How I Escaped the Overthinking Trap and Found My IB Math HL IA Topic
I used to think the hardest part of my Maths IA would be the math itself. Turns out, it was choosing the topic. I spent days overthinking, second-guessing, and avoiding the blank page.
The turning point? A friend sent me a list of 50 IB Math AA IA Ideas. Suddenly, I realized I didn’t need the “hardest” topic—I needed one I actually cared about.
That’s when I chose to explore how recommendation algorithms predict what we watch or buy online. It was personal, relatable, and gave me a reason to apply math beyond the classroom.
Here’s what I learned: ✔ Clarity beats complexity. ✔ A topic you care about will always push you further. ✔ Overthinking keeps you stuck—action moves you forward.
The IA stopped being a burden and became a journey. If you’re stuck, don’t chase the perfect topic. Chase the one that makes you curious.
👉 Start here: 50 IB Math AA IA Ideas
















