Choosing an Extended Essay subject is one of the earliest — and most important — strategic decisions IB students make. Each year, IB statistics reveal clear patterns in which EE subjects students gravitate toward, and 2025 was no exception.
At first glance, EE subject popularity seems harmless. But these trends reveal much more than preference. They highlight student comfort zones, misconceptions about difficulty, and common mistakes that affect outcomes.
This article explores the most popular Extended Essay subjects in 2025, explains why students choose them, and shows how popularity should (and should not) influence your own EE decision.
Quick Start Checklist
- Which EE subjects were most popular in 2025
- Why these subjects dominate student choices
- The risks of choosing an EE based on popularity
- What actually leads to a strong EE grade
- How to choose an EE subject strategically
What Were the Most Popular EE Subjects in 2025?
In 2025, the most commonly chosen Extended Essay subjects included:
- English (Language A)
- History
- Business Management
- Psychology
- Biology
These subjects mirror overall IB subject popularity and reflect where students feel most confident writing extended academic work.
Popularity here is driven by familiarity — not necessarily scoring potential.
Why English and History Dominate EE Choices
English and History remain the most popular EE subjects for several reasons.
Students often believe:
- Essay-based subjects feel “natural”
- Writing skills transfer easily
- Source material is widely available
