If you are sitting in Grade 10 and wondering what IB courses you should pick next year, you’ve probably thought “what is the easiest classes I can take.” The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) is known for its rigorous coursework and demanding assessments. However, by selecting the right combination of subjects, students can optimize their IB scores and maximize their chances of success. Using data from the IB DP Final Statistical Bulletin (May 2024), we have identified the six best subjects to achieve the highest possible IB score.
How We Selected the Best Subjects
The ideal subjects were chosen based on three key criteria:
- Highest average score
- Highest percentage of students scoring 6s and 7s
- Low variability in scores (consistent high performance)
By selecting subjects that align with these criteria, students can strategically improve their IB results. Below is our best IB subject selection for a high overall score.
Best IB Subject Selection for Maximum Score
| Group | Subject | Level | Average Score | % of Students with 6 or 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | Language A: Literature | SL | 5.44 | 45% |
| Group 2 | Language B | HL | 6.02 | 77% |
| Group 3 | Business Management | HL | 5.75 | 62% |
| Group 4 | Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) | SL | 5.42 | 43% |
| Group 5 | Mathematics: Applications & Interpretation (AI) | SL | 5.21 | 39% |
| Group 3/4 | Global Politics | HL | 5.96 | 74% |
Why These Subjects?
- Language B (HL) has a remarkably high average score and a large percentage of students earning 6s and 7s.
- Business Management (HL) and Global Politics (HL) are strong choices for high scores in Group 3.
- ESS (SL) is an interdisciplinary subject, allowing students to take an additional high-scoring Group 3 subject instead of a science.
- Mathematics: AI (SL) offers a relatively high average score with manageable difficulty compared to other math options.
Expected IB Score Calculation
With this optimized subject selection, the expected IB score from subjects alone is calculated as follows:
| Subject | Level | Average Score |
| Language A: Literature | SL | 5.44 |
| Language B | HL | 6.02 |
| Business Management | HL | 5.75 |
| Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) | SL | 5.42 |
| Mathematics: AI | SL | 5.21 |
| Global Politics | HL | 5.96 |
Total Expected Score (Subjects Only):
(5.44 + 6.02 + 5.75 + 5.42 + 5.21 + 5.96) = 33.8 ≈ 34 points
Maximizing Core Points: Extended Essay (EE) & Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
The IB core (EE + TOK) can add up to 3 extra points. To maximize core points, students should choose high-scoring EE subjects:
- Best EE Subject for High Score: Business Management (Average EE Score: ~2.1/3)
- TOK Expected Score: ~2.1/3
- Expected Core Bonus Points (EE + TOK): 2 points
Final Expected IB Score
- Subjects: 34 points
- EE + TOK: 2 points
- Total Expected IB Score: 36/45
A Smarter Path to IB Success
By carefully selecting subjects with high average scores, a strong percentage of top grades, and consistent performance, students can significantly improve their IB results. While the IB DP remains a challenging program, strategic subject selection can make the journey smoother and more rewarding.
If you’re an IB student looking for guidance on subject selection, study strategies, or exam preparation, our team at Pathways is here to help. Reach out to us for expert insights and personalized academic planning!
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