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Understanding the IB
How to Choose Your IB Subjects
By Constantin Mardoukhaev · Reviewed by Axiom Academic's academic team
In the IB Diploma you choose six subjects, normally one from each of five groups (language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics) plus a sixth from the arts or a second subject, with three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level. Choose in this order: first your target universities' requirements, then your genuine strengths and interests. Pick your three HL subjects deliberately, and check the Maths route (Analysis and Approaches vs Applications and Interpretation), which matters most.
The framework: one subject per group
The IB Diploma isn't a free-for-all: you pick six subjects, normally one from each group, with three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL), plus the core (Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and CAS).
| Group | Examples |
|---|---|
| 1. Studies in Language & Literature | English, French… |
| 2. Language Acquisition | Spanish, Mandarin, Ab Initio… |
| 3. Individuals & Societies | History, Economics, Psychology… |
| 4. Sciences | Biology, Chemistry, Physics… |
| 5. Mathematics | Analysis & Approaches, or Applications & Interpretation |
| 6. The Arts (or a 2nd from groups 1–4) | Visual Arts, or a second science/humanity |
1. Start with where you're going
University courses dictate HL prerequisites, so check them first. Medicine usually needs HL Chemistry (often with Biology); engineering needs HL Mathematics and Physics; many economics degrees expect HL Mathematics. Picking subjects before checking requirements is the most common, and costliest, mistake.
2. Then play to strengths and interest
The Diploma runs over two years, so choose subjects you can sustain and enjoy. Genuine interest also makes the Extended Essay far easier, since you research a topic of your choice within one of your subjects.
3. Choose your three HL subjects deliberately
HL subjects go deeper and carry more weight, so make them your prerequisites and your strengths. Keep at SL the subjects you need for breadth but don't intend to pursue. (For more, see our guide on HL vs SL.)
4. The Maths decision: AA vs AI
This is the choice students most often get wrong. Analysis and Approaches (AA) is more pure and calculus-focused and is expected for most STEM, mathematics and economics degrees at selective universities; Applications and Interpretation (AI) is more applied and statistics-focused. Some courses specify AA (and sometimes at HL), so verify before you commit.
Keep your options open
If your direction isn't settled, a balanced spread (a science, a strong essay subject and AA Mathematics) keeps the most doors open. Our IB specialists can advise on the right combination for your child's goals.
Frequently asked questions
How many subjects do you take in the IB?
Six: three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level, plus the three core elements: Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and CAS.
Which IB subjects do universities require?
It depends on the course. Check each university's HL requirements early. For example, medicine usually needs HL Chemistry (often with Biology), and engineering needs HL Mathematics and Physics.
Should I take Maths AA or AI?
Analysis and Approaches (AA) suits most STEM, mathematics and economics degrees at selective universities; Applications and Interpretation (AI) suits more applied paths. Check your target courses, as some specify AA.
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