theibstruggle Posted January 18, 2015 Report Share Posted January 18, 2015 Okay, so I started at a new school this year where they offered the dp ib which I had never been fully aware of prior but I of course decided to go into it. I'm a junior and just started my second semester. At my previous school, in 10th grade, I took chemistry and had straight A's the whole year whereas when I took bio in 9th grade I was struggling to maintain a B. Because of that I decided to take Chem HL. That said, I have changed a lot in the way I learn since then, considering bio is more memorization and taking notes and just studying (from what I've learned) and that's really how I study and learn best now and chemistry is more comprehension and applying what you've learned to other problems. I've been struggling a lot with Chemistry and I've only managed to maintain a C with the curve. I feel as though even if I manage to get my grade up I still won't fully understand and comprehend what I've learned. Of all my classes that is the one I dread going to most. I want to switch into bio HL because I still want an HL science but mainly because looking at what they've learned the first semester and talking to a couple of seniors I realized that I'm more interested in that class and in their curriculum, especially because I'm considering going into medicine. However, I'm pretty sure it's too late because even though it's only been one semester, it's an hl course so they move rather quickly... which I'm aware of but I don't know what to do. Even if my counselor does allow me to switch, should I? S.O.S Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 18, 2015 Report Share Posted January 18, 2015 It really depends on your school. In my school, they won't allow it....... BUT you should give it a try, it is your IB course and you should be doing the subject you LOVE. You have to talk to your school regardless of it is too late or not...... TIP- - also tell your parents to send an email to the school. It could play a BIG BIG BIG role. Some schools just ignore the student's need and they need some pressure imposed by parents. Maybe threaten them a little bit....... , I used to threaten the school by saying i will be leaving the school .... And it works for my case. Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
spacescampi Posted January 18, 2015 Report Share Posted January 18, 2015 As for me, I was allowed to switch to HL Chemistry after first year of IB. It was hard, but I managed. If you decide to switch to Biology HL, you will have some to catch up, depending on how far in the syllabus you are. Considering you only have had IB for a half year, I think you will be fine with switching now. The earlier, the better. Biology is mostly memorising. Additionally, you said you find the HL topics in Biology interesting, so I don't think you'll have a problem with catching up either The Biology Guide that the IB provides is actually quite handy, especially for Biology. You will have control on what you need to know, and the teacher's note are super helpful at times! You mention that you are considering study medicine. I know that UK universities require Chemistry HL and one other science subject at HL (Biology preferably ). But again, it depends on where you want to study! Hope that helped a little, and good luck 1 Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
thepositiveclub Posted January 18, 2015 Report Share Posted January 18, 2015 I was permitted to amend my subject choices and switch from physics SL to Biology SL in December (IB Year 1), so it certainly is possible. Although I lacked prior knowledge, I still managed to catch up independently. Make sure you allocate at least an hour (preferably two) everyday in order to catch up on what you've missed though. Biology is a straightforward course, follow the syllabus and you'll be fine Good luck! 1 Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
afern98 Posted January 18, 2015 Report Share Posted January 18, 2015 Talk to your counsellor as soon as possible because it'll get harder to pick up material if you wait. Given that you've still got a whole year and a half before exams I think it's worth switching if it's something you really want to. You can always try and schedule time with your teacher to catch up on what you've missed. Plus, you can catch up more over the summer and just read the chapters that have been covered in the textbook on your own time. If you find Bio interesting you really shouldn't find it too hard to catch up because you like it Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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