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Add Maths Course in Grade 9-10What insight does an add math grade give you into either of the IB courses. Should you base your decision on your add math grades?Interesting question. In fact, the ADD Maths grade is not the main driver for HL Maths success, rather it is the IGCSE Extended result. Level 7 ( A*) on the IGCSE Extended course, irrespective of whether you have taken Add maths or not, is a very good predictor of HL Maths success. In terms of choosing which type of maths course, the previous advice in the presentation stands.
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AI CourseIs AI as difficult as IGCSE paper 6?AI does NOT equate to IGCSE paper 6. Both AA and AI courses demand that you investigate and explore mathematics. You will need to wrestle with real world mathematical problems on both courses. AI tends to have more of this type of maths, AA tends to have more focus on algebra, calculus and abstract concepts.
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AI versus AADo more people regret taking HL AI or HL AA?Great question. We do not have any data for this yet as the current Graduating class of 2021 is the first cohort to experience the new courses. Evidence from student conversations are that the AI students have very much enjoyed wrestling with the real world applications that this type of maths offers them.
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AI versus AADo ALL universities accept both HL AI and HL AA, or do some universities have a bias towards one of them, regardless of the major? Or does it depend on the major?It depends on the major.
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AI versus AA and links to other IBDP CoursesI have seen that both AI and AA can link to economic majors. Which should I actually pick ?Economics in UK accepts a range of options, but those who take Maths at HL should feel confident about achieving a 6 to keep many doors open; SLAA also provides options, especially at 6 or 7. UAC can provide data on this
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AI versus AA and links to other IBDP CoursesIf we want to pursue biology and chemistry, most would take AA, but is AI is more usefulHLAI is certainly a great fit for Biology and Chemistry, exploring more of the practical applications that would transfer readily to Bio and Chem.
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AI versus AA and links to other IBDP CoursesWhat course would be best for one looking to do something related to computer science in university and what level would you recommend (HL or SL)?The answer varies by country. In UK, HLAA or HLAI at 6 or 7 opens nearly all doors for CompSci, with a few options at 5. In other countries HLAA, HLAI or SLAA are suitable, where students should aim for a 6.
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AI versus AA and links to other IBDP CoursesIf both AA and AI are useful for economics, comp science, and physics, what's the difference between them?In terms of IBDP, both maths courses would offer slightly different perspectives and how these might fit with Comp Sci, Econs and Physics. For university pathways, some courses, universities and countries might prefer one maths course over the other. You would need to have specific conversations with the University Advising Centre to pin down a clear answer.
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AI versus AA and links to other IBDP CoursesShould a student who wants to go into the physics/engineering/STEM field, if AA or AI recommended?Both routes will offer opportunities, perhaps the better question is one related to the level you might achieve. 6 or higher would be the main target at either AA or AI to help gain access to these university course.
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Engineering specificsWhat fields of engineering does HL AA allow you to explore in university?Almost every field. You might need to look at the other HL requirements for specific fields. Engineering courses at Universities sometimes ask for two sciences at HL, and maths would count as one of the sciences.
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HLShould I prioritise building up my CV application or spend hours on HL math?Depends on where you apply. Most highly selective unis will be expecting a 6 or 7 in all your subjects (US) or at least your higher levels (UK); if you are not achieving at this level, your ECA profile cannot help you be more competitive unless you have an international level sporting talent, etc.
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HLFor universities that say "pass in HL math" for their subject requirements, do they mean either AA or AI?Bring the course and university website to the UAC and they will be able to confirm this for you.
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HL versus SLIs the difference between HL and SL levels the difficulty of the questions, or the number of topics that is covered?Both. All SL subjects contain less content than their HL equivalent. For mathematics, the SL courses offer challenging questions, but nowhere near the challenge of the HL courses, where links across multiple concepts and topic areas is the norm rather than the exception.
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HL versus SLIs a 7 in SL math better looked at from universities then a 5 in HL math?Great question. Depends on what course you are applying for, what country and what university. In some situations, 7 in SL may be looked at more favourably than 5 in HL.
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HL versus SLIf SL math is so useful, what is the benefit of taking HL after all?You need to consider the overall balance between your six subjects, your passion and commitment levels and what possible future university and career paths you might like to travel.
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HoursWhat's the number of hours of practice expected from HL math students?The IB recommends 2-3 hours of regular homework per week. However, we would also recommend a further two to three independent review sessions, where you would dip back into previous work and keep up with regular review. Our testing practices in mathematics means that ANY topic might come up on the cumulative Long Tests, rather than just the most recent, so regular review is essential. Cramming the two nights before an IBDP maths test is doomed to failure
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Keeping my options openIf you don't know at all about your major or even interests in math, which is the recommend math to take for IB course?As per the presentation to grade 10 students, you choose the maths course to fit your current passions, interests and blend with your other IBDP subjects.
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SLWill top universities(high ranking uni) accept SL math?Students apply for a place at university in the US, rather than a course (Engineering and Business may be exceptions). US unis consider overall rigor and grades, and this can be achieved in a variety of ways. Students have been admitted to Cambridge with all four of the IBDP Mathematics courses; there are no fixed rules about this.
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SLAII've heard that lots of unis don't accept SL AI as a maths, is this true?SL AI may limit options for quantitative courses (STEM and business) in credential-driven university systems like UK, Australia, Singapore and Canada - there are bridging courses and transfer pathways to overcome this in some instances. For the majority of qualitative courses, SLAI is accepted.
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