How to Succeed in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme

If you're reading this, chances are you've already enrolled in the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme or are seriously considering it. You've come to the right place to find some helpful advice, figure out if the programme suits you, and discover how its challenging (yet rewarding!) approach to learning can set you up for success.

If you haven't yet joined the IB programme, make sure you fully understand what you're about to face. Talk to all your tutors and teachers about the subjects you wish to enroll in. Make sure this is truly what you want. If there's anything you're unsure about, it's best to consult the IB coordinator. They are the ones who know everything about the programme.

Always study in an organized manner. This is crucial. You are pursuing 6 or 7 subjects (a plan will be useful) at a university level, so for your own benefit, keep each set of notes separate, organized, and legible. This way, you can refer to them when exams come around.

Absorb as much knowledge as possible from your classes. Ask questions. Take clear, concise notes. Clarify anything you don’t understand as soon as possible.

Choose subjects that you are most passionate about. These are the subjects you will be dedicating yourself to for the next 2 years. You’ll have to write essays, read extensively, conduct research, and complete numerous assignments related to these subjects. You definitely don’t want to take the IB Business Management course if you’ve always been more interested in Theatre Arts. You are more likely to be committed to achieving a 5 or 6 in Theatre Arts rather than a 2 or 3 in Business Management.

Familiarize yourself with the objectives of the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme for each subject. Because of the need to standardize the curriculum across multiple languages and cultures, the goal is not to test you on every little detail. For example, in Biology, you are not required to learn the names of all the amino acids, but you should be able to draw their general structure (unless you're into chemistry, in which case, that's up to you).

Learn the command terms for each subject. Not knowing certain command terms can cost you marks, as you may have misunderstood the question in a different way.

Complete all homework assignments. Homework makes up a significant portion of your final grade in the IB programme, and you may find yourself overwhelmed by final exams if you don't study diligently. This is especially true if you're tackling higher-level Math or Science courses.

Start your Extended Essay as early as possible. Work on your essay in a methodical and early manner. The earlier you start, the sooner you’ll have your essay finished.

TOK stands for Theory of Knowledge. Practice it thoroughly. If you study relatively diligently, understanding the core concepts of TOK will be easy. If your teacher isn’t guiding you, take the initiative to teach yourself. There are many books available specifically designed for the IB programme, so be sure to find them.

Update your CAS activities. CAS consists of Creativity, Action, and Service. You need 50 hours in each category over the course of two years. Try to persuade your school to offer some activities that can help you use that time effectively, such as photography classes, weekend activities, or tutoring younger children. If none of these work out, gardening at school can count as the third category (service). Any help you provide at school, make sure to get it signed off. Submit these forms! You'll want to complete this as soon as possible because, at the end, you'll need the energy to focus on your final exams.

• Note: Not all IB programmes still count hours, so check with your specific IB coordinator to ensure you're completing your CAS activities correctly.

Try to regain your composure. If you lose your calm, you're failing, not just in studying. You'll learn in college. Stop making things harder on yourself.

Remember, there’s more to life than the IB — the lack of personal connections due to the IB programme can lead to social isolation and depression. Relax and enjoy some aspects of social life for the sake of your mental health. Find a suitable IB forum online. Talk to many IB students and program staff. Don’t fall behind on your studies.

Give yourself a break from time to time. Do whatever you need to relax. Make sure to have “me time.” Not all the time, though.

Avoid burnout and loss of enthusiasm during the extended period. The IB programme can be tough at times, but make sure to push through in the right way. There's no reason to waste years making life chaotic when you can reap the highest rewards from it. At the end of the programme, you’ll have a beautiful and prestigious diploma.

Don’t procrastinate. IB students are often known for their procrastination skills. Try to delay just once, but don’t make it a habit so that you won’t end up writing your Extended Essay overnight.

Join the IB programme with friends or make friends early on while studying IB. To succeed in the IB, you’ll need at least three friends along the way. You can’t completely make it on your own, as it also requires a mentor committed to helping you succeed in the IB. The second time around, if some friends fall behind in the program, don’t worry about them, focus on your success. You’ll need to hang out with a group and study together, because everyone can support each other. Also, accept any help you can get, and ask any questions that cross your mind.

Revision. These exams are definitely not easy, they are no walk in the park. The IB exams are tough for most people (even for geniuses like us), so make sure you prepare well! And when — you pass, smile and be grateful that it’s finally over. Then, help out first-year students.

Continuous practice. Passing the IB exam has been possible for many who have successfully handled it! The questions from your textbooks or class exercises may be much easier than the real exam.