If you were unfazed by the rumours about the IB Programme’s difficulty and have chosen to rise to the challenge, that determination to excel will serve you well in overcoming the many obstacles that await your academic journey throughout IB. However, IB students need more than grit and determination to make it to the other side; they must also have a dynamic strategy that adapts to their needs and what works for them. Since earning an IB Diploma is a goal that asks more of you, here are a few tips you can apply to overcome the common challenges you’ll face in IB.

1. Develop a study plan

A goal with no plan is no different from a wish. In short, you can’t achieve good grades in IB unless you develop a study plan. This plan is necessary because time management is the key to success in IB. Neglecting to monitor how you spend your time will only lead to it slipping through your hands. Everyone is prone to procrastination, and curbing this tendency and acing the IB examinations start with creating a study plan and sticking to it.

When making such plans, be as specific as possible. For instance, don’t put down something as general as ‘Revise Econs IA’; write down the exact topics you need to go over and everything else you need to do related to that objective. As a tip, a helpful practice you should consider including in your study plan is to spend five minutes reading ahead of every new topic and 1-2 minutes recounting whatever you learned in class. This 7-minute practice may help you save hours of revision for exams since making it a habit may help you retain knowledge more efficiently.

2. Make use of all the tools at your disposal

Research is a mainstay for virtually every subject you’ll take in IB. Nowadays, we now have access to various technologies that make it easier to research information and do work in the most efficient way possible. For instance, you can keep better track of deadlines via the default Calendar app on your phone and set reminders for the next assignment to complete. Without keeping track of the sheer amount of projects and assignments you’ll be getting, it is far too easy to overlook and forget a few or more of them, negatively affecting your performance.

Regarding textbooks, online versions are now commonplace, saving you the hassle of lugging them around as they are now accessible via your phone, computer, tablet, and other devices. The nifty search function of your reading app also helps in effortlessly locating specific sections.

Lastly, your seniors are also a key resource you can turn to for help. Remember that you’re in a community and have access to fellow IB students who can share their successes and mistakes. Consult them for helpful advice as they have been in your shoes before. You can also visit online platforms like IB CONNECT, where you can interact with a global community of IB students, both past and present. Take time to obtain these tools and everything else you need to optimise your time management as much as possible.

3. Know your study strengths

Assess your study habits, whether they are good or bad, and see if they are the best for dealing with the demands of IB. Since most people don’t choose their study habits, typically just falling into them by accident, they can be dangerous. They may be doing what’s easy but not necessarily the most effective.

Checking which study habits works for you is an evolving process, so don’t be discouraged when one strategy that works for others does not suit your lifestyle. Every student is different, so keep at it until you determine how you work best. Success in this regard will mean you’ll be light-years ahead of many other students taking IB.

4. Get support

If you are ever struggling with certain subjects or the workload in general, don’t forget that help is always within reach. You can consult your teachers about your subjects or, better yet, sign up for IB online tuition to get more focused help on the problems you’re dealing with. Sometimes, a bit of tutoring or preparation courses is what you need to get that extra bit of guidance and confidence to overcome the obstacles in your IB journey.

Conclusion

Given the IB Programme’s rigorous curriculum, students will undoubtedly face many hardships that will prove difficult to overcome without taking the proper precautions. The suggestions above should hopefully aid in tackling the difficulties that lie ahead. For supplementary help on your IB studies, IB Super has IB-trained and experienced tutors and comprehensive materials to help you better navigate your studies. Our 4P’s learning system allows students to speed up their learning through tailored teaching and targeted practice to close learning gaps. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to learn more details!