How to Choose the Right IBDP Subjects for Medicine, Engineering, Business and Law?
When considering university admission, students must make an informed choice about the subjects they will study in their International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) at school. Subject decisions may affect whether you get into University, options for the subjects you take and future career prospects. If you are interested in medicine, engineering, business or law, you will find it helpful to know the subject requirements for each pathway.
How to Choose IBDP Subjects for Medicine?
Medicine is a science based university course. Almost all medical schools call for applicants to have a solid understanding of biology and chemistry.
Recommended subjects include:
Higher Level (HL): Chemistry + Biology.
Standard Level (SL): Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (AA) and Physics or another appropriate subject (required for university).
There will be some universities that accept a combination of different subjects at HL, with some needing Biology and Chemistry. Before settling your subjects, you should find out at which medical schools you are eligible to apply.
What are the best IBDP subjects for Engineering?
Courses in Engineering include problem solving, analytical thinking, math and physics. Students who wish to study engineering will find Mathematics and Physics to be of primary importance.
Recommended subjects include:
Higher Level (HL): Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches and Physics.
Standard Level (SL): Chemistry, Computer Science or another appropriate subject. Chemistry or other science may be required for some specified engineering degrees. Specific university requirements, especially in mechanical, electrical, chemical and civil engineering should be looked into by the students.
What are the Best IBDP Subjects for Business?
Subjects that encourage students to develop analytical, numerical and communication skills may be useful for those students who are interested in business, management, finance, economics or entrepreneurship.
Recommended subjects include:
Higher Level (HL): Economics, Business Management or Mathematics.
Standard Level (SL): English, a language or another appropriate subject.
Finance, accounting and economics degrees can be especially beneficial for math majors. Business courses at university, however, tend to have a broader range of combinations that can include IBDP subjects.
What IBDP Subjects to Choose for Law?
The ability to read well, think critically, conduct research and communicate through writing are essential skills for law. In contrast to medicine or engineering, there are very few IBDP subjects that are required by most law schools.
Suitable options include:
- Higher Level (HL): English, History, Global Politics or Economics.
- Standard Level (SL): Mathematics, a language or another subject used in balance.
- Essay, research and analyzing arguments subjects can result in students gaining legal study skills.
If you are thinking about selecting HL or SL subjects, what are your career aspirations?
Higher Level subjects are more in-depth and more time is dedicated to them than Standard Level subjects. Students should choose HL subjects that complement the pathway they wish to take to university, taking into account their strengths and workload.
Don't pick subjects just because they look good. It is better to have a balanced combination with good predicted grades than too difficult a choice.
FAQs
Is there a possibility to study medicine without taking Biology at HL?
Some medical schools may accept Biology at SL or other science subjects, although many may prefer Biology at HL. Please review each university's requirements.
Is Mathematics AA HL necessary for engineering?
Mathematics AA is a higher level course in mathematics which is compulsory in and/or preferred by many competitive engineering courses, in addition to Physics HL. These will differ depending on the university and specialism of engineering.
Do I need to do History or Global Politics to study law?
Yes. The majority of law degrees do not have a particular school subject requirement. In general, the university takes into account the overall academic performance, as well as other factors for admission.
May I drop subjects or change my IBDP subjects once I have commenced the programme?
Subject changes are subject to the school policy, availability of the timetable and entry requirements of the university, but may be possible, especially at the start of the programme.
Final Thoughts
When planning for IBDP subjects, it is important to ensure that the choices are suitable and that a clear pathway is followed to the chosen university course or career. Research admission requirements ahead of time and understand the distinction between HL and SL and choose subjects in line with your academic strengths.
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