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
- They already understand expectations
However, EE examiners are not assessing comfort. They are assessing focused research, analytical depth, and methodological discipline — areas where many popular-subject EEs actually fall short.
Why Business Management and Psychology Are Attractive
Business Management and Psychology appeal because they feel structured and relevant.
Students often choose them because:
- Concepts seem concrete
- Real-world examples feel accessible
- Topics appear easy to research
- They align with future study plans
But these subjects come with strict requirements around methodology, ethical considerations, and analytical precision. Superficial or descriptive EEs in these subjects are penalised heavily.
What Popular EE Subjects Reveal About Student Thinking
EE popularity trends reveal a common mindset: students choose what feels safe.
This leads to:
- Overcrowded examiner expectations
- Repetitive research questions
- Generic analysis
- Difficulty standing out
Ironically, popularity often makes it harder to score highly, not easier.
The Biggest EE Mistake: Choosing Comfort Over Clarity
The strongest EEs are not written in the most popular subjects — they are written in subjects where:
- The research question is precise
- The methodology fits the subject
- The student stays tightly focused
- Analysis is sustained throughout
Students who choose a subject purely because it feels familiar often struggle to refine their research question enough to meet top-level criteria.
Should You Avoid Popular EE Subjects?
No — but you should approach them strategically.
Popular EE subjects work well when:
- The research question is narrow and original
- The student understands assessment criteria early
- The EE is treated as an academic investigation, not a long essay
- Feedback is used actively
A well-executed EE in a popular subject can still score very highly.
How to Choose an EE Subject the Right Way
Better questions to ask include:
- Can I sustain interest in this topic for months?
- Does this subject suit analytical writing?
- Can I form a focused research question?
- Do I understand how this subject’s EE is assessed?
These questions matter far more than popularity.
How RevisionDojo Helps With EE Subject Choice and Execution
RevisionDojo supports students at every stage of the Extended Essay process.
RevisionDojo helps by:
- Explaining EE criteria clearly by subject
- Helping students refine research questions
- Identifying common examiner pitfalls
- Reinforcing analytical structure
- Supporting sustained progress over time
When expectations are clear, subject choice becomes far less risky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are popular EE subjects easier to score well in?
No. Popular subjects often have stricter differentiation because examiners see many similar essays. Precision and focus are essential.
Can you score an A in a popular EE subject?
Yes. Many students do. Success depends on clarity, originality, and sustained analysis — not subject choice alone.
Should my EE subject match my intended university major?
It can help, but it is not required. Universities care far more about the quality of the work than the specific subject chosen.
Final Thoughts
The most popular Extended Essay subjects in 2025 reflect comfort and familiarity, not guaranteed success. Students who treat the EE strategically — regardless of subject — consistently outperform those who choose based on ease alone.
A strong EE comes from clarity, focus, and disciplined analysis. With the right guidance and structure, any subject can lead to an excellent outcome — and that is exactly where RevisionDojo helps most.
