Should I consider taking 4 HL IBDP Subjects?

If you are intending to go for an IBDP diploma program, you must be mindful of IBDP HLs and SLs. The IBDP curriculum basically offers you an option to pick up 3 HL and 3 SL subjects. But, you can also decide to select 4 HL subjects. In a nutshell, students are needed to obtain 12 points in their HLs to be qualified to earn the IB diploma. In case, if you are wondering whether you should head for the first option which is 3 each, or are baffled to pick 4 HLs.

Set all your suspicions aside!

Today we will shed all your doubts and hopefully, after this blog, you will have a clear stand to make your own decision.

Advantages of IBDP 4 HLs:

  • Better possibilities for the graduation route

Going for 4 HL not only helps you during your IBDP journey but unlocks more choices for you to pick your University study programs. For example, If you have plans to study engineering after your IBDP you can make a selection of engineering-related HL subjects such as Math and Physics HL. Likewise, if you are interested in medicine you can go for Biology HL. Therefore, selecting different HLs will open more routes for you that can be taken further into your University studies.

  • Polish skills

Studying 4 HLs during IBDP can absolutely benefit you in developing your skills. For instance, if you have taken any foreign language subject such as Spanish in your HL, it will be a plus point for you as it is an additional course that can enhance your chances of University selection. Correspondingly, if you want to study abroad for your further education being familiar with a foreign language is always favourable.

Disadvantages of IBDP 4 HLs:

Now that we have gone through all the plus points of 4 HLs, let's quickly have a look on what are the liabilities and cons of 4 HLs.

  • Challenging

Studying 4 HL subjects is demanding as you will have to give more effort and time to your studies. To achieve good grades, you will have to work harder. 

Friendly advice:

Always pick subjects that you have an interest in or have a curiosity to learn.

  • Offers no extra points

There are no extra grade points for studying HLs. We know this is somehow discouraging but the maximum points in HLs you can get is 45.

Summing up, picking 4 HLs or not is your own choice, if you believe in yourself and think that you want to do this, just go for it. Again, the pros and cons highlighted in this blog are merely for self-reflection purposes.

In the end, what really matters in IBDP is learning, growth, and improvement.

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