<p>I'm doing the IB diploma, and here are the courses that i'm planning to take.</p>
<p>English SL ?
French SL
History HL ?
Biology HL
Chemistry HL
Math SL ?</p>
<p>After high school I want to go into the sciences, chemistry specifically. The reason I chose History HL was because I've always been really interested in what IB History taught... but I'm kinda unsure about Math SL or Math HL, and whether to take English HL or SL. From what i've heard, Math HL is BRUTAL, but I've always been good at math, math 10, 97; math 11, 98. Another thing, is english HL going to do me any good if I'm going into the sciences? and should i put history back down to SL? Any ideas?</p>
<p>If you want to go in sciences, definitely do Math HL. I can’t speak too much about Math HL, as I’m only in the first year right now and have a few friends in the second year, but if you study hard, you should do well.</p>
<p>Math HL is relatively easy, as the majority of the material taught should be somewhat of a review. The FRQ portfolios especially are very interesting. Everyone that I know who have taken the course have loved it. (But then again, we have a likable teacher)</p>
<p>^Then you’re lucky. Our last year’s two Harvard acceptees kept talking about how they had so much trouble pulling off an A in that class and how they were really lucky to end up with super borderline A’s after taking the semester exams.</p>
<p>Um, Math HL is very difficult. I advise you only take Math HL only if you’re really interested in Math and are ready to work hard. I’m a junior right now going to the IB Diploma (HLs=Bio, History, English Math[dropping to SL] & SLs=Spanish, Environmental Systems) As for the first poster, not ALL of the sciences really require a math level as high as IB Math HL. To be honest, I think if you want to go into Chemistry/Biology/Psychology or any science like that then IB Math SL should be fine. The only careers that I STRONGLY suggest you take IB Math HL for is if you are doing Physics, and most definitely engineering. I think doing IB English HL would be also good too…writing skills are important no matter what career path you’re going to take. And I mean if English is your first language you might as well just go for it anyway. I’m planning on doing a career in science as well, and my IB Bio teacher told me HL English is the way to go.</p>
<p>Haha I almost have the same schedule as you (only I have spanish rather than french and ITGS instead of a 2nd science). In my school, you’re forced to do english and history as HL so I really don’t know the difference but as for math I would do HL if I were you. Unfortunately my school only offers HL, and then math studies SL (there should be another SL between those) and math studies is a joke. It’s simpler than algebra II!
I’m only taking it because I couldn’t fit in AP calculus and my school requires that to go to HL. So unless you have Math SL (NOT math studies SL) then I would definitely go for HL.</p>
<p>True, however a comprehensive study of mathematics is still advisable for those who are interested in the Sciences, and for many, the rational nature of mathematics as presented by the HL course appeal to those who have an affinity towards the sciences. Particularly if you’re going into Physics, the material taught in HL will be very helpful to you both now and in the future.</p>
<p>I’m in HL math now and I honestly don’t know why everyone is freaking out over this class. Fact of the matter is that you won’t be able to last a college math class if you can’t handle math HL. there’s material in there ranging from alg 2 - Multivariable calc (not directly though. Like the vector stuff). It’s hard to the point where you need to be a talented math student. idk. I love math HL. it’s my favorite class, except we’re doing series and sequences now… ughh…</p>
<p>Math HL is hard, but not unbearably so. If you’re good at math, you should be able to do it. Then again, I’m not aiming for a 7. I think everyone knows that Math HL is basically one of the hardest IB courses (unless you take Further Math. Guh. I did it for a month and died).</p>
<p>Meh. Math HL at my S’s school is considered easier than the MV Calc course the school offers. S is taking the Math Studies exam, but took the Math Studies course as a soph, then AP Calc AB and AP Stat as preparation. Since almost noone gives credit for Math SL or Math Studies, he figured he’d take the easier IB exam and use the AP credit for placement/credit in college.</p>
<p>BTW, most US schools insist you have four years of English for graduation, which makes HL English the de facto requirement.</p>
<p>Hard to advise on what you should do about IB History – there are several different versions and state graduation requirements again may mandate what you take and at what level. Here history is HL Euro with some additional world history thrown in to meet the state WH requirement for graduation.</p>
<p>I am in the same boat as you. First off, I’m a sophomore taking IB Math HL this year, and I honestly cry weekly about how I have no life because of this class, and the EC’s that I do. Right now, I have a 87% in the class, which is considered to be an “A.” That is because in our school, the class is so hard that the grading scale is different.</p>
<p>100-83 A
82-80 A-
79-65 B (no B+'s in HL)
64-60 B-
59-0 C</p>
<p>There is nothing below a C. They think that if you have the courage to try the class, then you should be awarded with at least a C. So yeah, you should be the one to make the decision, but I would strongly encourage you not to take it, unless you’re some sort of math genius, which at first I thought I was, until I took this class.</p>
<p>I’m in IB Mathematics SL, and it’s pretty hard as it is. I am also taking IB English HL, and it’s pretty easy. I’d be doing better in English if it weren’t for my laziness. XD</p>
<p>well yah! its always good to be well-rounded in all the subjects. College is the place where you can start chopping off classes ad focusing on certain ones. I honestly hate english (I’m more of a math/science person too) but I think it’s a good class. You just have to analyze many different authors’ works. I’m only in the first year though so I really don’t know how difficult it gets.</p>
<p>However, it will look better to colleges if you are highly proficient in all subjects, not just the sciences or so.</p>
<p>Math HL is hard. Gave me my first C.
If you’re not strong in your other HL, math HL could pull it down even more because of time allocation.</p>
<p>But is there a point of taking IB English HL if i’m into sciences?</p>
<p>^
Some of my science-oriented friends take English HL. Simply because they like it. As an IB Dip student, I think it’s very important to also take classes you enjoy. Makes your day a whole lot lighter.</p>