How to IB

Those of you starting the IB diploma program next year have probably heard a

lot of worrying and stressful information, but I am here to tell you it is going to

be okay. I cannot say the IB program is easy and I cannot say it has never made

me cry, scream and want to give up. I can however assure you that it is

manageable if you make the best of it.

Try not taking to heart everything you hear about the IB. Everyone experiences

it differently, so what others tell you may be completely untrue for you. You will

find your own ways to cope, I am sure, but here are just a few general tips for

making your IB years manageable.

Overall, surviving the IB really comes down to managing you time. I realize you

have probably heard this already, but I am going to repeat it because honestly, if

you do not manage your time, you will not make it.

“However, constantly worrying about every little assignment and losing your mind over every unit test will not get you anywhere.” ~Tosia

The first step to being organized is learning to prioritize schoolwork. As tired as

you are when that final school bell rings, getting your homework out of the way

before going out or having fun is still the best idea. Catch your breath, and then

just get it done because you will have time to do fun things afterwards. Well,

most days anyway.

Another important part of being organised is letting go of that last-minute-

studying technique we have all used at some point in our lives. With the amount

and level of difficulty of work that you cover in IB classes, it is impossible to

really prepare for a test unless you start days, maybe even weeks if it is major,

before.

As for stress, experiencing some is good because it means that you care and

actually want to do well. However, constantly worrying about every little

assignment and losing your mind over every unit test will not get you anywhere.

Calm down and take some time away from school, homework and stress, by

participating in clubs, activities, sports and still doing things you love.

Taking really good notes in your classes is another essential skill for the IB

diploma. It can be hard to pay attention sometimes but you do not want to miss

anything that your teacher says because it could be really important and it does

matter. Asking clarification questions is also something you need to do

consistently instead of letting things you do not understand pile up and never

figuring them out.

Realize that while next year there will be moments when you are really stressed

out, there will also be plenty of moments when you are perfectly fine and having

fun with your friends.

You got this.

Antonina (Tosia) Lekawska