The "Which IB subjects should I choose" Thread

(I've posted this on another thread, hope that reposting it is not a violation of rules, if it is please do delete this.)
Hey all,

I'm currently an 11-year Greek student, and next year I'll enroll in the IB programme. I'm pretty sure I want to study PPE, and of course my aim is to get in Oxford, and I'm interested in Balioll college. The subjects I'm planning to take are the following:

Economics HL
History HL

Modern Greek SL
English HL/SL
Experimental Science SL (Either Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Environmental studies)

My main concern is whether I should take Maths HL instead of SL. If I do so, I'll take English SL, and if I take Maths at SL i'll take English at HL. But I'm not sure if I can cope with taking a 6/7 on HL Maths, I'm not too mathematically inclined.

Is Maths SL sufficient enough for getting an offer, as well as managing the Economics branch? Does it tie to A2, or is HL more advised? And also, what experimental science would you guys propose? I'm not specifically interested for any, except Environmental Studies. Will it harm my chances of getting in, as it is considered a 'soft' subject, and PPE is one of the most competitive courses around?

Looking forward to your responses,
Achilleas

I've confirmed my choices! They are:

Chemistry HL
Biology HL
English A1 HL

Spanish B SL
Maths SL
Psychology SL

I wasn't quite sure whether taking English Higher was a good idea; I enjoy Spanish, but I wasn't sure if I could balance both Chem and Bio Higher (I heard it's a lot of work, especially Chem and Span Higher). I'm predicted to get As/A*s at GCSE (A* for all the subjects I have chosen for IB except Psychology - never done it before). Should I have taken Spanish Higher instead?

I think I might be a doctor/vet/something of the like, but I want to keep my options open - do my Highers allow me to do that?

A higher level B language is in another realm - don't do it. My boyfriend will be lucky to scrape a 4 in HL Spanish despite having lived in Spain. From my experience, Brits just can't handle it.

Also, psychology is meant to be very difficult to get a good grade in, just sayin. But the rest of your subjects look good - if you want to be a doc/vet you basically have to do Bio and Chem HL but the courses compliment each other and a lot of people do it, and it's quite possible. Stick with English HL - the course is totally amazing. Good luck.

Feel for me, I have to get a 7 in HL French B.

A higher level B language is in another realm - don't do it. My boyfriend will be lucky to scrape a 4 in HL Spanish despite having lived in Spain. From my experience, Brits just can't handle it.

Also, psychology is meant to be very difficult to get a good grade in, just sayin. But the rest of your subjects look good - if you want to be a doc/vet you basically have to do Bio and Chem HL but the courses compliment each other and a lot of people do it, and it's quite possible. Stick with English HL - the course is totally amazing. Good luck.

Feel for me, I have to get a 7 in HL French B.

Thanks! I understand how difficult a higher language B is, because I have a friend who speaks a bit of Chinese at home and is taking higher, and is finding it very difficult.

Thanks! I understand how difficult a higher language B is, because I have a friend who speaks a bit of Chinese at home and is taking higher, and is finding it very difficult.
Do you know why psychology is difficult to get a good grade in, by any chance?


Good luck!

Umm, I beg to differ. I'm doing French B HL, and it's a total breeze compared to my other subjects. Literally all i've done for my two IB years is sit and do past papers in class... I find the course extremely boring, and it's a rather poor test of your command of the language, but scoring well isn't a problem if you just learn the right exam technique.

I'd recommend it for somebody wanting a good grade, although i believe the syllabus is changing significantly for the may 2013 session (they're taking away part of the oral component or something of the sort and introducing a timed, internally-examinated long essay)

Umm, I beg to differ. I'm doing French B HL, and it's a total breeze compared to my other subjects. Literally all i've done for my two IB years is sit and do past papers in class... I find the course extremely boring, and it's a rather poor test of your command of the language, but scoring well isn't a problem if you just learn the right exam technique.

I'd recommend it for somebody wanting a good grade, although i believe the syllabus is changing significantly for the may 2013 session (they're taking away part of the oral component or something of the sort and introducing a timed, internally-examinated long essay)

The answer is that the language B exams are getting MORE difficult next year - because the IB want to avoid grade inflation as so many bilingual people are taking their second language at B level (from what I've heard this is mainly in the USA with Hispanic students taken Spanish B as an easy option). They are making the B languages loads more difficult than they already are (which I think is veeeeeeery difficult).

Also, it's a fact that Psychology is just a lot more difficult than people think - if you check out the IB statistical Bulletin you'll see the SL Psychology has an average grade of 4.27, compared with History at 4.49, Economics at 5.04, etc. And it's known among students - people doing psychology often expect a low grade. Not saying you shouldn't do it, go for it, but make sure you don't see it as an easy option

I guess it depends on the person. What previous experience did you have with French before IB?



Do you know where to find what the changes are for May 2013 students? I've only found that they are removing A2 from Group 2 (link), and no changes in the curriculum as far as I know.

Don't worry, I know there's more to psychology than people think - I've taken a look at the textbook, and there is a lot of content. Fortunately, a lot of it interests me, so I think I'm alright.
I'll keep in mind that many people don't get a high score, though.

HI guys,
i am starting IB in two months,
i need help with my subject choices please help;
MATH HL
Physics HL
Chemistry HL or Economics HL

Chemistry SL or Economics SL
English Sl
French Sl

please help me choose my higher level
and please give me some tips that would help me in IB
thanks

I guess it depends on the person. What previous experience did you have with French before IB?

One of my teachers was designing the new B course and she was explaining that it is going to be of a standard between the current B and A2 courses - to replace both of them. But to be honest I understand why they are getting rid of A2, almost everyone in A2 at my school could have easily been in A1.

Sorry, that came across as very arrogant, i apologise. Umm i have some French friends so i practice with them. Otherwise i've done french a bit before the IB, so i entered the IB already knowing basic grammar, how to write, etc.

But as an exam, it will very rarely surprise you as you know exactly what to expect. And the stats for French B HL grade distribution shows it not to be among the most difficult courses. I would say it is easier for a non-native speaker than A1 HL is for a native speaker (but, then again, it does depend on the person...)

Hey, I have confirmed my IB Subjects. They are:

Modern Greek Literature (A1) HL
Mathematics HL
Physics HL
English Literature (A1) prob HL

History SL
Economics SL

The question is, should I have selected Theatre Arts instead of Economics as a second SL? I am not particularly interested in any of these, but I am pretty sure I will do better in Economics. Still, would the Theatre class show that I am well-rounded or something?

Off-topic: Given that my goal is to go to Oxbridge (Maths and Philosophy), another concern of mine is whether I will actually need to do extra-curricular activities, such as sports, volunteer work, or even academic competitions, or if the aforementioned academic schedule will be sufficient for admission.

I am waiting to hear your responses...