Since the IB Diploma increased to four categories of Maths in August 2019 (first exams May 2021), there has been considerable student and parent anxiety about which one to choose and consequently considerable movement between levels, after several weeks in the wrong level. Not really an ideal start to the two years of the challenging IB Diploma!
Before that, the IB had offered three levels of Maths, Higher Level, known to be very difficult to master and a measure of true mathematical ability, Standard Level, which was still a respected degree of maths aptitude and mastery, and then Maths Studies, accepted as the level for those who had no great love of the subject.
Three understandable levels to choose from: Difficult, Medium and Accessible.
For those wishing to study Mathematics-based subjects, Engineering or Economics HL Maths was generally required by top UK institutions.* For example 6 or even a 7 in HL Maths was usually required to follow an engineering course at Imperial College or Economics at LSE. While a student wishing to pursue Medicine for example, could easily take SL Maths.
With the restructuring, there are now four different Maths options to choose from:
Mathematics Analysis and Approaches (Maths AA)
- Maths HL AA is geared towards students that have a passion and aptitude for pure maths, problem-solving and reasoning. It is heavy on algebra, proofs and calculus.
- Maths SL AA is similar in topics, but with less depth.
Mathematics Applications and Interpretation (Maths AI)
- Maths HL AI has a focus on the practical application of maths in statistics, and technology usage, like in graphing and calculators. It is much less theoretical than AA. More and more universities are recognising the rigour of Maths HL AI and will accept it for several STEM heavy subjects including Engineering and Economics.
- Maths SL AI has more statistics and probability than HL, and a softer focus on calculus.
The additional maths course initially blurred the lines and Universities took some time to adjust. Entry requirements and grade specifications were changed every year. Over the past few years, there has been a move towards increased differentiation between HL AA and AI. For example, these are the current IB Diploma entry requirements to study Economics at UCL:
‘A total of 19 points in three higher level subjects including grade 7 in Mathematics and grade 6 in Economics if offered with no higher level score below 5. The programme will accept either ‘Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation’ at Higher level.’
However, some courses have a preference between the two courses. For example, entry requirements at Imperial College London for Mechanical Engineering include a 6 in Maths HL. “The Mathematics Analysis and Approaches or the Applications and Interpretation syllabi will be accepted at Higher level, but Analysis and Approaches is preferred.”
For students trying to decide on the right maths course, the picture can be further complicated by the fact that some Bachelors degrees in the Netherlands require SL AA for the same subject that in the UK will accept SL AI, as in the case of some Business degrees.
Thoroughly confused? In terms of what advice can be given to Year 11/Grade 10 students choosing which Maths course to choose- here is some general advice:
Maths HL AA is appropriate for STEM heavy subjects such as Engineering, Physics, Maths and at some universities, Economics.
Maths HL AI is more suited for Computer Science based subjects and for some Economics and Finance Courses.
Maths SL AA serves students that still have a passion for maths, but do not require it for STEM heavy subjects, including some Economics courses, Medicine and others.
Maths SL AI is best for students that have a stronger ability in the social sciences, and/or are intending to get involved in careers that require data analysis such as Psychology, Biology or Architecture.
It is important to note that the level of Maths taken is no reflection on a students’ academic talent and ability. There is a tendency to equate ‘the harder maths’ with the ‘smarter student’. This is not the case. All IB Diploma courses are created to be challenging; indeed the IB Diploma Programme is considered to be the most rigorous high school curriculum and the best preparation for university learning and success, regardless of the level of Maths taken.
That is why it is so important to choose the appropriate Maths course for each individual student based on previous achievements, the love of the subject, the need for the Maths for further study, while balancing that with overall achievement. Sacrificing overall achievement points because of time and effort increasingly being dedicated to an inappropriate level of Maths will have a detrimental effect on the student’s ability to apply to a wider range of universities and courses. This is because they will likely lose overall point achievement, while struggling with the maths. What would be better is for the student to move into a more appropriate maths level and achieve success in not just the individual course, but the overall IB Diploma Programme.
Students need to balance their options between their mathematical ability and their future ambitions. Talk to the Maths department at school and seek their opinion about the best-suited level.
*Although US universities are less likely to specify a Maths requirement, they may require SAT or ACT scores. High scores in the maths section of these standardised tests are more likely for those taking either HL Maths courses.
Canadian universities may specify an IB maths requirement- often not accepting SL AI for science based courses- but it varies from university to university.
