Starting IBDP can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to selecting your subject choices for the next two years ahead. As an IB student who’s about to start DP2, I went through that challenging process. Below, I left some of the tips and factors that I considered which helped me go through the process and make it easier. I hope it will be helpful to consider your choices after as well.
1. Align your selections with your future career and university goals
One of the most important things to keep in mind while selecting your IB subjects is how they align with your future goals. If you already have a field you’d like to pursue in university, it’s essential to research the subject requirements for that course. In my case, I want to study architecture. When I began researching universities, I discovered that some required Physics HL, some required Mathematics AA HL, and others required both. Meanwhile, a few didn’t require specific subjects at all but placed a stronger emphasis on an art portfolio. That experience taught me just how much subject requirements can vary depending on the university or even the country you’re applying to. What really helped me was making a list of universities I was interested in and checking their entry requirements for the course. That research not only guided my subject choices but also gave me a clearer vision of the path I wanted to follow.
There’s also something called the non-regular or irregular diploma that some students opt for. This is when a student takes three subjects from the same subject group, which is typically different from the standard diploma model that encourages breadth across disciplines. For example, a student aiming to study medicine may want to take Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, all from Group 4 (sciences). In these cases, the IB sometimes allows students to pursue an irregular diploma with permission from the school’s IB coordinator. If this applies to you, I recommend having a discussion with your college counselor and IB coordinator early on to understand your options.
2. Choose the subjects that you enjoy taking and learning
While it’s important to think strategically about your future, it’s just as important to choose subjects that you actually enjoy studying. These are the subjects that will keep you motivated throughout the two-year journey of the IB. For example, I chose Economics HL, even though it wasn’t required for architecture, simply because I genuinely enjoyed the subject. I found myself looking forward to the lessons and being naturally curious about the content. That interest made a huge difference, especially when the workload in my other subjects started to pile up. Taking at least one subject that you truly enjoy can act as a source of motivation during difficult times. It helps create a balance between the academic demands and your own personal engagement, which in turn contributes to better performance and a more positive experience overall. The IB is demanding, and having something that feels less like a burden and more like a passion can make a world of difference.
3. Try not to overwhelm yourself: Comments and tips on choosing 4 HL subjects
In the IBDP, students are required to take at least three (but not more than four) subjects at Higher Level (HL) and the remaining at Standard Level (SL). From my experience, taking four HLs is definitely possible, but it isn’t something to take lightly. I switched Physics from SL to HL midway through DP1, so I’ve had four HLs since then. It’s been challenging but manageable, largely because two of those HL subjects, Economics and Visual Arts, are ones I genuinely love. If your HLs include subjects you enjoy and feel confident in, then the extra workload can be less intimidating. However, it’s important to remember that taking four HLs doesn’t necessarily make your diploma look better to universities. If the extra subject starts affecting your overall performance and stress levels, it may not be worth it. Quality is always more important than quantity, and scoring well in three HLs is better than stressing yourself with four and falling short of your potential afterwards.
4. Be open to adjusting your choices
One of the things I found most comforting at the start of the programme was the flexibility to adjust my subjects. In many schools, there’s a period during the first few weeks of DP1 where you’re allowed to switch your subjects choices and for a few months between your HL and SL subjects. This is a valuable opportunity to explore how you feel about the subjects so far. You might find that something you thought you’d enjoy doesn’t actually match your expectations, or that another subject surprises you with how engaging it is. I encourage you to use this early phase as a chance to try things out and reflect. Talk to your teachers and DP coordinator if you’re unsure. It’s better to make adjustments early than to push through two years with subjects that don’t serve you well. After all, the programme is designed to help you grow, and growth often requires change.
I’m leaving some helpful links from IB’s website that can further guide you on this topic, I hope you find them helpful!
Helpful links:
DP curriculum – International Baccalaureate®
Course selection guidance – International Baccalaureate®
Example diploma subject choices – International Baccalaureate®