Better pre-IB decisions
Students understand which choices keep options open and which choices quietly close them.
Feature 06
IB Subject Picker
Build a realistic IB subject combination before you start the Diploma, with clear tradeoffs around workload, prerequisites, and future options.
Question flow for career interests, strengths, region, school limits, and workload risk.
Recommended six-subject combinations with valid HL/SL balance.
Warnings for medicine, engineering, CS, economics, and other prerequisite-sensitive routes.
Next-step checks so students know what to verify with counsellors and universities.
Make subject choice feel like a decision, not a guess
Pre-IB students are often asked to choose subjects before they fully understand university prerequisites, HL workload, or how quickly an interesting subject can become heavy.
Subject Picker turns that anxiety into a structured planning session. Students answer the questions counsellors usually ask, then compare combinations that respect IB rules and the realities of their own school.
More useful counselling conversations
The output gives students and parents a concrete plan to discuss with coordinators.
A stronger first Marksy touchpoint
Students who are not yet writing IAs still get value from Marksy before the Diploma begins.
How the subject-picking flow works
This is the exact end-to-end flow. Each stage has one clear job, so the page takes you from your starting point to a better final performance.
Step 1
Answer the questions that actually change the choice
Students choose possible degree pathways, likely application regions, personal strengths, school subject limits, and workload tolerance.
Outcome: The tool stops giving generic advice and starts shaping combinations around the student's real constraints.
Answer practical questions about goals, strengths, location, and what your school offers.
Step 2
Compare realistic HL and SL combinations
Marksy produces six-subject plans with HL/SL labels, subject-group context, fit scores, and workload labels.
Outcome: Students can see the difference between a direct-to-degree plan, an open-door plan, and a score-protection plan.
Compare recommended HL/SL combinations with fit scores and workload labels.
Step 3
Check the warnings before locking choices
Each plan flags prerequisite risk, school-limit substitutions, and the admissions checks students should run next.
Outcome: Students leave with a shortlist and a clear verification checklist instead of false certainty.
See prerequisite risks and the exact checks to make before locking choices in.
What This Changes in Your Prep Routine
Better pre-IB decisions
Students understand which choices keep options open and which choices quietly close them.
- Clearer HL/SL tradeoffs
- Less panic about Math AA vs AI
- Earlier awareness of medicine, engineering, and economics prerequisites
More useful counselling conversations
The output gives students and parents a concrete plan to discuss with coordinators.
- School limits are visible
- Risk points are named
- Next checks are explicit
A stronger first Marksy touchpoint
Students who are not yet writing IAs still get value from Marksy before the Diploma begins.
- Helpful before assessment tools are needed
- Natural bridge to subject guides and past papers
- SEO fit for pre-IB subject choice searches
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this official admissions advice?
No. It is planning guidance that helps students understand likely risks and tradeoffs. Final requirements must be checked with school counsellors, IB coordinators, and university course pages.
Can undecided students use it?
Yes. The picker includes open-door and score-protection recommendations for students who want to keep multiple pathways alive.
Does it handle school availability?
Yes. Students can mark subjects their school does not offer, and the picker adapts the recommendation with fallback warnings.
Keep This Momentum Going
The right IB combination is not the hardest one. It is the one that protects future options while giving the student a real chance to perform well.
Combine ib subject picker with Marksy's full IB toolkit so your prep stays consistent from your first draft to final submission.