In a progressive step towards increasing preparedness for final IB exams in May, the administration has eliminated December mid-year exams and implemented a week in March devoted to holding mock IB exams. This is a change from last year’s Class of 2015, who may have participated in in-class mock exams, but never had a whole week devoted to simulating the real deal, to be held just two months later.

As a senior, I can certainly say that I feel altogether more adjusted for the exams I will write in just under two weeks. Holding a Mocks Week debunked a lot of myths I initially had about how IB exams would operate and, ironically, calmed my nerves about performing well. At least for myself, and many of my friends and acquaintances, I felt a lot of exam stress ebb away as a result of mocks, and held more confidence in my ability to recall two years worth of information.

Although some juniors may breathe a sigh of relief about not having December exams, others may feel reluctant and hesitate to build excitement for March mocks. Sammie March, one such junior, agreed, but also conceded that she is grateful for the opportunity.  “It will be good to have a practice right before exams,” she said. “Instead of the whole semester before exams, we have the mocks in March, and then a good amount of time to study what we’ll actually need to know.”

The Class of 2016 will begin and continue writing final IB exams all throughout May, and the rising seniors of the Class of 2017 will begin their exams not long after. Be sure to wish them luck in the hallways, and enjoy your last summer before the IB, sophomores!

Sophie Meisburger