🔍 Understanding the Difference Between SL and HL
When weighing a 7 in Standard Level (SL) against a 5 in Higher Level (HL), context matters—especially in terms of university goals, subject difficulty, and your academic strengths.
📘 Key Differences Between SL and HL
- Depth and Rigor:
- SL covers core topics with less complexity.
- HL delves deeper, includes more content, and is assessed with added difficulty.
- Teaching Hours:
- SL involves ~150 hours of instruction.
- HL requires ~240 hours, reflecting its deeper scope.
- Assessment:
- HL exams are generally longer and more demanding.
- HL subjects often include additional papers or sections.
- Recognition:
- Universities value HL more for competitive or subject-specific programs.
- However, strong SL scores still demonstrate academic strength.
- Workload:
- HL demands more time and effort—something to consider with a busy IB schedule.
- SL is lighter and may be more manageable alongside other HL subjects.
🎓 What Do Universities Think?
- HL courses show subject mastery, making them essential for competitive fields like medicine, law, or engineering.
- A 7 in SL is an impressive achievement, but may carry less weight than HL, especially if the subject is relevant to your university application.
- Some programs may require HL in specific subjects, so always check entry requirements.
- However, if you’re struggling in HL and may only earn a 5, some universities might view a 7 in SL more favorably—particularly for non-essential subjects.
🧮 How It Affects Your IB Score
- Both HL and SL grades contribute equally to your IB points total (each scored out of 7).
- Your top three HL subjects and three SL subjects form the six courses that make up your core IB Diploma.
- Additional points from TOK and the EE also contribute to your final score.
- Choosing where to shine matters more than just the HL/SL label.
🤔 Which Option Is Better?
A 7 in SL might be better than a 5 in HL if:
- The subject isn’t essential to your future studies.
- You’re aiming to maximize your IB score.
- You’re looking to maintain balance and well-being.
A 5 in HL might be better if:
- The subject is required for your university course.
- You’re confident you can handle the challenge.
- You want to show you’ve taken academic risks.
✅ Final Takeaways
- SL 7 = Mastery in a lighter subject load
- HL 5 = Competency in a more difficult course
- Neither is always better—it depends on your goals, strengths, and future plans
- For competitive university applications, go for HL in key subjects—but only if you can achieve at least a solid score (6 or 7)
🙋♀️ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is HL always better for university admissions?
Generally, yes—especially in subjects directly related to your future studies. But a low HL score can hurt more than a high SL score.
Q: Can I still get a 45-point diploma with mostly SLs?
Technically, no—you must take at least three HL subjects to be eligible for the IB Diploma. However, excelling in SLs helps boost your overall score.
Q: Is it worth switching from HL to SL?
If you're consistently struggling and unlikely to score higher than a 4 or 5, and the subject isn't critical for university, switching might improve your final results.
Q: Do SL subjects look bad on transcripts?
Not at all. As long as you're strategic with your HL choices, strong SL grades can still impress.
Q: Should I prioritize subjects I enjoy or ones needed for my degree?
Ideally, both. But if you have to choose, prioritize subjects needed for your university path.
For more expert insights, subject guidance, and IB resources, visit RevisionDojo — your trusted source for IB success.
