<p>Is IB higher level math really that much harder than standard level? What's the difference? Which one is better to take? Does it matter to colleges? I need to know because I have to choose...</p>
<p>The core topics (algebra, functions/equations, trig, etc.) are basically the same, with HL going into some more detail. The main difference would be that HL requires a lot more calculus and more must be learned b/c of the option you have to do (series/diffEQ, discrete math, etc.). According to IB, SL prepares students for "chemistry, economics, psychology and business administration", whereas HL prepares students for "physics, engineering and technology" and is for those who simply enjoy math. As far as colleges are concerned, it probably wouldn't make much of a difference.</p>
<p>Oh okay. Looks like I'm taking higher level. Is it hard to do well and get
A's in higher level?</p>
<p>OP, Keep in mind that if you want college credit, most colleges recognize only the HL exam. If you want to get credit for Calc and take the SL exam, you'll need to take an AP in addition. I have a rising soph in IB and he is looking at the same decision in two years. He is taking pre-IB Math Studies (pre-calc minus a couple of units) soph year, SL math junior year (and possibly the SL and AB Calc exams), and then either the HL exam (and BC Calc exam) or AP Stat senior year. I think if he could get rid of his college math requirements in HS he would grab the chance and never deal with another math class again! </p>
<p>He's not a math guy, but the HL teacher is fabulous (he had her this year for pre-IB Alg II w/Functions). I've told him sometimes there are good reasons to take a class, even if you aren't in love with the topic -- and an outstanding teacher is a good reason to do so. </p>
<p>If you are taking the full diploma and lean towards the humanities side, I don't think there's a problem with taking Math SL. Just be aware that colleges tend not to give credit for SL, so you may need to plan for an AP as well.</p>
<p>Depends a lot on the teacher...for my teacher, everyone basically gets A's or B's, but that could just be because all those in HL math are good at math anyway, regardless of how the teacher grades.</p>
<p>I do lean on the humanities side a bit, but I like being challenged, so it turns out I'm taking higher lever 1 and 2 for junior and senior year of hs. Yay me</p>
<p>I've been told that the difference between HL and SL Math is one of the most significant in IB courses. I've also heard that HL Math as well as Physics are the two hardest courses offered in the IB Program (aside from Math Further Studies)</p>
<p>I figured it would be... ^^^</p>
<p>i wish i could take HL Math and Physics....next year im takin them both SL becuase that is all that my school offers but in my school SL math is still 2 years.....also there is IB math methods or studies(something like that) and IB mathematics in my school(mathematics is the harder one so thats what im taking)...HL probably looks little better for colleges but either way its IB and it doent really make a big difference...if ur good at math and physics give it a shot</p>
<p>Everyone at my school says that Math HL is super difficult, and Math studies SL is a joke. I heard that Math HL is the most difficult IB exam.</p>
<p>IB math studies is a joke? Yeah, the teacher said it was the lowest level of IB math. So far this is my sequence:</p>
<p>Honors Algebra 2 --> IB Standard level math 1 --> IB Higher level math 1 --> IB higher level Math 2</p>
<p>How does this look? Am I setting myself up for hell?</p>
<p>Help me! Please!!!</p>
<p>You're going to take both the SL and HL tests? ... I don't think IB allows that. You can only take two IB math exams if they are HL math and SL further math, I believe.</p>
<p>You can take both tests, sure. Only one will go on the diploma, though. Many, many people at my school do this. In fact, we technically don't have two years of math HL, the first is just the SL class, except you're taking it as a junior. Besides, if OP is taking SL soph year, they couldn't count it anyway,</p>
<p>To the OP: HL is definitely much, much harder than SL, but I think the way your schedule is set up, you'll be just fine. With a year of SL, then two years to cover just the additional HL material, you should be easily prepared.</p>
<p>Sorry to bump thread, but IB HL math is much harder - the people who were getting 7s in SL came to HL and most ended up with half the score. A class of 15 eventually shrinks to 8.</p>
<p>Well, there’s Math Sl, Math HL, and Further Math SL. Yes, Math HL is more difficult than SL. You learn the same material as in Math SL, but in depth. Also you do what is called “HL Options” which is just adding a few more topics such as Analysis and Approximation, and Discrete Mathematics…Further Math SL is more intense. Basically, you have to know Math HL AND you learn all of these topics in great depth:
Topic 1-- Statistics and probability
Topic 3Sets, relations and groups
Topic 4Series and differential equations
Topic 5Discrete mathematics</p>
<p>Somehow, I managed a 6 in Further Maths…</p>
<p>Yet…I forgot topic 2…lol</p>
<p>It’s supposed to be
Topic 1—Geometry
Topic 2—Statistics and probability
Topic 3—Sets, relations and groups
Topic 4—Series and differential equations
Topic 5—Discrete mathematics </p>
<p>Sorry for the inconvenience.</p>