Should I Drop HL Math If It’s Too Hard? Here's What You Need to Know

Understanding the Challenge of HL Math

IB Mathematics Higher Level (HL) is one of the most demanding subjects in the IB Diploma Programme. Whether you’re taking Analysis & Approaches (AA) or Applications & Interpretation (AI), HL Math dives deep into complex concepts, requiring both theoretical and practical mastery.

Common challenges students face include:

Fast-paced lessons with dense content
Heavy focus on abstract problem-solving
High expectations in internal assessments (IAs)
Pressure from university prerequisites and predicted grades

So if you’re asking, “Should I drop HL Math?”, you’re not alone.

When Is It Reasonable to Drop HL Math?

You might consider stepping down to SL if:

Your predicted grades are consistently low (below a 4)
You’re not planning to pursue STEM, economics, or math-intensive courses in university
HL Math is affecting your performance in other subjects
You’ve exhausted tutoring and revision resources and still feel stuck
Your mental health is suffering

Questions to Ask Before Dropping HL Math

Ask yourself:

What are my future career goals?
- For engineering, physics, computer science, or math: HL Math is often required.
- For humanities, law, business, or design: SL Math is usually sufficient.
Have I tried structured revision?
- Many students struggle not from lack of effort but from lack of strategy. A focused platform like RevisionDojo can make a huge difference.
Am I prioritizing health and balance?
- If HL Math is overwhelming and leading to burnout, dropping might be the wisest move.
Would SL Math give me more room to excel overall?
- Dropping HL Math might improve your grades across the board.

Alternatives to Dropping HL Math

Before switching out completely, consider:

Moving from AA HL to AI HL if your strengths lie in applied rather than theoretical math
Using targeted revision tools, such as past paper walkthroughs and IA exemplars
Taking a trial period of intensive revision to see if your performance improves

Pros and Cons of Dropping HL Math

Pros:

Reduced academic pressure
Improved performance in other subjects
Better mental health and time management

Cons:

May limit STEM or top university options
Could affect your sense of academic challenge
Some universities may require HL Math

Final Advice: Choose Strategy, Not Panic

Dropping HL Math isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a smart decision if it aligns with your long-term goals and preserves your well-being. However, don’t rush the decision. Talk to your IB coordinator, research university requirements, and try structured help before making a change.

Struggling with HL Math? Let RevisionDojo Help

Thousands of IB students have turned their grades around using RevisionDojo—a student-friendly platform with:

Topic-by-topic practice
Complete exam solutions
IA help and HL-specific strategies
Tools tailored for both AA and AI

👉 Visit RevisionDojo.com and join the students scoring 6s and 7s in HL Math without losing sleep.

TL;DR: If HL Math is holding you back academically or mentally, consider dropping it—but only after reviewing your goals, exploring support options, and seeking academic advice.