1. Understanding Group 6 Choices
Group 6 offers Arts subjects (Visual Arts, Theatre, Music, Film, Dance) or elective substitutes like Economics, Psychology, or Computer Science. Whether you choose an art or another Group subject impacts workload and relevance to future goals.
Gain clarity in How to Choose IB Subjects Strategically.
2. University Admissions & Group 6 Expectations
Most universities focus on core subjects (Groups 1–5)—especially Higher-Level (HL) choices and grades. They generally don’t care which Group 6 subject you took unless it directly aligns with your intended course (e.g. Music for music or Film for film studies).
Explore how universities evaluate IB subjects in RevisionDojo Guide to IB Subject Relevance and University Admissions.
3. When Group 6 Subject Choice Matters
- Art-focused programs: Choosing Visual Arts, Music, Theatre, Dance, or Film HL can bolster your application and creative portfolio.
- Other degree paths: Subjects like Psychology, Global Politics, or ITGS may be more academically useful than an SL art elective.
Discover strategic decision-making in Maximize Your IB Subject Combinations for University Goals.
4. Balancing Interest & Academic Utility
Choose a Group 6 subject you’re passionate about—but also evaluate its academic relevance:
- Want Economics, Social Sciences, or Engineering? An elective might support pre-requisite knowledge.
- Interested in creative fields? An arts subject can showcase your discipline and talent.
Plan effectively with Strategic IB Subject Planning for Balanced Outcomes.
5. Handling Workload Expectations
Electives like Economics or Computer Science can involve more math or theory, while arts subjects require creative portfolios and performance. HL vs SL choices also impact workload load and depth.
Compare workload profiles in IB HL vs SL Workload Planning Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: If I’m applying for a science degree, does Group 6 matter?
Typically no—universities care more about your science, maths, and research subjects. Choose Group 6 based on balance or personal interest.
Q2: Should I take an art subject if I want to study Arts at university?
Yes—taking the relevant art subject HL strengthens your portfolio and demonstrates commitment.
Q3: Can I replace Group 6 with another Group 3 or 4 subject?
Absolutely—this is often more strategic if you want to focus on finance, social science, or STEM areas.
Q4: Do universities give extra credit for harder Group 6 subjects?
Only the HL distinction matters—not which elective—but relevance to your intended field can be influential.
Q5: Should I base Group 6 choice on interest or utility?
Use both—choose something you enjoy that also supports your university and career aims.
Q6: How can RevisionDojo help me decide?
Use RevisionDojo’s Subject Selection Tool to compare electives, map university prerequisites, and plan IB combinations suited to your ambition.
Conclusion
Universities usually don’t emphasize which Group 6 subject you choose—unless it's relevant to your chosen degree. Admissions focus instead on HL subjects, grades, and overall IB score. Choose Group 6 based on interest and strategy using decision tools from RevisionDojo to ensure your IB combination aligns with future goals.
Strategize Your IB Subjects with RevisionDojo
Visit RevisionDojo to use tools like the Subject Selection Planner, university prerequisites database, workload projections, and career-aligned subject combinations. Start your free trial today and select Group 6 with confidence!
