The months of May and November are often nerve-wracking ones for students who want to earn International Baccalaureate (IB) diplomas. Before they can receive the prestigious title of an IB graduate, they will first need to clear their IB exams. A student will need to take an exam for every one of the six core IB courses they’ve enrolled in. Moreover, they will need to do well in the dual components of each exam: the external assessment and the internal assessment.

The external assessment comprises papers with multiple choice, extended response, or case analysis-type questions, and it is graded by an independent IB assessor. The internal assessment, on the other hand, involves a task that’s graded by the student’s own teacher. It can involve practical work, an oral presentation, a written paper, and the like. Each exam is given a score ranging from 1 to 7, with 6 and 7 being the highest marks and 5 being the desired score for most colleges that accept IB credits. A student can consider themselves in the clear if they’ve earned a score of at least 4 in every exam, and a minimum cumulative score of 24. Then, the student can send their IB exam results to colleges or universities that recognize the program, with the knowledge that an IB diploma makes their application more competitive.

If you’re an IB student hoping to get your diploma soon, you’re probably anxious about the upcoming exams. The external assessments, in particular, are known to be tough. But with a smart study routine and sufficient preparation, you’ll have the best chances of passing the exams with flying colors. Below are some practical tips for international baccalaureate Singapore students like you who are gearing up for the upcoming IB exams.

Find Out Exactly What Your Exams Entail

This may seem obvious, but it’s so important that it bears repeating: you need to find out the exact mechanics of your exam. There’s a big chance that the exams might work a little differently from how you expect them to, given that IB courses have also been refashioned for online learning. Find out what you can about the form the exam will take so that, come exam time, you won’t be left in the dark. And don’t forget to check your course syllabi and account for every topic that will be covered in your exams.

Draw Up a Study Calendar for Yourself

The most successful IB examinees attribute their high scores to an organized and structured study calendar. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to draft one for yourself and follow a daily or weekly schedule of topics to review. Aim to strike a balance in your study routine: try to cover as much ground as you can per study session, but don’t overburden yourself. One recommended strategy is to set a particular goal or milestone per week. For example, by this week you should be confident about your knowledge for one particular historical period discussed in your class, and by the next, you should have moved on to another.

Focus on Topics You Find Difficult and Need Extra Help With

Oftentimes, students forget that they don’t need to dedicate the exact same amounts of time or energy towards every IB subject. In fact, it’s better to prioritize and assign more study hours to subjects that are more difficult. Say you regularly do well in your IB Arts class; if so, your study routine can involve a simple review of topics you’re already confident about. In contrast, you may be having a little trouble with your IB Math or IB Experimental Sciences course. If that’s the case, dedicate more hours to your review of these and concentrate on improving your mastery of them.

Find Creative Ways to Retain the Information

One of the biggest challenges of studying for the IB exams is how quickly your study routine can become boring and repetitive. When it gets to that point, it may be harder for your brain to process the information and commit it to memory. That said, a good way to counter the mental fatigue is to process the topics in more creative and visual ways. For example, instead of always using lists or flash cards, you can draw mind maps or even compose simple mnemonic songs to memorize complex formulas. Vivid and memorable devices like these can help you break down your study topics and revisit them in a fun and meaningful way—and, as you’ll discover, this headspace will serve you well during your exams.

Be Conscious of Your Time Management

Another element that you have to pay attention to is the limited amount of time you’ll have to answer each portion of your exam. You don’t want to get so caught up in clearing one portion that you have little or no time at all to do the next one. That’s why it’s important to work on your time management skills while you’re studying. In the months leading up to exams, you can practice going through your topics with a set time limit for each. Once you’ve found yourself responding more quickly and more accurately, you can consider yourself ready to perform under time pressure.

Minimize Cramming and Staying Up Too Late

Lastly, even if studying for IB exams can get stressful, don’t forget to take extra care of yourself. A well-rested body and a relaxed, but alert mind are some of the best assets that you can depend on during the assessment process. That said, plan your study routine so that you don’t have to cram too much immediately before the exam days. You should also ensure that you get enough sleep every night and have enough time to allot to your hobbies and interests. Together, these can do a lot to prevent you from getting exhausted or burned out.

Final Words

It won’t be hard to find some more advice on doing well in the IB exams, so read widely and determine a pre-exam study system that works best for you. And don’t forget that in a nutshell, the IB exams are only a culmination of the hard work you’ve already put into the program—draw from the knowledge and experience that you’ve already gained, and have it reflect in your IB exam score!
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August 26, 2021