<p>A lot of people I talk to say that math studies is extremely easy, whereas methods is challenging. I know that math studies is a lot of stats and probability, but is there really a difference between the two?</p>
<p>Also, what is the difference between methods sl and hl and calc ab and bc?</p>
<p>I have never taken IB math HL, but at Cornell University, students with a 4 or 5 on Calc BC get more credit than do students with 6 or 7 on IB HL math.</p>
<p>Calc BC and Math HL are equivalents. I’d say Math HL is harder though Calc BC covers more calculus while Math HL covers a bunch of random yet difficult topics as well as calculus. Calculus AB is pretty much equivalent to Math SL. They both cover Calculus at a slow pace going from limits->derivatives->related rates->curve sketching->Integrals->Logarithmic Derivatives->Integral Applications. Math Studies (no offense) is a class for those who are mediocre at math. It is a pity because plenty of students with ability end up there because they are underachieving. Do not take this path. Math SL/Calc AB should be what you are taking in your senior year of high school. </p>
<p>In Summary:</p>
<p>In terms of Purely Calculus Content Covered:</p>
<p>AP Calc BC > IB Math HL > AP Calc AB > IB Math SL > IB Math Studies (barely any calculus covered)</p>
<p>In terms of difficulty:</p>
<p>IB Math HL>AP Calc BC>IB Math SL>AP Calc AB> IB Math Studies (one day my friend told me they were learning how to convert Euros to dollors?!?!) - I mean come on! What the heck?</p>