How tough is this class/ what is in the curiculum? Should I take IB math studies or honors pre calc instead ( for most rigor)?
IB math studies SL is intended for students who will not need to take additional math in college, so it samples a large number of topics. If you will take additional math in college, the usual offerings (in a school that offers IB courses as an option) are:
- non-IB precalculus
- IB math SL (precalculus with some calculus)
- IB math HL (calculus, may allow advanced placement in math in college)
Studies SL essentially covers precalculus / trig with a tiny bit of basic calculus and some statistics. SL (non-studies), at least at my school, requires precalculus to be taken first because the calc content is heavier.
If you’re currently a sophomore, I’d say take precalc your junior year and then take a more challenging math course (Math SL, AB Calc) your senior year. If you’re currently a junior, take studies so that you can get a little calculus in before college.