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“How do I select my DP subjects?”

During the past week, our G10 students were busy planning what subjects they are going to choose for their DP curriculum. The above question has been a shared concern for parents and students from G10 as they are preparing to step into DP shoes. The subject combination is not only important to their college application a year later, but can also have a profound influence on their future career.

 

Question: What do you want to do in the future?

Student A: I want to be a doctor.

Student B: How about computer programming? I want to be a programmer.

Student C: I want to learn Finance and be an investor.

Student D: I’m interested in aerospace engineering.

Student E: Psychology seems popular, and I find it interesting.

During the discussions, the students have the beginnings of their plans for their future. Among all the answers, we found that STEM majors are favored by many students.

 

What is STEM?

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineer and Mathematics. The idea began in the early 2000s at the US National Science Foundation and gradually spread around the world, aiming at encouraging further study in the four subjects. Professional talents in these fields enjoy a wide range of career choices in top groups, NGOs, government institutions and startups. All in all, STEM majors are a promising field for our students.

As IB students who face a variety of subjects, what will be the best combination of courses to get themselves into the right colleges and majors?

Based on the IB DP framework, this article is going to give some introductions about how to choose DP subjects and make the combination the best fit for students.

 

IBDP Framework

The IBDP curriculum is made up of the DP core and six subject groups, among which students take the most essential part as DP core.

To broaden students’ educational experience and challenge them to apply their knowledge and skills, IB developed three core elements:

  • TOK (Theory of Knowledge)
  • EE (Extended Essay)
  • CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service)
The three core elements are interweaved with six subject groups:

  • Studies in Language and Literature
  • Language Acquisition
  • Individuals and Societies
  • Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Arts

 

 

IBDP Score

  • It is mandatory for every DP student to choose six academic subjects to learn over 2 years. Three subjects are studied at higher levels (HL) and three standard levels (SL). Each subject is graded both Internally (via IA tasks) and Externally (via Examinations). A maximum of 7 points are awarded for each subject (42 points maximum for six subjects).
  • Additionally, TOK and EE contribute up to 3 ‘bonus points’ to the overall IB Diploma Score, making a total 45 points IB score.
  • Meanwhile, CAS is not formally assessed. However, CAS helps students to develop their ‘story’ when it comes to university or job applications.

 

Combination of six academic subjects

Students should choose one subject from each subject group. They may also opt to study an additional sciences, individuals and societies, or languages course, instead of a course in the arts.

 

What combination of IB subjects is preferred by STEM majors?

Understanding the basic logic of DP framework and how the score is valued, the next question would be “What’s the best combination for me when choosing subjects?”.

Our College Counsellor has given some suggestions as a reference:

Generally speaking, if a student is planning to study STEM related majors, he or she should at least choose 2 subjects from Mathematics and Sciences. In ideal conditions, 3 subjects would be better.

For example:

举例来说：

Medical related majors

Students who are willing to study Medical are suggested to study Chemistry at higher level, while also choosing one subject from Biology or Mathematics at higher level.

Engineering related majors

Students who are willing to study in Engineering are suggested to choose Mathematics and Physics at higher level. In Mathematics, students can choose from Analysis and Approaches (AA), which is relatively more rigorous on academics, and Applications and Interpretations (AI), which focuses on real-life application. If a student is willing to choose theoretical majors, AA should be a better choice. If he or she wants to choose application majors, then AI is suggested.

Chemical related majors

Students whose goal is chemical industry are suggested to study Chemistry and Biology at higher level.

Among all kinds of international curriculum, IB is the most recognized one around the world. On the other hand, it is also one of the most challenging one. Parents and students must carefully considerate the subjects they are going to choose. Please be reminded that:

Students should choose HL courses based on your current level and capacity to guarantee a high score.

Different nations and colleges raise different standards for the HL scores and total scores. It is essential to follow up the requirements from your target colleges.

 

College Counselling Program in BIS

Ultimately, these are a framework, not a formula, and students are encouraged and welcome to discuss their options with the college counselor, DP coordinator and student counselor.

At BIS, we have a strong College Counselling team consisted of our college counsellors and secondary teachers. Our College Counsellors, teachers and DP coordinator will work closely with each student and family progressively as the student moves throughout his or her high school years from the period of choosing DP subjects to the college application process.

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