorous assessments. This is your chance to specialize.

The Lanterna Tip: Think of it this way: HL subjects are where you prove your passion and readiness for a specific university course. SL subjects are where you prove you're a well-rounded, capable student. Both are crucial for your final 45 points. A 7 in an SL subject is far more valuable than a 4 in an HL you didn't need to take.

Part 2: The Golden Rule – Work Backwards From Your University Goal

Stop guessing. The single most effective way to choose your HL subjects is to look at what your dream universities and courses require. Taking HL Physics "because it looks good" is a terrible strategy if you want to study Law.

Your Action Plan:

List Your Targets: Write down 5-10 university courses you are seriously considering (e.g., "Computer Science at Bristol," "Economics at Toronto," "History at Oxford").
Become an Admissions Detective: Go to the official admissions page for each course. Search for "Entry Requirements," "International Baccalaureate," or "Course Prerequisites."
Identify the Non-Negotiables: Look for phrases like "required subjects" or "essential subjects." They will almost always specify which subjects must be taken at HL and the minimum grade required (e.g., "7,6,6 at Higher Level including Mathematics and Physics").
Build Your HL Trio: The subjects that appear most frequently as requirements on your list are your HL candidates. These are not optional.

Your SL subjects can then be chosen based on your interests, strengths, and what will help you secure the highest possible total IB score.

Part 3: A Deep Dive into the Big One – IB Mathematics

Maths is often the most critical HL choice, and with two different pathways, it's easy to get confused. Here’s the breakdown to help you decide.

Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches (AA)

This is the more traditional, theory-heavy course, focusing on calculus and algebraic manipulation. It's for students who appreciate the elegance of pure mathematics.

AA HL: This is the gold standard for highly mathematical degrees. If you are even considering Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or theoretical Economics at a top university, this is often your safest and strongest choice. It is seen as the most rigorous IB Maths course.
AA SL: A great option for courses that need a solid mathematical foundation but aren't purely theoretical. Think Life Sciences (Biology, Chemistry), Medicine, some Business degrees, and Social Sciences. It often satisfies calculus prerequisites where AI SL might not.

Mathematics: Applications & Interpretation (AI)

This course focuses on using mathematics as a tool to solve real-world problems, with a heavy emphasis on statistics, modelling, and the use of technology.

AI HL: Perfect for students who excel at applying mathematical concepts. It's well-regarded for courses in Finance, Data Science, some Business fields, Social Sciences, and Psychology. While many universities accept it for STEM, you must check, as some engineering/physics programs will still demand AA HL.
AI SL: Best suited for Humanities, Arts, and degree programs where maths is not a central component. Be careful: many universities will not accept AI SL for science or business programs that have a calculus prerequisite.

The Maths Rule of Thumb: When in doubt, check the university website. If you're aiming for a top-tier STEM or Economics course, AA HL is the most universally accepted prerequisite. Choosing the wrong Maths course is one of the easiest ways to be automatically disqualified from a program.

Part 4: Quick Guide for Other Popular Pathways

Beyond Maths, other degree paths have clear HL expectations.

Medicine & Life Sciences

Must-Have HLs: Chemistry is almost always required at HL. Biology at HL is also essential for most medicine, dentistry, and veterinary programs.

Good to Have: A third science or Maths at HL can strengthen your application.

Engineering

Must-Have HLs: Mathematics (usually AA) and Physics are non-negotiable at HL for almost every engineering discipline worldwide.

Good to Have: HL Chemistry can be essential for Chemical Engineering.

Humanities & Law

Must-Have HLs: You need to take the subject you want to study at HL. Applying for History? Take HL History. Applying for English? Take HL English. This proves your specific interest and capability.

Good to Have: For Law, subjects that demonstrate analytical and essay-writing skills like History, Economics, or Philosophy at HL are highly valued.

Business & Economics

Must-Have HLs: Mathematics at HL (AA is often preferred for more competitive courses) is frequently required.

Good to Have: HL Economics or Business Management shows direct interest and provides a strong foundation.

Your Final Check: Strategy Over Prestige

The goal is not to have the "hardest" looking set of HL subjects. The goal is to meet the requirements for your chosen course and achieve the highest possible total score. Universities make offers based on your overall points and meeting specific HL prerequisites. A balanced workload that allows you to score 6s and 7s across the board is infinitely better than burning out with four HL subjects and scraping a pass. Choose smart, work hard, and keep your eyes on your university prize.

Manmohini Tiwari
Hi, I’m Manmohini, an IB graduate with 40 points, now studying International Relations and Global Affairs in Italy. I earned 7s in HL History and HL English A, along with an A in TOK, and I’ve been tutoring these subjects for around four years. My experience working with organisations like NATO and the United Nations has deepened my understanding of global issues — something I love bringing into my lessons to make learning more relevant and thought-provoking. I focus on helping students see connections between ideas, develop strong essay and critical thinking skills, and approach the IB with confidence and curiosity rather than stress. My lessons are interactive and tailored to each student’s goals, whether that’s improving analysis, refining writing, or mastering exam techniques. I see tutoring as more than academics — it’s about building perspective and empowering students to express themselves clearly while staying balanced.. When I’m not tutoring, you’ll usually find me hiking, playing new music, or planning my next travel adventure.

Higher Level (HL) subjects are more in-depth, require more teaching hours (240 vs. 150 for SL), and are seen by universities as proof that you can handle complex, university-level work. Standard Level (SL) subjects provide academic breadth. Most universities have specific HL subject requirements for their degree programmes, especially for competitive courses.

The most important step is to research the specific requirements for courses at your target universities well in advance. For example, engineering degrees often require HL Maths (usually AA) and HL Physics, while Medicine typically requires HL Chemistry and Biology. If you're unsure how your choices align with your goals, our free IB consultation can help you create a strategic plan.

While it may seem impressive, taking four HLs is generally only recommended for exceptionally strong students. The workload is significantly higher and can risk lowering your overall IB score. Universities typically prefer to see excellent grades (6s and 7s) in three HL subjects over average grades in four.

This is a very common challenge in the IB. Lanterna's tutors are all high-achieving IB graduates who excelled in these same subjects. They provide personalised, one-on-one support to break down difficult concepts, manage the intense workload, and build effective exam strategies, ultimately boosting both confidence and grades.

Absolutely. While HL subjects often fulfill specific prerequisites, your SL scores are crucial for your total IB points. A high overall score is a key factor in most university offers, and strong SL grades demonstrate that you are a well-rounded and capable student.

The Lanterna IB consultation is a free, 20-30 minute online call with a Student Success Expert. It's a dedicated session for students and parents to discuss specific IB challenges, from subject selection to exam revision, and receive a personalised plan with clear next steps to achieve your academic goals.

Yes, it is completely free, and there is absolutely no obligation to purchase tutoring. Our primary goal during the consultation is to provide you with expert, actionable advice that gives you clarity and a strategic advantage in the IB.

The consultation is for any IB student (pre-IB, DP1, or DP2) or parent seeking expert guidance. Whether you need help choosing subjects, creating a study plan, preparing for exams, or navigating IAs and the EE, our experts can provide the clarity you need to move forward confidently.

Our Student Success Experts are IB specialists with deep knowledge of the Diploma Programme. They have guided hundreds of families worldwide through the challenges of the IB. They act as your strategic partner, helping you understand the IB's demands and create a roadmap for success.

You will leave the call with a clear, personalised plan outlining your priorities and next steps. If you decide that additional support would be helpful, your expert can discuss how our tutoring works and match you with an ideal tutor for your needs. There is no pressure to commit to any paid services.

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