Tips on managing the IBDP from a 42 pointer

Hi this is Laura! Your dedicated Students Community Coordinator!

I was part of the N24 batch, taking Chemistry, Physics, and Math AA at HL, while taking English A: Language & Literature, Chinese B, and Economics at SL.

The journey to achieving 42 points was anything but smooth.

There were moments of self-doubt when I questioned whether I could perform well in the final exams.

I vividly remember the frustration when my English grades refused to improve in Year 5 or when my Physics results began slipping at the start of Year 6.

The countless sleepless nights spent revising or completing IA submissions tested my endurance. But looking back, I’m glad I persevered. The sense of relief and satisfaction I felt when I saw my results made every challenge worth it.

Balancing IB Demands

Balancing the holistic demands of the IB program—CAS, TOK, EE, and exams—was no easy task. Adding extracurriculars into the mix after school made it even harder to stay on top of schoolwork. Over time, I learned how to prioritize and set boundaries.

For example:

• Create a Weekly Plan: Schedule specific times for each task, balancing academics and extracurriculars. Block out “non-negotiable” study periods to stay consistent.

• Limit Commitments: Focus on a few meaningful extracurriculars rather than overloading yourself. Quality over quantity is key.

There were times when I struggled to keep up in class, and fatigue crept in. To tackle this, I set aside focused study periods to revisit topics I found difficult, sometimes even relearning from scratch.

I made a habit of noting down doubts as they came up and consulting my teachers and friends for help. Seeking guidance early on helped me prevent gaps from piling up, and soon, I found myself back on track, better able to grasp new concepts.

Finding Your Revision Style

Another key to success was figuring out a revision style that worked for me. Everyone learns differently, and I couldn’t afford to blindly follow others’ methods.

While some students thrive with flashcards, mind maps, or scribbled notes, I found that creating my own consolidated notes worked best for subjects like Economics and the sciences.

Here’s what helped me:

• Summarize by Topic: Write concise notes in your own words, organizing key points and concepts by topic.

• Use Practice Questions Effectively: For every topic, do a mix of easy and challenging questions. Review mistakes immediately to reinforce learning.

• Study IB Markschemes: After completing past papers, carefully analyze markschemes to understand how answers are graded. This helped me identify patterns in exam questions.

For Math, the key was consistent practice. I created summary sheets to compile essential formulas and techniques but spent the bulk of my time solving problems across different difficulty levels.

Languages required consistent reading and writing practice, and I often referred to sample essays to refine my style.

Leverage Tools Like EdXP

For all current and future IB students, EdXP has you covered!

With thousands of exam-style questions sorted by topic, timed practices to simulate exams, and helpful revision videos, it’s a powerful tool to boost your preparation.

I recommend:

• Start Early: Use EdXP to identify your weak areas early and focus on improving them.

• Simulate Exam Conditions: Use EdXP’s Assessment module under timed condition to build endurance.

Build Your Support Network

Lastly, maintaining good relationships with my friends and teachers was critical to my journey.

A strong support system helped me stay grounded, whether it was having someone to listen to me vent, or clearing up doubts about tricky concepts. My friends and I kept each other motivated, especially during the final stretch.

Their encouragement and camaraderie made all the difference.

• Check In Regularly: Make time to talk with friends about how they’re coping. Knowing you’re not alone makes the workload feel lighter.

• Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to approach teachers if you’re struggling—they’re there to support you.

Take Care of Yourself

Feeling overwhelmed or stressed at times is normal—it’s part of the journey.

When it happens, take a deep breath and remind yourself of the celebrations waiting at the finish line.

Always:

• Prioritize Rest: Aim for at least 7–8 hours of sleep daily to stay focused.

• Stay Active: Physical activity, even a short walk, can help clear your mind.

To all current and future IB students: best of luck in your exams and future endeavors.

You’ve got this!