Should i take IB physics HL or chemistry HL?

Question

hi all!

I am about to enter the IB..and i am not sure which science to take. I scored a 7/7 in grade 10 and a 6/7 in grade 9 physics, but vice versa for chemistry. I heard that physics HL is a subject where you have a high possibility of failing! I was planning to take chemistry HL, but i my g10 exam wasnt as good as i expected..which made me reconsider..yet for physics i got a better mark even though i didnt study for it..

I am not exactly sure what i want to do in the future, most probably something business or economics related or perhaps engineering.

The subjects i am planning to take are:

HL : maths, economics, computer science, physics or chemi.

SL: german b, and english a1.

what do you think about this combination?? i really need honest opinions..please help me! i only have another few days before class starts..I am willing to put all the energy and work required for it..but i need to know if its realistic and possible to achieve a 7 in physics or chemi..thank you very much!

Answer 1

Either way you'll have a challenge, but in my opinion physics is harder. Especially because IB physics isn't calculus-based, and is therefore essentially useless. Unless you're planning on going into engineering or physics, take chem! It applies to everything and really teaches you how to think.

Answer 2

you seem to be taking more math-oriented hl classes. i would suggest taking physics hl then, because as you've probably realized by now all physics is is math applications and such with rules.

my school doesn't offer ib chem, just ib physics, but from my experience everyone thinks that chemistry is tougher than physics. then again, you seem to be good at both, so i'm not sure. i would just stick with physics because from the classes i've taken physics is easier.

also, if you're possibly  interested in engineering like you said, physics is a good subject to take.

Answer 3

Whooo! IBers unite! I'm takin HL bio so I can't help you out too much. But I would go with chem just because I like it more than physics. Your classes sound cool. Very math-y. My HLs are Spanish, Psych, English and History. My SLs are math and bio.