Choosing between hl & SL Math

Below we share the view of Jaxon Tay (HCIS, Class of 2023). He graduated with 44 points (7 in Math HL and A for Math EE)!

Tips from a IB 44 pointer

While there are some subjects where the difference between HL and SL isn't that great (ahem Language Bs and Business Management), the same cannot be said for mathematics. HL mathematics is a whole new ball game from year 4. Choosing the HL route is a huge commitment time and effort wise, therefore it's best to make an informed choice on whether to head to SL or HL for your 2 year journey.

Before we go further, let's talk about what's so different between SL and HL mathematics. First off, the depth of mathematical content and syllabi differ vastly. Sure, between the two you have shared topics like calculus but for HL you are required to learn lots more. Additionally, in HL, you'll be exploring a lot of topics SL won't even touch on. I'm talking vectors, complex numbers and power series expansions. Topics notorious even in the local Singapore high school system for their difficulty. Getting good at those topics requires plenty of meaningful practice, hence my comment earlier on this subject being a huge time commitment from the get-go. Then there's the assessment breakdown. In HL, you have paper 3. To briefly summarize what that is, people say that math builds on itself and the same is true there. In 1 hour you are required to answer 2 (often) out of syllabus questions using ideas and techniques that are in the syllabus. This paper comprises 20% of your total grade and is highly unpredictable. Your saving grace will be taking strong foundational math knowledge and quick thinking with you into the exam hall.

With the challenge presented, the very first factor I'd say to consider in your decision is your past performances and aptitude in the subject. Are you someone who's always excelled in maths? Consistently scored, say, 80% and above for tests? Then sure, you can consider going down the HL rabbit hole if you're up for the challenge. Also ask yourself if you're someone who thrives under the pressure of timed exams, because you'll have lots of those throughout your time there. On the other hand, if math isn't your forte (which, by the way, is totally fine- nothing wrong with that) then SL would be more suitable for you and I'd highly encourage going down that route. Don't try to be a hero at this time and try to take on HL mathematics with already shaky fundamentals to begin with because like I said earlier you're already being held to high standards from week 0 of the course. Please spare yourself the pain and head to SL.

Another thing to consider is your university course grade requirements. Do you want to study Engineering, physics, math, or some STEM subject at university? It's likely that a decent grade in HL math is required! This dosen’t apply to all courses of course. Do some research and see what universities are looking for in your IB results transcript and use that to guide your decision making when it comes to HL vs SL. Unless you're applying for a very highly competitive course (like medicine or computer science), please do not take HL Math if you don't have to. Especially if, like I said, your fundamentals at this point aren't great to begin with.

Essentially, are you really good at math and are looking to do a mathematics related course in university? HL. The opposite? SL. Also one last thing: if you hate every other subject and just need to choose a third “filler” HL to fulfill your HL requirements for the diploma program, please just pick anything other than math. Like I said: big difference between SL and HL. If you're in this situation, I suggest you just take like, a language B HL (Heard from a couple of friends it's a free 7 and not much of a diff from SL). But again, keep your university course requirements in mind!