<p>Hey IBers, </p>
<p>Here's a quick question: How bad does taking the IB math SL course (as opposed to math HL) look when it comes to admissions to really competitive schools (like Harvard)? If math really isn't my thing, is taking math SL rather than HL going to be a significant flaw when it comes to admissions?</p>
<p>Secondly, which looks worse: getting a B in math HL or taking math SL?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>I know a number of students who took math SL and got into HYPMS.</p>
<p>That’s just like asking if not taking Calculus BC will decrease your chance of getting in…and the answer is - most probably not.
If you are likely to concentrate on the humanities or social sciences, Math HL is not really requisite for anything.</p>
<p>I myself did the IB, took Math SL and will be studying government at Harvard. Do what you like and what you are passionate about - not what YOU THINK Harvard likes. ;)</p>
<p>Hello! I am a graduant of year 2014 at IB in Norway. I really want to apply to Harvard… one problem is… by grades in mathematics (is not that good) I think I can get a five with lots of work (max grade is 7) … is it better to do that or to just take math studies? I want to study LAw by the way… but I will of course have to apply to the undergraduate admission at first.</p>
<p>Molly: You should start new threads for questions rather than revive old ones. You should start at Harvard’s undergraduate admissions pages for international students first. There, you will find out what Harvard is looking for. Its international pool is probably the most competitive sub-category in American colleges. You’re being foolish if you’re limiting yourself to Harvard.</p>