IB Math SL VS. IB Math Studies Help

Applying to College
1

I am currently enrolled in IB Mathematics SL (school just started Thursday) and I am already thinking about dropping down to Math Studies. I know that Mathematics SL is much more harder and I am already taking the diploma and I feel like switching to studies would make my life much easier. My classes are:

IB English HL
IB Mathematics SL
IB Chemistry HL
IB History of Americas HL
IB French SL
IB TOK

Also, I want to be a doctor and when applying to colleges I would like to major in some type of science (biology/chemistry/biochem). I’m also aiming for a top school. Not Ivy League but schools like Wake Forest, Brown University, Johns Hopkins, Emory, etc. But, I don’t know if me dropping to studies would affect me. Would they think, “oh, she’s lazy, she chose the easier math.”

I read that med school and becoming a doctor doesn’t require rigorous math courses so me taking mathematics SL doesn’t seem ideal. So I’m planning to switch tomorrow.

What do you guys think?

2

You need to stay in SL to prepare for pre-med math requirements.

3

At my DS’ school, IB math studies is for students who want to to IBD but are not good at math/don’t want to do math. And IB math SL could help your IB chemistry HL too. It will look a lot more rigorous on your student profile too.
Why not replace IB history with IB geo or something that is lighter instead?

4

I think you will need math SL. I also think that if you are pre med and care about your GPA for med school, you don’t want to take the required college math with no more than Math Studies as preparation.

High school is the place to take that hit, not college if you are hoping to get into med school.

5

Most pre-med requirements include not a lot of calc - which I think I can stand when attending college. Math SL seems very extra. Also, getting into a top college isn’t at the top of my list but it would be nice - if I go to a B+ college, that would be fine too. I am still considering dropping SL.

6

Math Studies SL involves a lot of statistics, as compared to Math SL. Both involve IAs etc.

Ask your guidance counselor if they check the “most rigorous curriculum available” box for Diploma kids, regardless of which HL and SL classes they take ,and whether changing to Studies would affect that designation. Schools like Johns Hopkins etc. will definitely care whether that box is checked on the college guidance counselor’s rec.

7

First off, Brown is an Ivy League school.

Secondly, if you are planning on med school, you will want the most rigorous math and science course available to you in HS.

8

Sorry, I meant Boston University.

9

Math studies SL is for those who will not have to take math in college. Math SL or HL is a better choice for a prospective pre-med.

10

Some med schools want you to take calculus for pre-med…Math SL would prepare you for that better than Studies.